Bright Grey paid out 98% of life claims in the first half of 2010, up 2% of the previous year.

The average payout was £77,000.

In addition to financial payouts, Bright Grey’s Helping Hand service is included in every menu plan, giving plan owners and their families access to their own personal nurse adviser. Each nurse has received bereavement training and can provide advice, reassurance and coping strategies. They can also arrange a course of specialist bereavement counselling.

Kevin Stevens, head of sales at Bright Grey, said: “We’re aware that there’s more to recommending a provider than the payout. Another big consideration is the level of service claimants receive. Advisers need to be confident that the provider they recommend will treat claimants with care and compassion at a very difficult time.