LV= paid out 90% of claims across both income protection and critical illness policies during 2009.

LV= paid out nearly £40 million to its protection policyholders last year, including £11.9 million in income protection claims, and more than £7.9 million in critical illness claims.

The top four causes of income protection claims over the last 12 months were mental disorders (29%), musculoskeletal disorders (20%), circulatory system disorders (11%) and cancers (11%).

The average age of a female income protection claimant was 44 years, with male claimants two years older on average at 46 years. The average income protection claim paid out for a period of eight years.

Cancer claims accounted for six out of 10 critical illness claims (61%), rising from 57% in 2008. The average critical illness claims payment in 2009 was £72,500, up from £63,820 in 2008.

Mark Jones , LV= head of protection, said: “Our consistently high and improving claims payment rate illustrates our firm commitment to support customers in their time of need