What if I get seriously ill?
Cancer. Heart attack. Stroke. These aren't things that happen to other people. If you were diagnosed tomorrow, could you focus on getting better — or would you be worrying about the mortgage?
What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with a specified serious illness during the policy term. The money is yours to use however you need — pay off the mortgage, cover bills while you recover, adapt your home, or simply take the pressure off so you can focus on getting better.
It's different from life cover (which only pays out if you die) and different from income protection (which replaces your monthly income). Critical illness cover gives you a one-off lump sum while you're still alive.
What conditions are covered?
Most policies cover between 40 and 60 specified conditions. The exact list varies by provider, but the core conditions covered by virtually all policies include:
- Cancer — the most common reason for critical illness claims in the UK
- Heart attack — including specified severity
- Stroke — with lasting symptoms
- Multiple sclerosis
- Organ failure requiring transplant
Some providers also offer enhanced policies that cover less severe conditions (sometimes called "additional" or "children's" cover). I always compare the detail of what's covered, not just the price — because the cheapest policy isn't always the best one.
Why it matters — the numbers
Here's the thing most people don't realise: you're far more likely to be diagnosed with a critical illness during your working life than you are to die. According to Macmillan Cancer Support, 1 in 2 people born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime.
If that happens and you don't have cover, you're facing months — possibly years — of reduced income while still paying a mortgage, bills, and everything else. That's the scenario critical illness cover is designed to prevent.
How it works with life cover
You have three options:
Life cover only
Pays out if you die. Doesn't cover serious illness. The cheapest option.
Critical illness only
Pays out if you're diagnosed with a specified condition. Doesn't cover death (unless the condition is terminal).
Combined life and critical illness
Pays out on either death or critical illness diagnosis — whichever happens first. One policy, broader cover. This is what most of my clients choose.
How much does it cost?
Critical illness cover costs more than life-only cover because the likelihood of claiming is higher — you're more likely to be diagnosed with a serious illness during your working life than to die. Here are some rough examples:
| Scenario | Cover | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single, 30, non-smoker | £200k combined life + CI, 25 years | £35-55/month |
| Couple, early 30s, non-smokers | £200k combined life + CI, 25 years | £50-80/month |
| Single, 40, non-smoker | £250k combined life + CI, 20 years | £70-110/month |
These are illustrative examples only. Your actual premium depends on your age, health, smoking status, and the amount and type of cover. I always get quotes tailored to your specific situation.
Common questions about critical illness cover
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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