Claims Data Reveals Rise in Musculoskeletal Conditions

This is useful data from Cirencester;

Claims figures for 2025 from individual income protection provider Cirencester Friendly reveal a significant rise in claims for musculoskeletal conditions, which includes back and neck pain. Claims for these conditions now make up more than four in 10 of all claims, when just two years ago they represented only a quarter. It is also telling that for every generation in the workforce from Gen Z to Boomers, musculoskeletal conditions are the number one reason for claims.

These figures mirror the rise in back and neck pain among workers in the UK. The 2025 Health and Safety Executive report revealed 511,000 workers suffer from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder and almost a million people are too sick to work because of back or neck pain. There are various factors contributing to this increase including rising obesity levels, lack of exercise and more people working from home in poor ergonomic environments.

The Society has maintained its record for honouring an exceptional high level of claims, paying 94% in 2025. This means it has achieved this level or higher for the past 16 years. The total number of claims considered fell slightly from 2024, with 1,255 income protection claims considered and 1,176 claims paid. The total amount paid to Members rose to over £10.7 million.

Mental health claims on the rise

Claims related to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression have increased noticeably over the past few years, rising from 5% of all claims in 2023 to 8.1% in 2025. Overall, they are now the third most common cause of claims and the second most likely cause of claims for women.

Millennials make up more than 50% of claimants

For the first time, more than half of claimants were Millennials, people born between 1981 and 1996. The average age of male claimants was 41 years old and 42 for women. 31% of claimants were from Gen X, those born between 1965 and 1980 and 11% were from Gen Z, those aged 18 to 28.

Chief Operating Officer, Ben Howe: “I am proud that our latest claims figures underline our commitment to be there for Members when they need support the most. Maintaining a payment rate of 94% and above over a decade and a half shows people really are at the heart of our business. Through our ambitious growth plans, we aim to help even more people to protect their everyday lives.

Our claims figures reflect the wider health issues facing the UK. We recognise we have a role to play in supporting better levels of health and exploring how our added value services can make more of a difference. For example, everyone making a claim related to mental health is now referred to our Friendly Voice service automatically, ensuring they have additional resources available to facilitate quicker and more effective recovery.”

Emma Vaughan, Managing Director of Omni Protect: “Claims statistics are powerful because they connect adviser confidence with real client outcomes. They help advisers move beyond theory and demonstrate, with evidence, how support works in practice when a client’s ability to earn is impacted by illness or injury.

For clients, that transparency provides reassurance at a time when financial stability really matters. A sustained claimspaid rate of 94% or above over 16 years shows consistency in how people are treated and reinforces trust in income protection as a dependable source of support when people need reassurance the most.”