Life insurer Acenda paid out more than $1.1 billion in benefits last year.

The sum covered 5753 income protection claims, 1099 life claims, 1072 total and permanent disability claims, and 596 critical illness claims.

Cancer was the main driver of life and critical illness claims, accounting for 42% and 58% respectively, while mental illness dominated income protection and TPD claims, at 32% and 27%.

“When they most need it, customers are looking for personalised support and an empathetic delivery of that support,” chief claims and transformation manager Andrew Beevors said.

“At Acenda, our people are the difference, and we continue to find ways to personalise this support through ongoing customer-led innovation in support services delivery.”