Why Consider Critical Illness Cover?
A serious illness can strike at any age, often without warning. Critical illness insurance can help cover:
- Mortgage or rent payments
- Household bills and childcare costs
- Loss of income during recovery
- Private medical treatment or home adjustments
It offers peace of mind that you and your family won’t face financial hardship during a major health crisis.
What’s Usually Covered?
Most policies cover conditions like:
- Cancer (of specified types)
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Major organ transplants
- Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s (in later stages)
Coverage and definitions can vary — that’s where we can help. We’ll find the most suitable policy from top UK providers.
What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover refers to a form of insurance that provides a lump sum payment upon the diagnosis of a specified illness within the policy’s term. This financial support can assist you during the policy duration, granting peace of mind as you concentrate on your health and recovery.
How does critical illness insurance work?
Critical illness insurance aims to offer financial protection in the event of a serious illness. It is commonly purchased in conjunction with life insurance, particularly when applying for a mortgage. This arrangement ensures that if you become gravely ill or pass away, your family has the reassurance of being able to settle some or all of the mortgage.
Additionally, you can obtain critical illness cover independently if you already possess life insurance. Any payout received can be utilized at your discretion. There is no obligation to allocate it towards your mortgage if you have alternative means to manage the payments. For instance, you may choose to use the funds for private medical treatment or to modify your home.
When applying for critical illness cover, you will be required to provide the insurer with details regarding your medical history. It is crucial to review the terms, as some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions.
How much critical illness cover do you need?
Determining the appropriate amount of cover is essential. Consider your savings and any benefits your employer may offer if you are unable to work. Critical illness cover can either provide a fixed lump sum or be structured to decrease in accordance with your mortgage balance (referred to as decreasing cover).
How much does critical illness cover cost?
The cost of critical illness cover is influenced by various factors, including your age, health status, occupation, hobbies, and lifestyle choices.
For instance, older individuals, smokers, or those in poor health will typically face higher premiums. Conversely, younger and healthier individuals will generally pay lower rates.
Premiums are usually billed monthly, and if no claim is made during the policy term, you will not receive any refund when the coverage concludes. Most premiums remain consistent throughout the policy duration.
Some commonly asked questions about Critical Illness Insurance
It’s a policy that pays a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness listed in the policy.
Commonly covered conditions include certain cancers, heart attacks, strokes, MS, and organ failure. Each insurer has its own list.
They serve different purposes — many people choose a combined policy to get protection for both scenarios.
Some policies offer multiple or partial claims, but standard policies are usually one-off payouts.
Enough to pay off debts, cover lost income, and fund recovery. We help assess this based on your lifestyle and commitments.
Yes – payouts are generally tax-free in the UK.
Not always. Many applications don’t require medicals, but honesty about your health history is key.
Level premiums stay fixed; reviewable premiums may rise. We’ll help you choose the right option.
Yes – though some conditions might be excluded, or premiums may be higher. Specialist insurers can help.
Your personal policy stays with you — it’s not tied to your employer.
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