"When people take out protection, they're planning for the unexpected. Our job is to be there when those moments happen."
- Carlton Hood - Guardian
Guardian has revealed that it paid almost £31.7 million in life, terminal illness and critical illness (CI) claims in 2025, accepting 91% of all claims received.
In total, Guardian paid 297 life, terminal illness and CI claims throughout last year, with the total amount paid 48% higher than in 2024.
The insurer paid 100% of children's critical illness claims, alongside 92% of terminal illness claims, 90% of adult critical illness claims and 87% of life claims.
Of the claims paid, 209 related to adult or children's critical illness cover, while 88 related to life and terminal illness claims.
Guardian also paid 99% of premium waiver claims, helping a further 293 customers continue their cover while unable to work due to illness, injury, redundancy, maternity leave or paternity leave. Premium waiver is included as standard with every Guardian policy.
Guardian also revealed that 70% of life claims were paid using payout planner, its built-in beneficiary nomination. By identifying beneficiaries in advance, payout planner helped families receive payments an average of 21 days faster.
Of the 29 claims Guardian was unable to pay in 2025, 24 weren’t paid due to misrepresentation, where relevant information, such as ongoing medical investigations or pre-existing health conditions, hadn’t been disclosed at application.
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"Protection works," Carlton Hood, chief executive officer at Guardian, said. "Last year we paid a record of almost £31.7 million to customers and their families through 297 life, terminal illness and critical illness claims.
"When people take out protection, they're planning for the unexpected. Our job is to be there when those moments happen, providing financial support when it's needed most.
"We're proud that more customers than ever benefited from Guardian's protection in 2025, and of the role our people, advisers and products played in delivering on the promises we make."
