Financial support when a serious illness changes everything.
Critical illness insurance can provide a lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with a qualifying condition covered by the policy. Learn how critical illness cover works, what policies may cover, what affects the cost and how it differs from other forms of financial protection.
Start with the financial impact, not just a number.
Use this simple educational calculator to estimate a possible critical illness cover figure based on household commitments, savings and selected financial priorities.
What could a lump sum help you manage?
A qualifying critical illness payout is generally a lump sum. Depending on your circumstances, it could potentially be used toward financial commitments such as mortgage costs, household expenses or other priorities.
Estimate your cover
Enter simple figures to create an illustrative planning estimate.
A lump sum can give you more financial flexibility after a qualifying diagnosis.
Critical illness insurance is designed to pay a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition covered by the policy and meet the policy's claim requirements.
Unlike income protection, which is generally structured around replacing part of an income when you cannot work, critical illness cover is typically based on a qualifying diagnosis. The payment can therefore provide flexibility in how the money is used, subject to the circumstances and policy terms.
Critical illness policies can cover specific serious conditions.
The exact list varies between insurers and policies. Always check the policy wording for definitions, severity requirements, exclusions and claim conditions.
Heart Attack
Some policies cover qualifying heart attacks subject to the policy's medical definition and severity criteria.
Stroke
Stroke may be included where the diagnosis meets the specific definition set out in the policy.
Some Cancers
Policies can cover certain cancers, but may exclude less advanced forms or conditions that do not meet defined criteria.
Multiple Sclerosis
Some policies include multiple sclerosis subject to their particular medical definition and claim requirements.
Organ Conditions
Certain serious organ-related conditions or failures can be covered depending on the policy.
Other Serious Conditions
Some providers offer broader lists of qualifying conditions. Coverage should always be checked against the actual policy.
Critical illness, life insurance and income protection are different.
Understanding the purpose of each type of cover can help you identify what role different policies could play in a wider financial protection plan.
Critical illness cover can be particularly relevant when a serious diagnosis could create financial pressure.
Your circumstances, savings, existing insurance and household commitments should all be considered before deciding whether this type of cover is appropriate.
Mortgage Holders
A serious illness could affect your ability to meet mortgage commitments or other household costs.
Parents
Families may want to consider how a serious illness could affect childcare, household spending and financial plans.
Self-Employed People
Those without strong employer benefits may want to examine how a serious illness could affect their finances.
Single-Income Households
Where one income supports a large share of household costs, additional protection may deserve consideration.
More practical UK personal finance guides.
Keep exploring GrowthSmartly for useful guides covering insurance, taxes, savings, investments, property and other personal finance topics.
Common questions about critical illness cover in the UK.
These answers are for general education. Always check the policy wording and insurer requirements before making an insurance decision.
Understand your options before choosing critical illness cover.
Use the calculator as a starting point, compare different types of protection and explore the wider GrowthSmartly insurance guides.