By: Sarah Williams

Critical illness protection is an invaluable resource for those living in the UK. It provides support in the event of a serious illness, and can help to protect the financial security of individuals and families. This guide will provide an overview of critical illness protection available in the UK, as well as advice on how to choose the right policy for your needs. We’ll also discuss how critical illness protection can help to provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. Read on to learn more about how critical illness protection can help you and your family.

What is critical illness?

Critical illness protection, also known as critical illness insurance, is a type of insurance policy that provides financial support to individuals and families in the event that they are diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening illness. It is an option that can be added when you take out a life insurance policy as an extra cost.

One of the main reasons for purchasing critical illness protection is to help cover the financial burden that can come with a serious illness. The policy pays out a cash sum if you are diagnosed with a critical illness, as named in your policy, which can be used to help with child care costs, household bills or to help maintain your standard of living if you're forced to take time off work to recover. The policyholder typically has the flexibility to choose the length of coverage and the amount of financial support they would like to receive.

Many insurers also offer child critical illness insurance. This type of policy provides financial support for parents or guardians in the event that their child is diagnosed with a critical illness. The policy will typically pay out a lump sum or provide ongoing financial support to help cover medical expenses and other costs associated with the child's illness. Child critical illness enables parents to take time off work to be with their child when they are unwell without worrying about finances.

Understanding critical illness cover in the UK

When purchasing critical illness protection, it is important to understand the details of the policy, including the specific illnesses covered and the amount of financial support that will be provided. Many policies in the UK will cover a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, heart attack, stroke, and multiple sclerosis, among others. However, not all policies will cover the same illnesses and conditions, so you need to carefully review the terms and conditions of a policy before purchasing it, understand what is covered and compare it with other options. The amount of coverage provided can vary widely depending on the policy, and it's very important to understand exactly what amount is covered and how it will be paid out. It is also important to ensure that the policy will provide the level of financial support that is needed, considering the costs associated with the specific illness, the policyholder's income and other financial factors.

How we can help

Critical illness protection can provide valuable financial support to individuals and families in the UK who are faced with the financial burden of a serious illness. By helping to cover costs, the policy provides peace of mind for the policyholder and their loved ones. It is important to understand the coverage, compare policies and to understand the details of the policy you choose.
 

If you need advice on critical illness insurance, contact us to speak to one of our qualified protection advisors today.