Friends Life is raising awareness on how consumers not knowing their blood pressure levels can affect protection insurance to coincide with a charity's campaign.
The insurer has published internal data to mark the start of Know Your Numbers Week', the Blood Pressure UK's campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of knowing blood pressure levels.
Customer data from Friends Life has highlighted that hypertension (high blood pressure) is the fourth most common medical disclosure on protection applications.
The British Heart Foundation estimates as many as five million people in the UK are currently suffering high blood pressure without even knowing it.
Chris Pollard, head of claims, underwriting and operations at Friends Life, said consumers knowing their blood pressure was not only sensible from a health perspective, but could also make obtaining protection cover "quicker and easier."
He said: "Having raised blood pressure identified as a result of an application can create delays as a fuller investigation by a client's GP will be needed before cover can be offered.
"In cases like this it can take some months before cover can be offered, as the insurer will seek to feel sure that the condition is responding to the treatment and that the client is complying with medical advice."
"However, once diagnosed, hypertension can often be brought back under control, meaning that securing cover is not usually problematic."
Pollard also said it was particularly important for consumers to be aware of their numbers so there were no surprises in the application process for critical illness products.
He added: "High blood pressure is a common condition and one that can be dealt with relatively quickly so knowing your numbers will help early detection and subsequent control. We fully support the Blood Pressure UK's initiative and hope large numbers of people take advantage of the free screening."
