Look beyond the condition count
A longer list of conditions does not tell you everything. The definitions, required severity, exclusions and any survival period determine when the policy can pay. We explain the relevant detail rather than comparing policies by their headlines alone.
Full and additional payments
Some policies include smaller payments for specified conditions alongside their main benefit. The payment amount and its effect on remaining cover vary. We check those rules when assessing the options.
Children's cover
Cover for children may be included or available at extra cost. Eligible ages, conditions and claim limits differ. It is worth examining what the benefit would actually do for your family.
Combined with life insurance or separate?
A critical illness payout can reduce or end life cover when benefits are linked. A separate arrangement can work differently. We explain the structure you are considering, including what cover would remain after a claim.
What it does not do
Critical illness insurance does not cover every illness or automatically replace your salary whenever you cannot work. Income protection meets a different need. Diagnosis alone is not enough unless it satisfies the policy definition and other conditions.
Can I use the payment for everyday costs? A lump-sum benefit generally gives you flexibility over how to use it. Consider the size of the financial gap you want to address.
Is terminal illness cover the same thing? No. Terminal illness benefits and critical illness benefits have different claim conditions.
Related reading: Children's critical illness cover; Life cover after a claim; Why similar prices can mean different cover.