The conditions covered
Policies list different conditions and definitions. A diagnosis alone does not always mean a claim qualifies.
Critical illness cover
A serious diagnosis can change everything.Financial breathing space matters.
A lump sum can give you choices when you need to focus on your health.
Critical illness cover can pay if you are diagnosed with a specified condition and meet the policy definition. It could help ease financial pressure while you recover or adapt.
The real-world purpose
What could the money do for you?
It could help keep your mortgage or rent manageable, cover household costs while you take time away from work, pay for travel to appointments or changes at home, or simply give your family room to make decisions without immediate financial pressure.
You decide how to use a valid payout. The right amount depends on your commitments, savings, work benefits and other cover.
The choices that matter
Look beyond the headline price.
The amount of cover
Think about debts, family spending and the extra costs a serious illness could bring.
Your work and travel
We take account of your actual duties and locations when exploring available terms.
Where C&D helps.
We help you decide what the lump sum needs to achieve, explain important differences in cover and make sure your specialist occupation is described accurately. We will tell you about relevant limits and exclusions before you apply.
Critical illness cover can sit alongside life insurance and, where available, income protection. Each answers a different financial question.
Read common questions →Common questions
What you may be wondering.
Does it cover every serious illness?
No. A claim must meet a condition and definition in the policy. The level of severity, exclusions and any additional benefits vary.
Is it the same as income protection?
No. Critical illness cover normally pays a one-off lump sum for a covered condition. Income protection can pay regular benefits when illness or injury prevents work, subject to its terms. Income protection is unavailable for commercial divers.
Can I combine it with life cover?
Often, yes. We can explain separate and combined arrangements and how a claim may affect the remaining cover.