disease at 20% being the next biggest category of illness.

In the case of life assurance claims, Aviva Ireland paid out €43.4million, up from €38million in 2013.   The cause of death in 52% of cases was cancer and cardiac related in 19% of cases. Death by suicide was the cause in 6% of cases, up from 4% in 2013.

The survey found that concern for their family was the clear motivation for Irish consumers who have protection products. Among the factors prompting their decision was having children, buying a property and wanting to leave more money to their family in the event of their death.