Cancer accounted for 59% of all Zurich’s CIC claims in 2015, which led to payouts of over £48.3m. To widen its cover for cancer patients, 22 less advanced variations of the disease have been added to the policy which includes skin cancer as well as simplifying its definition.
Claimants with heart conditions represented 20% of overall applications for payouts. Zurich has strengthened its cover to include nine specific heart-related conditions. It has also updated its policy terms bringing diagnoses in line with the latest medical practices, making it easier to claim for conditions including heart attack as well as heart surgery.
Neurological diseases rank as the third most common reason for claims. The provider has updated 13 definitions including strokes and multiple sclerosis which now pay out on diagnosis, without needing ongoing symptoms.
Peter Hamilton, head of retail propositions, said: “We are immensely proud of our claims record with the vast majority paid quickly. In 2015, we paid out over £65.4m in critical illness payments alone. With these changes to our product customers can be even more confident that claims will be paid.”
