Question 1

What conditions are covered?

Accepted Answer

Policies typically cover dozens of specified illnesses and conditions, including certain types of cancer, heart attack and stroke, with many insurers covering 50 or more conditions in total. Each illness has a specific medical definition that must be met for a claim to pay out. We compare insurers on definitions as well as price.

Question 2

Does any cancer diagnosis pay out?

Accepted Answer

No. Policies cover cancer that meets a specific medical definition, which generally excludes early-stage and non-invasive cancers, although many policies offer partial payments for some less severe conditions. Definitions vary between insurers, which is one of the main reasons advice matters.

Question 3

Should I take it out alongside life insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many people do. A combined policy can be more cost-effective, although a single policy will typically only pay out once. Standalone or separate policies can cost more but provide cover for both outcomes. We will explain the trade-offs against your circumstances.

Question 4

Can I cover my children?

Accepted Answer

Most adult policies include some level of children's critical illness cover, with the option to enhance it. Definitions and limits vary considerably between insurers. If protecting children is important to you, this should be part of the comparison.

Question 5

Will pre-existing conditions affect my application?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Insurers may apply exclusions, increase the premium or in some cases decline cover, depending on the condition. Honest, complete disclosure on the application is essential. Failure to disclose could result in a future claim being declined. We help match you with insurers most likely to accept your specific situation.

Question 6

How does it differ from income protection?

Accepted Answer

Critical illness cover pays a one-off lump sum on diagnosis of a covered condition. Income protection pays a regular monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, regardless of the specific diagnosis. They are different products that solve different problems and many people benefit from both.

Question 7

What is a survival period?

Accepted Answer

Many policies require you to survive a set number of days after diagnosis, often 10 or 14 days, before a claim will pay. This will be clearly set out in the policy documents.

Critical illness cover, when life takes a turn.

Critical illness questions

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