What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness specified in your policy. Common conditions covered include cancer, heart attack, stroke, and many others — depending on the insurer.
The payout is yours to use however you need. Many people use it to pay off their mortgage, cover medical costs, adapt their home, or simply replace lost income while they focus on recovery.
How is it different from life insurance?
- Life insurance pays out when you die — critical illness pays out while you're still alive
- You can use the money for anything: mortgage payments, treatments, living expenses
- It can be added to a life insurance policy or taken as standalone cover
- The earlier a condition is diagnosed, the more time you have to benefit from the payout
Who needs critical illness cover?
If a serious illness would put financial pressure on you or your family — whether through lost income, mortgage payments, or care costs — critical illness cover provides a financial safety net when you need it most.
