Critical Illness FAQs
What does critical illness cover pay for?
A one-off, tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of a listed serious condition · cancer leads the claims tables, followed by heart attack and stroke, with 40-100+ conditions depending on the policy. The money is yours to use: clear the mortgage, go private, adapt the house, or just buy unhurried recovery time.
How much cover do I need?
Build it from parts, as this calculator does: mortgage clearance + 1-3 years of income + a treatment/adaptation buffer, minus savings and existing cover. The 4× salary shortcut lands in a similar zone but hides the reasoning · knowing WHY your number is £X helps you resist both under- and over-buying.
Critical illness or income protection?
IP first for most: any condition, monthly payments, potentially to retirement. CIC pays once, for listed conditions only · but it arrives as a fast lump sum that kills the mortgage in one stroke. The strong stack: full income protection + a mortgage-sized CIC. On a tight budget, IP wins.
Why do claims get declined?
Mainly non-disclosure at application (symptoms, smoking, weight, family history left out) and conditions not meeting definitions · early-stage cancers being the classic. Answer everything honestly, choose ABI+ definitions, and the ~90% industry payout rate is on your side.
Is children's cover included?
Often automatically: typically £25,000 or 50% of your sum assured for a child's listed condition, plus hospital stay benefits. Parents rate it highly because it funds time off work during a child's treatment · something no income protection policy can do.
For informational purposes only · A needs estimator, not advice or a quote · Policy definitions and covered conditions vary significantly between insurers · Speak to a protection broker and disclose fully at application