Critical illness protection (sometimes referred to as critical illness insurance) provides a lump sum pay out if you are diagnosed with a specified life-changing (but not terminal) illness, covered by your policy.
This pay out is tax-free and can be used for whatever you deem necessary, including:
Sadly, one in two UK residents get a critical illness over the course of their lifetime. Now that’s something to think about. It’s a staggering number that means half of Brits may be left in a sticky financial dilemma.
For instance; would you be able to cover your bills if you were unable to work due to a critical illness. Often, we see Critical Illness Cover bail out hard working families and save them from:
Generally speaking, there are two types of critical illness; combined cover and standalone cover. Combined cover is when a critical illness element is added to a life insurance policy. The two must be taken out simultaneously and as a result, you only pay one monthly premium. Nice.
Whilst this is usually cheaper compared with having two separate policies, it does mean that the policy will only pay out once. Therefore, if you make a claim when diagnosed with a critical illness, your policy will expire and you will be left without life insurance.
A standalone policy, on the other hand, involves paying for a separate critical illness policy. Bear in mind this is generally more expensive. However, it does mean that you’re still covered if you were to claim. This type of policy can run alongside life insurance cover or be your only layer of protection.
Either way, if you are diagnosed with a critical illness, you can make a claim and any other forms of cover you have will remain intact.