Multiple Claims

Cover that pays out repeatedly

Whilst it’s good news we’re more likely to survive serious illnesses, often these illnesses can lead to further illnesses in the future. Unlike traditional plans, which are built to end after a full claim, Serious Illness Cover can pay out the full cover amount up to three times – providing coverage for multiple cancers, heart attacks and strokes even if a claim has previously been made.

illnesses in 2025 were paid in secondary claims

paid in secondary claims

years average time between current and prior claims

Breakdown of primary and secondary claims by body system

This graph shows the breakdown of first claims in relation to second claims by condition group. Cancer is the most common initial condition, accounting for 65% of first claims. However, for second claims, non-cancer conditions collectively represent a significantly higher number - a total of 40% of secondary claims. This helps highlight that as serious illness trends continue to evolve, it's vital that cover remains in place for other conditions as they more frequently arise.

Ken's story - Kidney failure requiring dialysis and cardiomyopathy

Two full payments for separate conditions and cover remains in place

Mortgage and protection adviser, Ken, 57, took out a Serious Illness Cover plan with us in 2018. In 2023, he went into A&E feeling unwell before being diagnosed with kidney failure requiring dialysis, at which point his situation was critical. His plan paid out in full and cover was reinstated. In 2025, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and his plan once again paid out in full, with cover being reinstated. Because his plan was index-linked, each payout has been higher than his original cover amount. Here is a breakdown of Ken's multiple claims:

  1. Severity A claim (Kidney failure) due to a rare autoimmune disease
  2. Initially assessed under Pulmonary Embolism – a unique Vitality condition – but upgraded to Severity A Cardiomyopathy.

Ken still has cover in place after receiving two full cover amount payments