<-- Back to life insurance guides

What is critical illness cover?

Critical illness cover is an insurance scheme which exclusively looks after those who get a critical illness which is specified in the policy. This kind of policy provides a lump sum which is tax free and is very helpful at such an emotional time.

Critical illness policies cover a list of critical illnesses. Diseases like cancer, strokes and heart attacks usually fall under this policy. However, it is very important to remember that the insurance may cover only certain types of diseases and at certain stages of them being critical. For example, your insurance may cover breast cancer but may not cover a type of cancer which has only developed in a few cells and has been prevented from spreading to other cells. Similarly, many critical illness policies do not cover illnesses such as HIV related diseases, self-inflicted injury and injury or illness which is due to extreme sports.

Since these policies are fairly straightforward and give a clear-cut list of all the illnesses that fall under them, people are now being encouraged to look at these options as a long term investment in order to ensure that you will be able to survive comfortably.

A critical illness policy can also be combined with a life insurance policy.

Just remember though, that we are here to help and our trained and independent advisers can answer all of your questions and find the right policy for you. If you complete our online form an adviser will contact you.

I have a critical illness, will I still get cover?

When applying for critical illness cover it is crucial that you are honest about all your medical history.

So what recourse do people who have suffered from a critical illness have? The next step may be to speak to one of our trained and independent experts. Just complete our short form and they will then give you a call and answer all your questions.

How to choose

You can select the length of your ideal life insurance quote and also the maximum value of the policy. Use the sliders and then continue to get a free quote.

Length of life insurance

For how many years do you think your family will need to rely on you financially and in how many years will they be able to be financially independent? Some people like to choose a policy that takes them to when the children turn 21, for example.

 
-
+
 

MIN 5 YEARS

MAX 50+ YEARS

You have selected 20 year

 

Maximum value of life insurance

There really isn't a definitive answer for this question but try to factor in the value of your mortgage that needs paying off, a few years of your salary and the values of any debts that will need paying.

 
-
+
 

MIN £5000

MAX £500,000

You have selected ?10000

 
 

Compare affordable quotes from UK life insurance providers such as:

  • Aegon Logo
  • AIG Logo
  • AVIVA Logo
  • Legal & General Logo
  • LV Logo
  • OneFamily Logo
  • Royal London Logo
  • Vitality Logo