Almost half (47%) of all claims for multiple sclerosis (MS) by Legal & General (L&G) policyholders were made by people aged between 18 and 40 in 2014, the insurer has revealed.
The figure is 8% higher than in 2013, and the average age of all claimants in 2014 was 42, with women accounting for 65.7% of claims.
Legal & General changed their critical illness definition of MS to require claimants to have a definite diagnosis where there have been symptoms, rather than current symptoms in September 2014.
A quarter of those with MS are misdiagnosed, with many other conditions having to be ruled out before a definite diagnosis can be made, according to The Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Mark Holweger, managing director, intermediated at Legal & General, said: "It is concerning to see the number of Multiple Sclerosis claims made by Legal & General policyholders has increased significantly since 2013, and particularly worrying to see so many young people affected.
"More than 100,000 people suffer with MS in the UK.
"At time of ill health people need the peace of mind that any critical illness policies or cover they have purchased is going to come through for them so they can focus on their recovery."
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