Critical Illness Cover

A tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness — so you can focus on getting better, not worrying about money.

Critical illness cover provides a tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with a specified serious illness during the term of your policy. Conditions typically covered include cancer, heart attack, stroke, and many others — giving you financial breathing room at a time when you need it most.

A serious diagnosis can mean time off work, specialist treatment costs, home adaptations, or simply needing to focus on recovery without the stress of bills piling up. Critical illness cover puts you in control by providing a one-off payment that's yours to use however you choose — with no restrictions on how the money is spent.

Whether you have a mortgage to protect, a family to support, or simply want peace of mind against the unexpected, our advisers can help you compare policies and find the right level of cover. Every recommendation is tailored to your situation, and our advice is always free.

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What Is Critical Illness Cover?

Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness during the term of the policy. Conditions typically covered include heart attack, cancer, and stroke, among many others. The payout is yours to use however you need — whether that's covering medical costs, paying off debts, or replacing lost income while you recover.

These policies always have an end date, with the maximum age typically reaching 70. Each insurance provider has its own list of covered conditions and criteria, so it's important to compare policies carefully. Like level term assurance, critical illness cover is medically underwritten — you'll need to complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire which may affect the terms offered or your eligibility.

Who Is Critical Illness Cover For?

Critical illness cover is designed for anyone who wants financial protection against serious health events. It's especially relevant if you:

Have a mortgage or other financial commitments that would be difficult to cover if you couldn't work
Want the freedom to take time off work for treatment and recovery
Have a family history of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or stroke
Would need to fund private treatment, home adaptations, or specialist care

Key Benefits

Tax-free lump sum — paid directly to you on diagnosis of a covered condition
Wide range of conditions — most policies cover dozens of serious illnesses
Use the money how you choose — there are no restrictions on how the payout is spent
Can be combined with life cover — add critical illness to a level term plan for broader protection
Children's cover — some policies include free cover for your children at no extra cost

Things to Consider

What conditions are typically covered?

Most critical illness policies cover conditions such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and major organ transplant. The full list varies between providers — some cover over 50 conditions. Your designated adviser will help you compare policies so you can choose the level of cover that's right for you.

What if my condition isn't on the list?

Critical illness cover only pays out for conditions listed in the policy. If you're diagnosed with something that isn't on the list, the policy won't pay out. This is why it's important to review the conditions covered before choosing a provider. Some policies also offer partial payments for less severe conditions.

Can I be declined for critical illness cover?

Because critical illness cover is medically underwritten, your application will be assessed based on your health and lifestyle questionnaire. Depending on your answers, the insurer may offer standard terms, apply an exclusion for certain conditions, charge a higher premium, or decline the application. Our advisers can help you understand your options before you apply.

Is critical illness cover the same as income protection?

No. Critical illness cover pays a one-off lump sum on diagnosis of a specified condition. Income protection provides a regular monthly income if you're unable to work due to any illness or injury. Many people choose to have both for comprehensive protection. Learn more about income protection.