Aviva paid out 684 critical illness claims during the six months to the end of June 2010, totalling over £51 million, with an average payment of £74,740.

Aviva also paid out a further £87 million in life insurance to the families of those who have died, or customers diagnosed with a terminal illness.

In total, 684 claims were paid, while claims declined for non-disclosure of medical facts at the policy’s outset reduced to 1%, from 2% for the same period in 2009. Aviva paid out 98.5% of claims resulting from death.

Richard Verdin, protection director at Aviva, said: “We’re here to offer our customers peace of mind