Critical illness cover
Pays a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness covered by the policy, giving you breathing space to recover.
Time to focus on getting better
Policies differ in which conditions they cover and how they define them. We'll explain the differences so you know exactly what you're buying.
How we help
- Compare conditions covered across insurers
- Combine with life cover if it suits
- Children's cover often included
Questions people ask
What does critical illness cover pay out for?
It pays a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition covered by your policy, such as many cancers, heart attacks and strokes. Each policy lists the conditions it covers and how it defines them.
How is it different from life insurance?
Life insurance pays out if you die. Critical illness cover pays out while you're alive, so you can use the money however you need, such as paying down the mortgage or covering time off work.
Do critical illness claims get paid?
Most do. Insurers paid 90.2% of new critical illness claims in 2025, and the average individual payout was £67,000, according to the Association of British Insurers. Cancer was behind almost two-thirds of claims.
Can I add it to my life insurance?
Yes. Many people take life and critical illness cover together, often to protect their mortgage. A combined policy usually pays out once, on whichever happens first.