The insurance provider, Zurich released figures showing a six per cent rise, in the number of critical illness claims being paid out.

This is in comparison to figures from 2007, where figures show that there was an overall decline rate of 12 per cent in the year.

The number of critical illness claims paid has increased for the third consecutive year, with 746 claims paid in 2008, compared to 710 paid claims in 2007 and 702 claims paid in 2006. Critical illness can be used as a form of health insurance, to provide financial assistance, if the policy holder is unable to work, because of ill health.

In 2008, Zurich declined nine per cent of claims, with 0.4 per cent declined due to non-disclosure, whilst 8.6 per cent were declined due to the definition not being met.

Phil Brown, Zurich UK Life's Underwriting and Claims Director, said: "Whilst the cause of critical illness claims remains broadly similar, it is interesting to see that this year multiple sclerosis has replaced strokes as the third most common condition.

He added: “Whatever the reason for the claim, in the current climate it's more important than ever that we highlight the massive difference we make to people by paying millions every year in claims, to help improve consumer confidence in the industry as well raising awareness of the benefits of having some form of mortgage or family protection in place."