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Critical Illness Cover London

Critical illness insurance London,financial security if you're seriously ill

1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. A critical illness diagnosis doesn't just affect your health. It affects your income, your mortgage, and your family. Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum so you can focus on recovery, not finances.

50+ conditions coveredTax-free lump sumChildren's cover includedCombined with life cover
Call 0844 884 9748, Mon–Sat 9am–7pm
Step 1 of 3

What type of protection do you need?

Select all that apply. We will find the right solution for you.

1 in 2
People diagnosed with cancer
Source: Cancer Research UK
1 in 4
Suffer critical illness before 65
Source: ABI
50+
Conditions typically covered
Leading policy comparison
100%
Tax-free payout
HMRC rules apply

What conditions are covered?

Most critical illness policies cover a core set of serious conditions. Premium policies may cover 50 or more conditions. We compare the breadth of cover, not just the price, to ensure you are properly protected.

Cancer (excluding minor)
Heart attack
Stroke
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Kidney failure
Major organ transplant
Heart valve replacement
Coronary artery bypass
Total permanent disability
Loss of limbs
Loss of sight or hearing

Plus many more conditions depending on the policy selected. We will review the full policy wording with you.

How we find your best policy

01
Understand your needs
We discuss your mortgage, income, family situation, and health to understand exactly what level of cover you need and which policy type, whether standalone or combined with life cover, is right for you.
02
Compare the whole market
We compare policies from 20+ leading insurers on price, number and quality of conditions covered, exclusions, and claims reputation. Not all critical illness policies are equal.
03
Recommend the right policy
We recommend the policy that gives you the best combination of comprehensive cover and affordable premiums, often a combined life and critical illness policy for best value.
04
Arrange cover quickly
We handle the application and keep you updated. Most policies can be in place within days of your initial application.

What critical illness cover pays for, and what it does not

Covered

  • Diagnosis of a specified critical illness
  • Cancer (excluding minor/early-stage)
  • Heart attack meeting specified severity
  • Stroke with permanent symptoms
  • Total permanent disability
  • Children's critical illness (most policies)
  • Pay the payout however you choose
  • Pays while you are still alive

Not covered

  • Conditions not on the defined list
  • Minor cancers or pre-cancers (most policies)
  • Pre-existing conditions (usually excluded)
  • Conditions that do not meet the severity definition
  • Non-disclosure of medical history at application
  • Illnesses occurring after the policy term ends

Critical illness cover cost guide: 2026

Indicative monthly premiums for a healthy non-smoking individual. Critical illness is typically 3–5× the cost of equivalent life cover.

Age£100k CI only (20yr)£200k CI only (25yr)£200k combined life + CI
30~£25/month~£45/month~£55/month
35~£38/month~£68/month~£82/month
40~£60/month~£110/month~£130/month
45~£100/month~£185/month~£210/month

Premiums are indicative only and vary significantly by health, smoker status, occupation, and insurer. We compare the whole market to find your right rate.

How much critical illness cover do I need?

At minimum, you should have enough to pay off your mortgage so that even if you are too ill to work, your home is secure. Beyond that, consider the following:

Example: London homeowner, aged 38

  • Mortgage balance: £450,000
  • Estimated treatment/adaptation costs: £25,000
  • Lost income during recovery (6–12 months): £50,000
  • Emergency fund buffer: £15,000
  • Recommended minimum sum assured: ~£540,000

A 25-year combined life and critical illness policy at this level would cost approximately £160–£200 per month for a 38-year-old non-smoker.

The 3–5× salary rule is a useful shorthand: if you earn £60,000, aim for £180,000–£300,000 of critical illness cover. However, London's higher mortgage balances mean the mortgage-clearance approach often gives a higher, and more appropriate, figure.

Critical illness cover FAQs

What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness, such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, or multiple sclerosis, during the policy term. You can use the payout however you need: to pay off your mortgage, fund treatment, adapt your home, or replace lost income.
What illnesses are covered by critical illness insurance?
Most policies cover a core list of serious conditions including cancer (excluding minor), heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, kidney failure, major organ transplant, and total permanent disability. Some providers cover 50+ conditions. We compare policies on the breadth and quality of cover, not just price.
Can I combine critical illness cover with life insurance?
Yes, a combined life and critical illness policy is very common and usually more cost-effective than two separate policies. It pays out on diagnosis of a covered condition or on death. We will advise whether a combined policy or separate policies better suit your needs and budget.
How much critical illness cover do I need?
At minimum, enough to clear your mortgage so your home is secure if you are too ill to work. Many people also factor in lost income, medical costs, and home adaptations. A typical rule of thumb is 3–5 times your annual salary, but we will calculate the right amount for your specific circumstances.
Will a pre-existing condition affect my critical illness cover?
Pre-existing conditions may result in a specific exclusion for that condition, or a higher premium. However, you can still get cover. Insurers will often cover other illnesses not related to your existing condition. We search the whole market to find the best available terms for your health profile.
How does critical illness differ from income protection?
Critical illness pays a one-off lump sum on diagnosis of a specified illness. Income protection pays a regular income (replacing a percentage of your salary) for as long as you are unable to work, including from any illness or injury, not just a defined list. Many people benefit from having both types of cover.
How much does critical illness cover cost in 2026?
Critical illness cover typically costs 3–5× more than equivalent life cover, reflecting the higher probability of a claim. A healthy non-smoker aged 30 might pay £30–£50 per month for £200,000 of standalone critical illness cover. A combined life and critical illness policy is often better value. We compare the market to find the most competitive premiums for your age and health.
What is the difference between life insurance and critical illness cover?
Life insurance only pays out if you die during the policy term. Critical illness cover pays out if you are diagnosed with one of the covered conditions, even if you survive. Many serious conditions like cancer or heart attack leave you unable to work and facing large costs, yet you are still alive. That is exactly when critical illness cover pays out. Having both provides comprehensive financial protection.
Does critical illness cover pay out for cancer?
Yes, cancer is typically the most common claim on critical illness policies. However, most policies exclude early-stage or minor cancers (such as some skin cancers or very early carcinomas in situ). The exact definition varies between insurers, which is why we compare policy wordings carefully, not just price, to ensure you get the broadest cancer cover available.
Can I get critical illness cover with a mortgage in London?
Yes. Critical illness cover is one of the most important protections for London mortgage-holders, given that high property prices mean mortgage payments are large. If a serious diagnosis forced you to stop working, could your family meet the mortgage from savings alone? Most people cannot. That is why critical illness cover is so valuable. We help you arrange it at the same time as your mortgage.

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We compare 20+ leading UK insurers to find you the most comprehensive cover at the right price. Serving all of Greater London.

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Mortgage International is an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Ref: 478810).

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