Critical Illness Cover
Financial security
when you need it most.
Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a range of serious conditions — including cancer, heart attack, and stroke. The money is yours to use however you need: clear your mortgage, fund private treatment, or replace lost income.
Policies vary widely in what they cover and how much they pay. Our advisers compare the whole market to find the best cover for your situation.
What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover is an insurance policy that pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a specified list of serious medical conditions. Unlike income protection, which pays a monthly income, critical illness cover provides a single payment — typically used to clear a mortgage, fund private treatment, or replace savings depleted during recovery.
What conditions does critical illness cover pay out for?
Most UK critical illness policies cover a core set of conditions including all major cancers (at a specified severity), heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, kidney failure, and organ transplant. Comprehensive policies may cover 50 or more conditions. The exact definitions vary significantly between insurers — two policies with the same premium can have very different coverage. This is why independent adviser advice is essential.
Critical illness cover and your mortgage
A common use of critical illness cover is to clear an outstanding mortgage balance. If you were diagnosed with cancer and unable to work, your mortgage payments would continue even as your income stopped. A lump sum payout allows you to eliminate this obligation, removing financial pressure during what is already a difficult period. Many advisers recommend combining critical illness cover with life insurance in a single policy for cost efficiency.
Who needs it
You should consider critical illness cover if…
- ✓You have a mortgage you couldn't pay if you stopped working
- ✓You have financial dependants who rely on your income
- ✓You are self-employed with no sick pay
- ✓You want to fund private medical treatment without waiting
- ✓You have a family history of serious illness
- ✓Your employer's sick pay would only last a few months
Key benefits
Why it matters
Lump sum on diagnosis
You receive the full sum assured when you are diagnosed — so you can act immediately on treatment and financial commitments.
Covers 50+ conditions
Most comprehensive policies cover over 50 conditions including all major cancers, heart attacks, strokes, MS, and organ failure.
Mortgage and bill protection
Use the payout to clear your mortgage, so you can focus on recovery without financial pressure.
Children's critical illness
Many policies include free cover for your children, paying a partial sum if they are diagnosed with a serious condition.
FAQ
Common questions about critical illness cover
Get the cover that pays when it matters.
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