Royal London paid out a record £821 million in protection claims to more than 60,000 customers in 2025.
The mutual said the figures reflect continued growth in its protection business, including the first full year of claims following the transfer of Aegon’s individual protection portfolio. Term life claims increased by nearly a third (32%), while terminal illness claims rose by 17% year-on-year.
Royal London paid £326 million in term life and terminal illness claims last year, with average payouts of £85,437 and £133,238 respectively.
A total of £198 million in critical illness claims was paid to 2,959 customers, with an average payout of £67,000. Cancer accounted for the majority of claims (64%), followed by heart attack (9%) and stroke (8%).
Meanwhile, the firm paid £9.6 million in income protection claims and £282 million in whole of life claims.
In total, 98.4% of all protection claims were paid in 2025 to 62,412 customers. The youngest claimant was 19 and the oldest 102.
Craig Paterson, chief underwriter at Royal London, said: “We support customers at some of the most difficult moments in their lives, and that’s about far more than simply paying a claim – it’s about being clear, fair and compassionate every step of the way.
“Our claims figures underline why protection matters. When the unexpected happens, having cover in place can make a real difference.”
