<XBRL>
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with WebFilings-->
<!-- -->
<xsd:schema attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.cna.com/20130630" xmlns:cna="http://www.cna.com/20130630" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-roles-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-types-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2012/country-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2012/currency-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2012/exch-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2012/invest-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011/naics-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="cna-20130630_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="cna-20130630_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="cna-20130630_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="cna-20130630_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:roleType id="BenefitPlans" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/BenefitPlans">
        <link:definition>2132100 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BenefitPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicCostBenefitDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/BenefitPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicCostBenefitDetails">
        <link:definition>2432402 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Components of net periodic cost (benefit)) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BenefitPlansTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/BenefitPlansTables">
        <link:definition>2332301 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegments" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/BusinessSegments">
        <link:definition>2138100 - Disclosure - Business Segments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentsBalanceSheetInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/BusinessSegmentsBalanceSheetInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2438403 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Balance Sheet Information) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentsIncomeStatementInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/BusinessSegmentsIncomeStatementInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2438402 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Income Statement Information) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentsRevenuesByLineOfBusinessDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/BusinessSegmentsRevenuesByLineOfBusinessDetails">
        <link:definition>2438404 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Revenues by Line of Business) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentsTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables">
        <link:definition>2338301 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossByComponent" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossByComponent">
        <link:definition>2139100 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossByComponentDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossByComponentDetails">
        <link:definition>2439402 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossByComponentTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossByComponentTables">
        <link:definition>2339301 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserves" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserves">
        <link:definition>2128100 - Disclosure - Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2428402 - Disclosure - Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaCommercialSegmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaCommercialSegmentDetails">
        <link:definition>2428405 - Disclosure - Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development for CNA Commercial segment) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaHardySegmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaHardySegmentDetails">
        <link:definition>2428406 - Disclosure - Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development for CNA Hardy segment) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaSpecialtySegmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaSpecialtySegmentDetails">
        <link:definition>2428404 - Disclosure - Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development for CNA Specialty segment) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNetPriorYearDevelopmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesNetPriorYearDevelopmentDetails">
        <link:definition>2428403 - Disclosure - Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Net prior year development) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesTables">
        <link:definition>2328301 - Disclosure - Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuarantees" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuarantees">
        <link:definition>2137100 - Disclosure - Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesNarrativeDetail" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesNarrativeDetail">
        <link:definition>2437402 - Disclosure - Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees (Narrative) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesTables">
        <link:definition>2337301 - Disclosure - Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetUnauditedParentheticals" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetUnauditedParentheticals">
        <link:definition>1005500 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) Parentheticals</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>1004000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>1006000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsCalc2">
        <link:definition>1006000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>1001000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited">
        <link:definition>1007000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLossUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLossUnaudited">
        <link:definition>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DerivativeFinancialInstruments" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments">
        <link:definition>2119100 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2419402 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfAggregateContractualOrNotionalAmountsAndGrossEstimatedFairValuesRelatedToDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfAggregateContractualOrNotionalAmountsAndGrossEstimatedFairValuesRelatedToDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails">
        <link:definition>2419403 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Summary of aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables">
        <link:definition>2319301 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument">
        <link:definition>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information Document</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsLossPerShare" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/EarningsLossPerShare">
        <link:definition>2113100 - Disclosure - Earnings (loss) per share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsLossPerShareNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/EarningsLossPerShareNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2413401 - Disclosure - Earnings (loss) per share (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValue" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/FairValue">
        <link:definition>2125100 - Disclosure - Fair Value</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails">
        <link:definition>2425403 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueCarryingAmountAndEstimatedFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentAssetsAndLiabilitiesWhichAreNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/FairValueCarryingAmountAndEstimatedFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentAssetsAndLiabilitiesWhichAreNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails">
        <link:definition>2425406 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/FairValueNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2425402 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueQuantitativeInformationAboutSignificantUnobservableInputsInFairValueMeasurementOfLevel3AssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/FairValueQuantitativeInformationAboutSignificantUnobservableInputsInFairValueMeasurementOfLevel3AssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2425405 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of level 3 assets) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueTableOfReconciliationForAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisUsingSignificantUnobservableInputsDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/FairValueTableOfReconciliationForAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisUsingSignificantUnobservableInputsDetails">
        <link:definition>2425404 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Table of reconciliation for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/FairValueTables">
        <link:definition>2325301 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="General" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/General">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - General</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GeneralNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/GeneralNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2401401 - Disclosure - General (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Investments" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/Investments">
        <link:definition>2116100 - Disclosure - Investments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsActivityRelatedToPretaxFixedMaturityCreditLossComponentReflectedWithinRetainedEarningsForSecuritiesStillHeldForWhichPortionOfOttiLossWasRecognizedInOciDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsActivityRelatedToPretaxFixedMaturityCreditLossComponentReflectedWithinRetainedEarningsForSecuritiesStillHeldForWhichPortionOfOttiLossWasRecognizedInOciDetails">
        <link:definition>2416408 - Disclosure - Investments (Activity related to the pretax fixed maturity credit loss component reflected within retained earnings for securities still held for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in OCI) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsComponentsOfNetOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesRecognizedInEarningsDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsComponentsOfNetOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesRecognizedInEarningsDetails">
        <link:definition>2416405 - Disclosure - Investments (Components of net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsContractualMaturityDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsContractualMaturityDetails">
        <link:definition>2416409 - Disclosure - Investments (Contractual maturity) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2416402 - Disclosure - Investments (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeDetails">
        <link:definition>2416403 - Disclosure - Investments (Net investment income) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsNetRealizedInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsNetRealizedInvestmentGainsLossesDetails">
        <link:definition>2416404 - Disclosure - Investments (Net realized investment gains (losses)) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsSecuritiesInGrossUnrealizedLossPositionDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesInGrossUnrealizedLossPositionDetails">
        <link:definition>2416407 - Disclosure - Investments (Securities in a gross unrealized loss position) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsSummaryOfFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2416406 - Disclosure - Investments (Summary of fixed maturity and equity securities) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/InvestmentsTables">
        <link:definition>2316301 - Disclosure - Investments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LegalProceedingsAndContingentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/LegalProceedingsAndContingentLiabilities">
        <link:definition>2131100 - Disclosure - Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherIntangibleAssets" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssets">
        <link:definition>2136100 - Disclosure - Other Intangible Assets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2436403 - Disclosure - Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Other Intangible Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2436402 - Disclosure - Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherIntangibleAssetsTables" roleURI="http://www.cna.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssetsTables">
        <link:definition>2336301 - Disclosure - Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitMemberTaxMember" name="AccumulatedDefinedBenefitMemberTaxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsWithOttiLossesTaxMember" name="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsWithOttiLossesTaxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnOtherInvestmentsMember" name="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnOtherInvestmentsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedGainsLossesTaxMember" name="AccumulatedNetUnrealizedGainsLossesTaxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities" name="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentTaxMember" name="AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentTaxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_AllowanceForUncollectibleInsuranceReceivables" name="AllowanceForUncollectibleInsuranceReceivables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_AllowanceForUncollectibleReinsuranceReceivables" name="AllowanceForUncollectibleReinsuranceReceivables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_AmortizationExpenseIncludedInOtherOperatingExpenses" name="AmortizationExpenseIncludedInOtherOperatingExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_AvailableforsaleandTradingSecuritiesTableTextBlock" name="AvailableforsaleandTradingSecuritiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_BalanceSheetsParentheticalAbstract" name="BalanceSheetsParentheticalAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_CatastropheLossesNetOfReinsurance" name="CatastropheLossesNetOfReinsurance" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_ChangeInOtherInvestments" name="ChangeInOtherInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_ChangeInShortTermInvestments" name="ChangeInShortTermInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract" name="ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossByComponentAbstract" name="ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossByComponentAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward" name="ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ChangesInHeaderAbstract" name="ChangesInHeaderAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesAbstract" name="ClaimAndClaimAdjustmentExpenseReservesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_CnaCommercialDomain" name="CnaCommercialDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_CnaCommercialMember" name="CnaCommercialMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_CnaSpecialtyDomain" name="CnaSpecialtyDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_CnaSpecialtyMember" name="CnaSpecialtyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_CommercialInsuranceMember" name="CommercialInsuranceMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_CommitmentsToPurchaseOrFundAdditionalAmounts" name="CommitmentsToPurchaseOrFundAdditionalAmounts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_CommitmentsToSellVariousPrivatelyPlacedDebtSecurities" name="CommitmentsToSellVariousPrivatelyPlacedDebtSecurities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_CommitmentsandContingenciesandGuaranteesAbstract" name="CommitmentsandContingenciesandGuaranteesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_ComponentsOfNetOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesRecognizedInEarningsByAssetTypeTableTextBlock" name="ComponentsOfNetOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesRecognizedInEarningsByAssetTypeTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRateInternallyDeveloped" name="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRateInternallyDeveloped" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_DerivativeAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsNetMember" name="DerivativeAndOtherFinancialInstrumentsNetMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_DerivativeTransactionsEnteredInto" name="DerivativeTransactionsEnteredInto" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_DerivativeTransactionsTerminated" name="DerivativeTransactionsTerminated" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_DiscountRateRiskPremium" name="DiscountRateRiskPremium" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_Expectedcalldate" name="Expectedcalldate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_FairValueAbstract" name="FairValueAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_FutureCapitalCallCommitments" name="FutureCapitalCallCommitments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_HardyDomain" name="HardyDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_HardyMember" name="HardyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_HealthMember" name="HealthMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitOnNetRealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" name="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitOnNetRealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitOnOperatingIncomeLoss" name="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitOnOperatingIncomeLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_InsuranceClaimsAndPolicyholdersBenefits" name="InsuranceClaimsAndPolicyholdersBenefits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_InsuranceReservesAbstract" name="InsuranceReservesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_InternationalCommercialMember" name="InternationalCommercialMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_InternationalSpecialtyMember" name="InternationalSpecialtyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_InvestmentIncomeIncludingRealizedGainsLossesOnTradingSecuritiesBeforeExpenses" name="InvestmentIncomeIncludingRealizedGainsLossesOnTradingSecuritiesBeforeExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_LegalProceedingsAndContingentLiabilitiesAbstract" name="LegalProceedingsAndContingentLiabilitiesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_LifeAndGroupNonCoreMember" name="LifeAndGroupNonCoreMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_LifeAnnuityMember" name="LifeAnnuityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_LifeGroupNonCoreDomain" name="LifeGroupNonCoreDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_LifeSettlementContractsIncludedInOtherAssetsMember" name="LifeSettlementContractsIncludedInOtherAssetsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_LimitedPartnershipInvestments" name="LimitedPartnershipInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_MarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesAtAmortizedCost" name="MarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesAtAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_MaximumPotentialFutureLeasePaymentsAndOtherRelatedCostsUnderGuarantee" name="MaximumPotentialFutureLeasePaymentsAndOtherRelatedCostsUnderGuarantee" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_MortalityAssumption" name="MortalityAssumption" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetInvestmentIncomeAndGainsLossesOnTradingSecurities" name="NetInvestmentIncomeAndGainsLossesOnTradingSecurities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetInvestmentIncomeTableTextBlock" name="NetInvestmentIncomeTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetOperatingIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAttributableToParent" name="NetOperatingIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAttributableToParent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentCommercialAuto" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentCommercialAuto" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaCommercialSegmentTableTextBlock" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaCommercialSegmentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaHardySegmentTableTextBlock" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaHardySegmentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaSpecialtySegmentTableTextBlock" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentForCnaSpecialtySegmentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentGeneralLiability" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentGeneralLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentMedicalProfessionalLiability" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentMedicalProfessionalLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentOther" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentOther" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentOtherProfessionalLiability" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentOtherProfessionalLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentPropertyAndOther" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentPropertyAndOther" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentSurety" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentSurety" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentWarranty" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentWarranty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentWorkersCompensation" name="NetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentWorkersCompensation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimandAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentMarineandAviation" name="NetPriorYearClaimandAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentMarineandAviation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimandAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentNonMarineProperty" name="NetPriorYearClaimandAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentNonMarineProperty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimandAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentPropertyTreaty" name="NetPriorYearClaimandAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentPropertyTreaty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetPriorYearClaimandAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentSpecialty" name="NetPriorYearClaimandAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentSpecialty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetRealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" name="NetRealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestments" name="NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsWithOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" name="NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsWithOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NetUnrealizedGainsOnOtherInvestments" name="NetUnrealizedGainsOnOtherInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_NotesReceivableForIssuanceOfCommonStockMember" name="NotesReceivableForIssuanceOfCommonStockMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_NotesReceivableFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" name="NotesReceivableFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_OperatingIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTax" name="OperatingIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_OperatingRevenues" name="OperatingRevenues" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_OriginationOfMortgageLoans" name="OriginationOfMortgageLoans" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_OtherInsuranceRelatedExpenses" name="OtherInsuranceRelatedExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_OtherIntangibleAssets" name="OtherIntangibleAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_OtherInvestmentIncomeMember" name="OtherInvestmentIncomeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_OtherLifeGroupMember" name="OtherLifeGroupMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_PercentageOwnedOfOutstandingCommonStockByMajorityShareholder" name="PercentageOwnedOfOutstandingCommonStockByMajorityShareholder" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_PremiumDepositsAndAnnuityContracts" name="PremiumDepositsAndAnnuityContracts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_PretaxFavorableUnfavorableNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentExcludingLifeGroup" name="PretaxFavorableUnfavorableNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentExcludingLifeGroup" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_PretaxFavorableUnfavorableNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentTableTextBlock" name="PretaxFavorableUnfavorableNetPriorYearClaimAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseReserveDevelopmentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_PretaxFavorableUnfavorablePremiumDevelopmentExcludingLifeGroup" name="PretaxFavorableUnfavorablePremiumDevelopmentExcludingLifeGroup" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_PretaxNetRealizedGainsLossesOnOtherAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReclassifiedOutOfAociAndRecognizedInEarnings" name="PretaxNetRealizedGainsLossesOnOtherAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReclassifiedOutOfAociAndRecognizedInEarnings" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_PrivateOfferingPrice" name="PrivateOfferingPrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ProfessionalManagementLiabilityMember" name="ProfessionalManagementLiabilityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_RateMember" name="RateMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" name="ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_RecordedLiabilitiesRelatedToIndemnificationAgreements" name="RecordedLiabilitiesRelatedToIndemnificationAgreements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_ReductionOfNetUnrealizedGainsOnInvestmentsIncludedInAociDueToShadowAdjustments" name="ReductionOfNetUnrealizedGainsOnInvestmentsIncludedInAociDueToShadowAdjustments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_ReinsuranceReceivable" name="ReinsuranceReceivable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_RevenuesByLineOfBusinessAbstract" name="RevenuesByLineOfBusinessAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleAndTradingSecuritiesTable" name="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleAndTradingSecuritiesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndTradingSecuritiesAxis" name="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndTradingSecuritiesAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ScheduleOfOtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract" name="ScheduleOfOtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_ScheduleOfOtherIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfOtherIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_SeparateAccountBusinessMember" name="SeparateAccountBusinessMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ShortTermAndOtherMember" name="ShortTermAndOtherMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_SmallBusinessMember" name="SmallBusinessMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_StockBasedCompensation" name="StockBasedCompensation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_SuretyMember" name="SuretyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_TaxExpenseBenefitOnReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriod" name="TaxExpenseBenefitOnReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_TotalIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" name="TotalIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_TotalPretaxFavorableUnfavorableNetPriorYearDevelopmentExcludingLifeGroup" name="TotalPretaxFavorableUnfavorableNetPriorYearDevelopmentExcludingLifeGroup" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_TradingPortfolioMember" name="TradingPortfolioMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingGains" name="TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingGains" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingLosses" name="TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingLosses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cna_UnrealizedGainsLossesRecognizedInNetIncomeOnLevel3AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeld" name="UnrealizedGainsLossesRecognizedInNetIncomeOnLevel3AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeld" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_ValueOfBusinessAcquiredMember" name="ValueOfBusinessAcquiredMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_WarrantyAlternativeRisksMember" name="WarrantyAlternativeRisksMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cna_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOustandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract" name="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOustandingBasicAndDilutedAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>
</XBRL>