Stability
for Freelancers
A Critical Illness policy can help to provide financial stability if you're self-employed or freelance and can't claim sick pay.
Over 10,000 families protected*
Critical illness
cover
A serious illness diagnosis shouldn't mean financial hardship. Get a tax-free lump-sum payout so you can focus on what matters most — your recovery and your family.
Over 10,000 families protected*
What is
critical illness?
Critical illness cover can pay a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a condition listed in your policy and meet its definition. The money can help reduce financial pressure while you focus on treatment and recovery.
- Cover applies only to the conditions and definitions in the policy
- Use the payout towards your mortgage, rent or household bills
- Help with treatment costs or changes to your home
- Children’s cover may be included, depending on the policy
Why is critical illness important?
Critical illness cover can help with the financial impact of being diagnosed with a condition covered by your policy.
Stability
Financial Protection Against the Unexpected
You can never predict when critical illness may strike. Last year, several major insurers reported their youngest claimant to be between 21 and 22 years old.
Cover for
Your Kids
Depending on the policy, you could receive a payout of up to £25,000 if your child is diagnosed with a covered critical condition. Some policies also include £5,000 of funeral cover for up to three children.
Financial
Peace of Mind
A Critical Illness policy can help to support you and your family financially, so you can take the time to focus on recovery without worrying about the bills.
What does critical illness cover?
Understanding your policy clearly is essential. Here's what is and isn't included in a standard critical illness policy.
What's Usually Covered
- 35 Critical Illnesses, including cancer, strokes and heart attacks
- Enhanced payouts for certain types of cancer
- Waiver of premium and total permanent disability available as optional extras
- Cover against critical illness for up to 3 children
- £5,000 of funeral cover for up to three children
What's Not Covered
- Diagnosis of critical illnesses not listed in your policy
- Diagnosis of conditions that don't meet the severity specified
- Any pre-existing condition that the insurer decides to exclude
- Children younger than 30 days old or older than 18 (or 21 if in full-time education) are not eligible for critical illness benefits
- Children older than 18 (or 21 if in full-time education) are not eligible for £5,000 of funeral cover
- You must survive at least 10 days after your diagnosis to be able to make a claim
Typical critical illness claims
These are the most common conditions resulting in critical illness claims in the UK, based on industry data from the Association of British Insurers.
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Three steps towards
financial peace of mind
Fill in the form
Answer a few straightforward questions about you and the cover you’re looking for, then submit your details.
Talk to us
A member of our team will call to discuss your needs and explain the available options.
Review your options
Review the policy details carefully and decide whether the cover is right for you. We’re here if you have questions.
Critical Illness FAQs
Everything you need to know about critical illness cover.
Which conditions qualify for a critical illness payout?
Each insurer defines its own list of covered conditions and the severity criteria that a diagnosis must meet. Check the policy wording carefully because a diagnosis alone does not always qualify for a payout.
How is critical illness cover paid out?
A successful claim usually provides a one-off lump sum after diagnosis of a covered condition that meets the policy definition, subject to the policy terms, exclusions and any required survival period.
Does critical illness insurance include children's cover?
Some policies include children's critical illness cover as standard or offer it as an optional extra. The conditions, age limits and payout limits vary by insurer, so compare the specific policy terms.
Can I claim critical illness cover while I am still working?
A claim is generally based on meeting the policy's medical definition rather than whether you have stopped working, so you may be able to claim while still employed. The insurer will assess the diagnosis and policy terms.
Can I get critical illness cover with a pre-existing condition?
Cover may still be available, but the insurer may exclude the condition, charge a higher premium or decline cover depending on its underwriting assessment and your medical history.
Still have questions? Our team is here to help.