Critical Illness Cover
Protect yourself financially if you're diagnosed with a serious illness. Critical illness cover provides a tax-free lump sum to help cover costs, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
GET A QUOTEWhat is Critical Illness Cover?
Critical illness cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific serious illnesses listed in your policy, such as cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke.
Unlike income protection which pays a regular monthly income, this is a one-off payment that you can use however you need, whether that's paying off your mortgage, funding home adaptations, covering private treatment costs, or simply providing financial breathing space while you take time off work. It is often combined with life insurance to provide comprehensive protection for you and your family.
What Does Critical Illness Cover Include?
Policies vary between insurers, but most comprehensive critical illness policies cover dozens of serious conditions. Here are the primary areas of coverage:
Cancer
Cancer is the most common reason for a critical illness claim. Policies typically cover most types of cancer once they reach a specified severity, providing crucial financial support during treatment.
Heart Attack & Heart Disease
Covers severe cardiac events including heart attacks, coronary artery bypass surgery, and other significant heart conditions that impact your day-to-day life.
Stroke
Provides a lump sum payout following a stroke that results in lasting physical or neurological symptoms, helping to cover rehabilitation or necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Other Serious Conditions
Most modern policies cover 40+ conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, major organ transplants, kidney failure, and traumatic head injuries.
Who Needs Critical Illness Cover?
A serious illness can happen to anyone at any age. Critical illness cover provides a vital financial safety net.
Parents & Families
Ensure your family's lifestyle and living standards are protected even if you are unable to work due to a severe illness.
Homeowners
A lump sum can be used to pay off your mortgage or cover monthly payments, removing the stress of keeping a roof over your head.
Self-Employed & Contractors
Without the cushion of a comprehensive employer sick pay scheme, a lump sum payout can keep you afloat while you recover.
Company Directors
Key person or shareholder protection can safeguard your business. Explore our business health insurance solutions.
Individuals with Dependants
If others rely on your financial contribution, critical illness cover ensures they won't struggle if you fall seriously ill.
Anyone Without Employer Benefits
If your employer doesn't offer extended sick pay or a substantial benefits package, personal cover is essential.
Why Critical Illness Cover Matters
Tax-Free Lump Sum
Receive a single, tax-free payment to use exactly as you see fit, with no restrictions.
Mortgage Protection
Clear your mortgage balance completely so your family is secure in their home during a difficult time.
Treatment Access
Use the funds to access specialist care or private medical treatment avoiding long waiting lists.
Income Replacement
Replace lost earnings for you or your partner if they need to take time off work to care for you.
Financial Flexibility
Adapt your home, cover day-to-day bills, or pay for rehabilitation therapies not available on the NHS.
Peace of Mind
Focus entirely on your health and recovery without the overwhelming anxiety of financial pressure.
How Much Critical Illness Cover Do I Need?
The right level of cover is highly individual. It depends on your current financial obligations, your lifestyle, and what you want the policy to achieve if you were to become seriously ill.
Key factors to consider include:
- Your outstanding mortgage balance
- Your current annual income
- Number of dependants and their ongoing needs
- Any other outstanding personal debts or loans
- Potential costs for private treatment or home adaptations
- Whether your partner would need to take time off to care for you
Our independent advisers will help you calculate the right level of cover for your specific circumstances and find the best policy to meet your budget.
Why Choose Elective Health?
Critical illness policies can be complex, with varying definitions of what constitutes a 'critical illness' across different insurers. We cut through the jargon to ensure you get a policy that truly protects you.
- Independent, whole-of-market comparison
- Free expert advice. No cost, no obligation
- Deal directly with Kingsley and Louis. No call centres
- 5.0 stars on Google from 42 independent reviews
- Ongoing support from initial setup through to renewal
- Specialists in personal and business protection
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say about their experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to protect yourself against serious illness?
Get tailored critical illness cover advice with no cost and no obligation.
Get in Touch