Norwich Union has become the latest in a string of providers to publish its declined critical illnes...
Norwich Union has become the latest in a string of providers to publish its declined critical illness (CI) claims statistics.
Figures from the insurer show that it refused to pay out on one in four of its 1,255 CI claims in 2004, with 167 claims declined due to non-disclosure of medical information at policy outset, and 164 claims rejected because the policy definitions were not met.
Of the insurers disclosing their CI claims statistics, Norwich Union so far has the highest percentage of declined claims. Standard Life and Skandia both declined one in five CI claims, while Abbey for Intermediaries refused one in seven.
Commenting on the result, Lawrence Jackson, head of risk at Norwich Union, believes the amount of unsuccessful claims could be mitigated if consumers were more conscientious when filling out insurance forms.
He said: "People must take their time when completing application forms. It is important that they ensure that they share all the information they are asked for.
"Insurance applications are some of the most important forms a person will ever fill in, and if they don't answer all the questions fully and to the best of their knowledge, we may not be able to help them should the occasion arise."
