Information about critical illness insurance.
Critical illness insurance available as a single product or with life insurance.

Critical Illness Insurance - what it is

Critical Illness Insurance, also known as 'Dread Disease Cover, works by paying you an agreed tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified critical illness such as heart disease or cancer. Considering that "1 in 3 people in Britain will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life"* and that the chances of surviving a major illness are greater than ever, more and more people are taking steps to ensure that they not only survive but are financially secure during and after a serious health problem with Critical Illness insurance.

Critical Illness insurance- what it could do for you

Although more people survive a major illness today, the financial consequences can be devastating and the lump sum provided by your Critical Illness insurance can be spent however you choose. You may need a source of income if you are unable to work, you can pay off your mortgage or reduce other financial commitments. You may need to modify your home or pay for special equipment or support services.

Critical Illness insurance - how it works

Critical Illness insurance cover can be taken out on its own or in conjunction with other policies, such as life insurance, redundancy cover, mortgage protection or income protection. Your Critical Illness Insurance policy will specify which conditions you are covered for, but more include heart disease, stroke, renal failure, cancer, paralysis, major organ transplant and coronary artery bypass surgery as well as a range of other conditions, typically a total of 25 critical illnesses. Your Critical Illness Insurance policy will pay you the tax free lump sum 14 to 28 days (depending on the terms of your policy) after you are diagnosed with a specified condition and you can keep the money even if you make a full recovery.