Serious Illness Protection
Critical illness cover, when life takes a turn.
Critical illness cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the serious illnesses or conditions defined in the policy and you survive any required period. It can clear the mortgage, replace lost income or fund treatment and recovery.
- Lump sum on diagnosis. Paid on diagnosis of a covered condition, subject to the policy definitions.
- Common conditions covered. Includes specified types of cancer, heart attack and stroke, plus many more.
- Definitions matter. We help you compare what each insurer actually covers, not just the price.
- Often combined with life cover. Can be set up alongside life insurance to protect against both outcomes.
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FAQ
Critical illness questions
What people most often want to understand before taking out cover.
What conditions are covered?
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.
Does any cancer diagnosis pay out?
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.
Should I take it out alongside life insurance?
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.
Can I cover my children?
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.
Will pre-existing conditions affect my application?
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.
How does it differ from income protection?
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.
What is a survival period?
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.
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Ves Doctorov Cert SMP
Owner & Principal Mortgage Adviser