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Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Network (FCA No. 1004260). Company No. 15189091. Registered in England and Wales.
Protection · Family and home
Children’s Critical Illness Cover
“You’d do anything for them. This is one of those things.”
Children’s critical illness cover pays out a tax free lump sum if your child is diagnosed with a serious illness, so that if the worst happens, money is the last thing on your mind.
FCA regulated · leading UK insurers · 5 star reviews
Quick answer
Children’s critical illness cover pays a lump sum if your child is diagnosed with a specified serious illness. Many adult critical illness policies include some children’s cover automatically, and standalone or enhanced cover is available. The main thing to know is that included cover is often capped, so it’s worth checking the amount.
What it pays
A lump sum on your child’s diagnosis
Who is covered
Children usually up to 18, or 23 in education
Often included
With adult critical illness cover
Main thing to watch
Cover limits
How children’s cover works
If your child is diagnosed with a covered condition, the policy pays a lump sum you can use however you need, often to take time off work to care for them.
Some policies also pay for extended hospital stays or intensive care admissions.
Cover usually applies from birth or a few weeks old, up to 18, or 23 if still in full time education.
Why parents take it
Most claims help parents take unpaid time off to be at the hospital and cover travel, parking and household costs.
It’s available to biological parents, step parents, adoptive parents and legal guardians.
Eligibility and what insurers assess
Who may qualify
Parents and guardians of children in the UK.
Child’s age
Usually from birth to 18, or 23 in full time education.
Health history
Pre existing conditions are usually excluded.
Policy type
Often linked to an adult critical illness policy.
Amount of cover
Included cover is capped; enhanced options pay more.
Common exclusions
Congenital conditions known before cover started.
What happens from first call to completion
1
Understand what you need to protect
We look at your mortgage, income, family and existing cover, including anything through work.
2
Work out the right amount and term
We size the cover to your debts and plans, so you’re not over or under insured.
3
Compare insurers on cover, not just price
Definitions and exclusions vary. We compare the policy wording as well as the premium.
4
Complete the application accurately
We help you answer the health and lifestyle questions fully, because that’s what makes a claim pay.
5
Handle underwriting
If the insurer needs GP reports or more information, we chase it and keep you updated.
6
Put cover in place and in trust
Once accepted we set the start date and, where it applies, help you write the policy in trust.
Costs, risks and when it may not be suitable
Being upfront about this is part of doing it properly.
What affects the cost
- Your age and health when you apply
- Smoking and lifestyle
- The amount and length of cover
- Guaranteed or reviewable premiums
- Optional extras such as indexation or waiver of premium
Risks to weigh up
- Conditions known before cover starts are usually excluded
- Included cover limits may be lower than you expect
- Insurers can refuse a claim if information given at application was inaccurate or incomplete
When it may not be suitable
- If your existing policy already includes enough children’s cover, a separate policy may not be needed
What you will need
The exact list depends on the insurer, but this is what to start gathering.
Photo ID and proof of address
Your existing policy details
Children’s dates of birth
Relevant medical history
How MBNM helps
- Work out how much cover you actually need and for how long
- Compare leading UK insurers on definitions, not just price
- Help you disclose your health and lifestyle properly so claims pay
- Explain premiums, trade offs and exclusions in plain English
- Handle underwriting and chase medical evidence
- Set up trusts where they apply and review cover when life changes
What it costs
Your first chat is free. If we can help, we will explain any fees before you decide whether to proceed. There are no hidden fees, and we will not move forward until you have agreed them.
Children’s Critical Illness FAQs
Can I add it to my existing policy?
Is it available to step parents?
Up to what age are children covered?
How much does it pay?
Does it cover newborns?
Are all illnesses covered?
Want to check what your children are covered for?
Send us your current policy and we’ll tell you what’s included and whether it’s enough.
Your first conversation is free and there's no obligation. If we can help, we'll explain any fees before you decide whether to go ahead.
Cover is subject to the insurer's terms, underwriting and exclusions.