Do I need critical illness insurance?
Medical emergencies aren't just emotionally and physically difficult - they can be costly too. Critical illness insurance can mean you can concentrate on getting better instead of worrying about finances.
Frequently asked questions
Insurers have their own definitions of what constitutes a critical illness. Your illness must meet the definition stated in your provider’s policy before you can receive a payout.
The Association of British Insurers names three core conditions as required in critical illness cover: cancer, heart attack and stroke - each with degrees of severity. However some insurers offer cover for other illnesses. See below for other conditions that may be covered under Critical Illness.
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Aplastic anaemia
- Bacterial meningitis
- Brain tumour
- Coronary surgery
- Heart valve surgery
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Lung disease
- Motor neurone disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Organ transplantation
- Paralysis
- Parkinson's disease
- Terminal illness
- Viral encephalitis
Critical illness is a life-threatening condition, which is generally strictly defined. The critical illness cover conditions listed in a critical illness cover policy are defined by their level of severity. For example, only certain types and stages of cancer may be covered.
Critical illness cover is designed to protect people financially when they are hit by emergency health issues. Taking out critical illness cover means that if you're diagnosed with or require surgery for one of the conditions defined in your insurer's policy, you will receive a tax-free lump sum.
There are numerous types of arthritis - from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout - each with degrees of severity. As a result, you should check your critical illness cover to determine which are covered within your policy.
Insurers have their own definitions of what constitutes a critical illness. Your illness must meet the definition stated in your provider’s policy before you can receive a payout.
The Association of British Insurers names three core conditions as required in critical illness cover: cancer, heart attack and stroke - each with degrees of severity. However some insurers offer cover for other illnesses. See below for other conditions that may be covered under Critical Illness.
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Aplastic anaemia
- Bacterial meningitis
- Brain tumour
- Coronary surgery
- Heart valve surgery
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Lung disease
- Motor neurone disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Organ transplantation
- Paralysis
- Parkinson's disease
- Terminal illness
- Viral encephalitis
Critical illness is a life-threatening condition, which is generally strictly defined. The critical illness cover conditions listed in a critical illness cover policy are defined by their level of severity. For example, only certain types and stages of cancer may be covered.
Critical illness cover is designed to protect people financially when they are hit by emergency health issues. Taking out critical illness cover means that if you're diagnosed with or require surgery for one of the conditions defined in your insurer's policy, you will receive a tax-free lump sum.
There are numerous types of arthritis - from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout - each with degrees of severity. As a result, you should check your critical illness cover to determine which are covered within your policy.