If you’re thinking about taking out critical illness cover, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: what illnesses are covered by critical illness insurance? It’s a fair question – after all, if you’re paying for protection, you want to know exactly what you’re protected against. The answer is: it depends on the insurer, but several core conditions are almost always included. Let’s break it down.
What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover is a type of insurance that pays out a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious medical condition listed in your policy. This money can be used however you like,whether that’s paying off your mortgage, covering everyday bills, or taking time off work to recover without financial pressure.
Unlike income protection, which replaces a portion of your monthly income, critical illness cover is a one-time payment designed to give you financial breathing space during a tough time.
Which illnesses are commonly covered?
While policies vary between insurers, most critical illness plans in the UK will cover the following conditions as a minimum:
1. Cancer (of specified severity)
2. Heart attack
3. Stroke
4. Multiple sclerosis
5. Major organ transplant
6. Coronary artery bypass surgery
7. Parkinson’s disease (before a certain age)
8. Alzheimer’s disease or dementia (before a certain age)
9. Loss of limbs or paralysis
10. Benign brain tumour
Conditions that might be covered with enhanced policies
Some insurers offer enhanced policies where more illnesses are covered. . These might include:
- Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
- Type 1 Diabetes (in rare cases)
- Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Less advanced cancers
- Partial blindness or deafness
- Severe burns
- Certain congenital conditions (for children’s cover)
Always check your policy wording carefully or ask one of our protection specialists to ensure you understand what’s included and excluded.
Why do people take out critical illness cover?
Because serious illnesses can have a significant financial impact – loss of income, additional medical costs, home modifications, and more – a payout from critical illness cover provides a financial safety net, allowing you to focus on recovery, not finances.
It’s often taken out alongside life insurance.Is it worth getting?
If you don’t have savings to fall back on or depend on your income to pay your mortgage or bills, critical illness insurance can be a lifesaver, literally and financially.
Many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” But with one in two people developing cancer at some point in their lives (according to Cancer Research UK), it’s worth a second thought.
FAQs
Do all insurers cover the same illnesses?
No. There is a core list that many insurers follow, but the scope and definitions vary. Always check the complete list before choosing a policy.
Can I get cover if I’ve already had a serious illness?
Possibly. But the condition may be excluded, and your premium might be higher. It’s best to speak with our IGotCover team.
Does critical illness cover children?
Many policies offer optional children’s critical illness cover, which pays out if your child is diagnosed with a specified condition.
Is it better to get critical illness cover as part of a life insurance policy or separately?
We typically recommend combining your critical illness policy with a life insurance policy.
Can I claim it more than once?
Most standard policies only pay out once. However, some insurers now offer multi-claim policies that allow multiple claims across time.
Final thoughts
Critical illness insurance doesn’t cover everything, but it covers a lot more than most people realise. Knowing precisely what illnesses are covered by critical illness insurance helps you make an informed decision and avoid any nasty surprises later on. As always, the best policy is the one tailored to your specific health history, lifestyle and budget.
Ready to find out what you’d be covered for? Get a free quote and speak to one of our IGotCover specialists today.
