What it covers
Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the conditions specified in the policy, most commonly cancer, heart attack and stroke, with quality policies covering many more.
People use the payout to clear the mortgage, cover treatment or recovery time, or adapt their home. It is about removing money worries at the hardest moment.
- ✓Tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of a specified condition
- ✓Quality policies cover dozens of conditions, not just three
- ✓Children’s cover included on many policies at no extra cost
Definitions matter, so we read them
Two policies with the same price can pay out very differently, because what counts as a specified illness varies by insurer. We compare the definitions, not just the premiums.
We also structure cover sensibly alongside life insurance, so you are not paying twice for overlapping protection.
- ✓Insurer definitions compared line by line
- ✓Combined life and critical illness options priced both ways
- ✓Severity-based plans considered where they fit better
Documents you’ll need
Having these ready speeds everything up. Don’t worry if something is missing, your adviser will help you gather what’s needed.
- ✓Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- ✓Proof of address (last 3 months)
- ✓Last 3 months’ payslips or 2 years’ accounts
- ✓Last 3 months’ bank statements
- ✓Proof of deposit or equity
- ✓Details of loans, cards and commitments
Common questions
No. Critical illness pays one lump sum on diagnosis of a specified condition. Income protection pays a monthly income for any illness or injury that stops you working. Many clients pair a smaller amount of each.
All quality policies cover cancer, heart attack and stroke, and most cover far more, often 40 to 60 conditions. The definitions vary by insurer, which is exactly what we compare for you.
Policies cover cancers meeting the policy definition, and most exclude some early-stage cases. Better policies include additional payments for early-stage diagnoses. We explain this before you buy, not after.
Yes, combined policies are common and usually cheaper than two separate ones, though a combined policy pays out once. We price both routes so you can choose.
Many policies automatically include children's critical illness cover, typically a proportion of your sum assured, at no extra cost. We highlight which insurers are strongest here.
Workplace cover is a great start but usually ends when you change jobs and is rarely enough on its own. We review what you have and only recommend topping up where there is a genuine gap.
Be ready for the unexpected
A short review shows what cover would cost and where your current gaps are.