Critical Illness Cover

Contracting a critical illness that may prevent you from working for a long period could have dire results for your family finances especially if you have a mortgage. Critical illness cover provides guaranteed funds if you are diagnosed with a critical illness as defined in the insurance policy documentation. This extra money can be extremely useful in the event of prolonged illness.

How would you cope if you or your partner contracted a serious illness? Critical Illness Cover can provide a lump sum to pay towards:

  • your mortgage

  • outstanding loans or debts

  • income replacement

  • lifestyle alterations or modifications to your home recuperation or medical treatment


What a critical illness policy covers varies from different insurance companies and they can cover for a variety of serious illness. Below is a list of illness that the majority of providers will include in the policy. Although it is not exhaustive most providers will include more illnesses than these listed but it important to check the definitions carefully on what is covered. You must disclose all medical and health history. Not doing so could invalidate any future claim.

Illness typically covered by Critical Insurance Cover



  • cancer

  • coronary artery bypass

  • heart attack

  • kidney failure

  • major organ transplant

  • stroke

Some Interesting Critical Illness Cover Facts



  • In 2006 there were over 300000 reported new cases of cancer. Source: Office of National Statistics 2008

  • More than 1 in 3 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime

  • Half of people diagnosed with cancer now survive for more than five years

  • 1 in 5 men between the ages of 20 and 40 will contract a serious illness before they reach the age of 65

  • Over 50 of all critical illness claims made in 2007 relate to cancer and the most common age of a claimant in 2007 was 45 and 71 of all claimants are aged 50 or under. Source: Legal & General 2007


Critical Illness Cover FAQ

What is Critical Illness Insurance?
What are the benefits?
What different types are there?
Can I effect a policy that covers myself and my partner?
What should I think about when choosing a policy?