Unum UK paid £516 million in Group Protection claims, around £10 million per week, last year.
The key drivers of claims and referrals were cancer and mental health, respectively. Unum now insures 2.8 million people, a 44 per cent increase over five years and has maintained a 97 per cent rehabilitation success rate for those with Group Income Protection for the second year in a row.
Unum’s Help@hand service had over 290,000 uses last year, including clinical appointments, wellbeing tools, and discounts.
Meanwhile, at the end of 2024, Unum launched an employer portal for online claims and rehab referrals, and around 82 per cent of claims and 57 per cent of referrals have been submitted online since.
Unum director of claims, rehab and medical services Paula Coffey says: “Our continued success in helping workers return to work or reach an agreed outcome underscores our unwavering commitment to workplace wellbeing.
“By consistently going beyond the claim, we provide unparalleled support at every stage of an individual’s health journey – prevention, intervention, and protection – creating healthier and more resilient workforces.”
“Our latest claims and vocational rehabilitation data reveal the profound impact of workplace protection. Mental health-related conditions accounted for 42 per cent of rehabilitation referrals, while cancer was the most common reason for claims across all our insurance products. These serious issues demand high-quality support, which is exactly what we provide.
“We want more businesses and employees to benefit from our protection products. That’s why we’re continually investing in our claims and rehabilitation services to meet the evolving needs of modern workforces.
“Unum is dedicated to helping people manage their health and wellbeing with personalised support – never a one-size-fits-all solution.
“By proactively addressing employee health and wellbeing and supporting their return to work, we are safeguarding the future success and resilience of businesses across the UK.”
