Critical illness claims up 73%

CRITICAL illness insurance claims have risen by 73% over the last four years and in 2004 half of all claims were cancer-related.

Figures released by Bank of Ireland Life yesterday also show that 32% of claimants were under the age of 40 and the company’s marketing drive urges people to prepared for the unexpected

The findings also revealed that the amount has increased from €5 million to more than €12m over the last four years - an increase of 140%.