Under 50s make up 66% of illness claims

TWO-THIRDS of claimants under critical illness policies last year were under the age of 50, assurance company New Ireland said yesterday.

The Bank of Ireland-owned assurer paid out €6.6 million to customers who suffered serious illnesses. The under-40 age group accounted for 35% of all claims.

New Ireland said the figures showed people needed to take precautions to protect their wellbeing in the event of serious illness.