Bright Grey has announced paid out 93% of critical illness claims in 2012.
There was 4% of claims declined for non-disclosure and the average critical illness payout was £73,000.
Nearly two thirds of claims paid were for cancer (64%), followed by heart attack (14%) and multiple sclerosis (8%); the youngest claimant was 19 years old.
Ian Smart, head of product development and technical support, said: "When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness the last thing they will want to worry about is how they will cope financially. And the payout from a critical illness plan provides valuable financial support.
"Thankfully, due to better diagnosis, improved treatments and the developments of nationwide screening programmes, more people than ever before are surviving cancer and other critical illnesses."
