Let’s cut through the noise!
The idea that insurers dodge claims is one of the most persistent myths out there, but it doesn’t stand up to real-world data from Aviva (source)
In 2025 alone:
• £1.99 BILLION paid out
• 61,632 claims settled
• 96.9% of claims accepted
That’s not a system designed to avoid paying, it’s one delivering at scale.
Myth #1: “They’ll Find Any Excuse Not to Pay”
Reality: Most claims are paid. Full stop.
• Life insurance: 98.7% acceptance rate
• Overall claims: 96.9% accepted
That means the vast majority of people who claim get paid.
So why are some claims declined?
* The leading reason: incorrect or missing information at application stage
Not small print. Not trickery. Just inaccurate details, often about health or lifestyle.
Myth #2: “Critical Illness Cover Never Pays Out”
Reality: It pays, but definitions matter.
• £388 million paid
• 90.7% of claims accepted
Critical illness policies are specific by design. If a condition doesn’t meet the defined medical criteria, the claim won’t be paid.
That’s not insurers moving the goalposts, that’s how the product works.
* The lesson: Know what you’re covered for before you need it.
Myth #3: “Income Protection Isn’t Worth It”
Reality: It quietly supports thousands of people every year.
• £63.5 million paid
• Around 4,100 people supported
Top reasons for claiming:
• Back and joint problems
• Mental health conditions
• Cancer
And it’s not just about money, many claimants also receive support to help them recover and return to work.
Myth #4: “Employers’ Cover Is Just a Perk, It Doesn’t Deliver”
Reality: Group protection is paying out more than ever.
• £677 million in group claims
• Over 10,400 claims settled
Group life insurance alone:
• £474 million paid
• Average payout: £150,700
• Typical payout time: under 3 days
That’s fast, meaningful financial support when families need it most.
The Real Reason Claims Fail
Let’s be blunt, when claims are declined, it’s usually down to one of two things:
1. You didn’t fully disclose your situation when applying
2. Your condition doesn’t meet the policy definition
Both are avoidable.
The Bottom Line
If insurers “never paid out,” these numbers wouldn’t exist:
• Billions paid every year
• Tens of thousands of successful claims
• Consistently high acceptance rates
The system isn’t perfect, but it’s a long way from the myth.
The truth?
Insurance does pay out.
But it relies on one thing: getting it right from the start.
If you still think insurers don’t pay, the data isn’t on your side.
Assured Protect will provide you with a personalised review, checking your needs, your own and your company benefits, your Trusts, your pricing, and the review will provide you with suggestions and options for you to review and consider.
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