Cash plan provider Health Shield has announced a strong 2011 in its annual report, increasing gross annual premium income to over £25m.
Health Shield's earned premiums rose by 10% in 2011 as it recorded a record for new members 44,743, building on the previous record of 43,909 new members for 2010.
Last year the number of claims paid increased by 6% to 374,356 in line with the membership increase.
The Friendly Society paid out 75% of its net contributions back to members in the form of benefits.
In common with the rest of the cash plan sector, company-paid health cash plans showed strong growth, while the organisation also made progress in the flexible benefits market.
New group schemes increased by 61% to 422 new corporate client wins. Overall, Health Shield now covers 20% of the company-paid market.
Jonathan Burton, Chief Executive at Health Shield, commented: "Health Shield has seen unprecedented growth, both in its membership levels and its turnover.
"This has not been achieved by accident - it has been brought about by investing in our staff, who have demonstrated absolute commitment in helping to grow the organisation.
"This is not purely in terms of numbers, but also in the way we are regarded by our members."
Health Shield also increased both its contribution income and margin, resulting in a surplus of over £5.7m after taking into account the movement in its long-term business provision.
