Critical illness cover
Critical illness cover advice
Critical illness cover pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a condition defined in the policy and meet its terms. It can give financial breathing space during recovery.
Advice by Charlene McGuire, mortgage and protection adviser with 25 years' experience, based in North Lanarkshire.
Protection policies have terms, conditions and exclusions. Cover depends on the information you give the insurer being accurate and complete.
Definitions matter
Each insurer lists the conditions it covers and how they are defined. Not every illness is covered, and some conditions only pay out at a certain severity.
Things to consider
- Which conditions are covered and how they are defined.
- Whether children's cover or partial payments are included.
- Exclusions linked to pre-existing conditions.
- How cover combines with life insurance.
Local critical illness advice
Charlene is based in Muirhead and Chryston in North Lanarkshire and advises clients across Moodiesburn, Gartcosh, Glenboig, Stepps, Cumbernauld, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Glasgow and surrounding areas. Appointments can be face to face locally, or by phone or video if that suits you better.
Common questions
Is critical illness cover the same as income protection?
No. Critical illness cover usually pays a single lump sum on diagnosis of a defined condition. Income protection pays a regular amount while you can't work.
Is critical illness cover worth it?
It depends on your savings, sick pay, household and mortgage. It can provide a lump sum to clear or reduce debts while you recover, but it only pays out for conditions defined in the policy.
Can I add critical illness cover to life insurance?
Yes, many policies combine the two. Combined policies usually pay out once, on whichever claim happens first.
Ready to talk it through?
Send an enquiry and Charlene will get in touch to understand your plans and explain what the next steps could look like.