The provider revealed that 4% of claims were declined for non-disclosure with the average payment being £77,000.

The youngest claimant was 23 years old and a third of claimants were 40 years old or under.

Almost two thirds (61%) of critical illness claims were for cancer, followed by heart attack (10%) and stroke (9%).

Roger Edwards, proposition director at Bright Grey said: “Critical illness can happen to anyone at any time as the age of our youngest claimant shows. But while a financial payout is essential to help people to continue to make ends meet, practical and emotional help is also required.”