Our Services
Critical Illness Cover
A tax-free lump sum paid while you are alive if you are diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, a heart attack or a stroke, so you can focus on getting better rather than worrying about money.
40+
Serious conditions typically covered
Critical illness cover is designed to help when life takes an unexpected turn. If you are diagnosed with one of the serious conditions listed in your policy, and you meet the policy definition, it pays out a single tax-free lump sum. You can use the money however you wish, whether that is clearing your mortgage, paying for care, adapting your home or simply taking the pressure off while you recover. As an independent, FCA-regulated intermediary, we search the whole market and compare the conditions each insurer covers, so you understand exactly what you are buying.
What it typically covers
Every insurer publishes its own list of conditions and definitions, so cover varies. The conditions below are commonly included on comprehensive policies, but always check the policy wording for the exact definitions, caps and any partial payment terms.
Cancer
Most policies cover cancer of a defined severity, with smaller partial payments often available for some early-stage or less advanced cancers.
Heart attack
A heart attack that meets the policy definition is one of the core conditions on almost every critical illness plan.
Stroke
A stroke resulting in lasting symptoms, as set out in the policy wording, is typically covered.
Multiple sclerosis and other named conditions
Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and motor neurone disease are commonly included where the policy definition is met.
Major organ transplant or failure
Many policies cover a major organ transplant, or kidney failure and similar conditions, subject to the insurer's definitions.
40 to 80 conditions, depending on the plan
Cover ranges widely, with comprehensive plans listing anywhere from around 40 to over 80 conditions. More conditions and clearer definitions usually cost a little more.
Children's critical illness cover
Cover for your children can often be added, sometimes at no extra cost when bought alongside life cover. Terms, age limits and the payout amount vary by insurer.
How it works
Your diagnosis meets the policy definition
You are diagnosed with one of the conditions listed in your policy, and the diagnosis meets the specific definition the insurer sets out in the policy wording.
You survive a short survival period
Most policies require you to survive for a short period after diagnosis before a claim is paid, commonly 10 to 14 days, though this varies by insurer.
You receive a single tax-free lump sum
The insurer pays out one tax-free lump sum, up to the amount of cover you chose. The money is yours to use however you need.
Most policies then end
Critical illness cover is usually a single-payout plan, so once a full claim is paid the policy generally ends. Some plans offer partial payments that do not end the cover.
Life or critical illness vs life and critical illness
| Life or Critical Illness | Life and Critical Illness | |
|---|---|---|
| Pays out | Once, on the first event | Separately on each event |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Tighter budgets | Maximum protection |
Illustrative comparison only. Terms, definitions and prices vary by insurer and your circumstances.
How it differs from life insurance
Life insurance pays out when you die. Critical illness cover pays out while you are alive, if you are diagnosed with a serious condition that meets the policy definition. The two protect against different events, which is why many people consider both.
Combining it with life cover
Critical illness cover is often bought alongside life insurance. You can choose 'life or critical illness', which is cheaper and pays once on whichever happens first, or 'life and critical illness', which can pay out on both as separate claims. We will explain the trade-offs so you can pick what suits your budget.
Why people choose critical illness cover
Protection that pays out
Insurers pay the overwhelming majority of protection claims. The most common reason a claim is declined is information left off the application, which is exactly what good advice helps you avoid.
Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI) protection claims data. Figures are illustrative industry averages and vary by insurer and year.
Insurers we compare
Whole of market, independent advice
We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare cover and price across the UK's leading protection providers to find the right fit for you and your family.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Dariusz Karpowicz
Chief Executive Officer, Cert CII (MP)
Ilona Karpowicz
Protection Adviser
Speak to a real adviser, not a call centre
Your protection advice is handled personally by our advisers, with no pressure and no jargon. We explain your options in plain English, arrange the right cover and stay with you at claim time.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN 769375.
Have a question? Message us on WhatsApp
Get friendly, no-obligation advice from an FCA-regulated, English-speaking adviser. We compare cover from across the market.
We reply fastest on WhatsApp, message us anytime.
Speak to an adviser today
Leave your details and we will call you back at a time that suits you, with no obligation.
Albion Financial Advice is an independent intermediary, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We advise on and arrange protection cover, we are not an insurer.
Cover, the conditions covered and their definitions vary between insurers, and any payout is subject to the policy definitions, exclusions and survival period. Prices are illustrative and depend on your circumstances. This is marketing information and not the full policy terms.