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Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Network (FCA No. 1004260). Company No. 15189091. Registered in England and Wales.
Protection · Life and health
Critical Illness Cover
“You survive. The bills don’t stop.”
Critical illness cover pays out a tax free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, a heart attack or a stroke. It’s about what happens when life suddenly changes.
FCA regulated · leading UK insurers · 5 star reviews
Quick answer
Critical illness cover pays a tax free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specified serious illness during the policy term. You can use it to clear your mortgage, cover bills or fund treatment. The main thing to know is that the condition must meet the insurer’s definition, and definitions vary a lot between insurers.
What it pays
A tax free lump sum on diagnosis
Conditions covered
Core list plus many more by insurer
When to take it
Alongside your mortgage or family cover
Main thing to watch
Condition definitions
How critical illness cover works
You choose an amount and term. If you’re diagnosed with a covered condition that meets the policy definition, the insurer pays the lump sum.
Most policies cover the core conditions, cancer, heart attack and stroke, and many list 50 or more. Some also make partial payments for less severe conditions.
It can be taken on its own or combined with life insurance. Many policies include children’s cover as standard.
Why definitions matter
A diagnosis alone doesn’t always trigger a payout. Each insurer defines how severe a condition must be.
We compare definitions side by side so you understand exactly what would and wouldn’t pay before you choose.
Eligibility and what insurers assess
Who may qualify
Most UK residents aged roughly 18 to 65 at the start.
Health and medical history
Personal and family history carry more weight than for life cover.
Lifestyle
Smoking, alcohol, height and weight.
Occupation
Can affect price and some definitions.
Amount of cover
Larger sums may need medical evidence.
Common reasons for exclusions
Pre existing conditions or strong family history.
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
- A condition may not meet the policy definition
- Non disclosure can void a claim
- Insurers can refuse a claim if information given at application was inaccurate or incomplete
When it may not be suitable
- If your budget is tight, income protection may give broader cover for the cost
- If you already have generous cover through work, a smaller top up may be enough
What you will need
The exact list depends on the insurer, but this is what to start gathering.
Photo ID and proof of address
GP name and address
Personal and family medical history
Mortgage balance and term
Existing cover through work
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.
Critical Illness Cover FAQs
Do I need both life and critical illness cover?
What conditions are covered?
What does “meets the definition” mean?
Is the payout taxed?
Does it cover my children?
Can I claim more than once?
Worried about how you’d cope if you fell ill?
We’ll compare policies on what they actually cover and show you the cost side by side.
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.