Critical Illness Insurance | Compare quotes

Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specified serious condition — helping you focus on recovery, not finances. Compare leading UK insurers in minutes. No obligation.

What Is Critical Illness Insurance?

Critical Illness Insurance provides a tax-free lump sum payout if you’re diagnosed with a serious medical condition covered by your policy. Common conditions include cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other life-changing illnesses.

Unlike income protection, which pays a monthly income, critical illness cover pays one single lump sum. This money can be used however you choose — to pay off a mortgage, cover medical costs, adapt your home, replace lost income, or give you financial breathing room during recovery.

A serious illness can place enormous strain on both your health and finances. Even with NHS care, you may face reduced income, extra expenses, or long recovery periods. Critical illness cover exists to remove financial pressure at one of the most challenging times in your life.

Policies can be taken out on their own or combined with life insurance for broader protection. At Insured Life, we help you compare definitions, payout conditions and insurer strength — ensuring you choose cover that genuinely pays out when you need it.

Flexible Plans

Flexible coverage, and plans that suit your needs. With access to compare the market we can provide cover from as little as £5 per month.

FCA Regulated

Fully licenced and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Quick and Simple

Quick and simple application process. Simply request a quote and our team will compare the market for the best deals.

Trusted

We have provided life insurance for 100's of families across the UK, with excellent reviews on Google and TrustPilot.

Key Features to Compare Before Buying Critical Illness Insurance

Number of Conditions Covered

Some policies cover 40+ conditions, others 100+. Quality of definitions matters more than quantity.

Condition Definitions

Different insurers define illnesses differently — especially cancer, heart attack and stroke.

Severity Thresholds

Some conditions only pay out at advanced stages.

Partial Payouts

Some policies offer smaller payouts for less severe diagnoses.

Child Critical Illness Cover

Often included as standard or optional.

Premium Type

Guaranteed premiums = predictable costs
Reviewable premiums = may increase

Combined vs Standalone

Combined life & critical illness is often more cost-effective.

Exclusions & Waiting Periods

Check for pre-existing condition exclusions and early-claim restrictions.

How to get Critical Illness Cover

Fill in our form

Just a few simple questions that should take no more 1 minute to complete.

We'll call you

One of our team will call you to discuss your cover needs in more detail.

Choose your cover

We will share with you the best cover for your needs from the market. Once you confirm we will take care of the rest. Simple.

Who Needs Critical Illness Insurance?

Critical illness cover is suitable for anyone who would struggle financially after a serious diagnosis.

Homeowners

A lump sum can help clear your mortgage or reduce monthly repayments during recovery.

Parents & Families

Serious illness affects the whole household. Cover ensures financial stability while you focus on your health.

Self-Employed Workers

No sick pay or employer benefits means critical illness cover can be vital.

Single Income Households

If your income supports others, a diagnosis could have immediate financial consequences.

People With Limited Savings

Many households couldn’t cover months of lost income or additional expenses without support.

Extra Protection

Even with income protection, a lump sum can help with adaptations, private care, or time off work.

Trusted Critical Illness Insurance Advisor

How Much Does Critical Illness Insurance Cost?

The cost of critical illness insurance depends on several personal and policy factors:

Younger applicants usually pay lower premiums.

Pre-existing conditions can affect eligibility, cost or exclusions.

Smokers typically pay higher premiums.

Larger lump sums increase premiums.

Longer terms cost more than shorter ones.

Critical Illness Insurance FAQs

Does critical illness cover pay out for all cancers?

Not always. Some early or low-grade cancers may not qualify. This is why definitions are crucial.

Is the payout tax-free?

Yes, critical illness payouts are usually tax-free.

Can I claim more than once?

Most policies pay once and end, though some offer partial payouts for multiple conditions.

Can I get cover with a medical history?

Often yes, though exclusions or higher premiums may apply.

Is it better combined with life insurance?

Often yes — it’s usually cheaper and simpler.

Does it replace income protection?

No. It provides a lump sum, not ongoing income. Many people choose both.

Why Choose Insured Life for Critical Illness Cover?

Critical illness policies are complex — and choosing the wrong one can mean no payout when you need it most. Insured Life removes that risk by comparing definitions, exclusions and pricing across leading insurers.

Our advisers explain everything clearly, ensuring you understand exactly what you’re covered for. We’re independent, FCA authorised, and our service is completely free.

By comparing multiple providers, we often secure better pricing and stronger cover than going direct — with full support from quote to claim.

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Financial Support When You’re Diagnosed With a Serious Illness