Critical Illness Cover

Financial security if you'reseriously 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
1 in 4
Suffer critical illness before 65
50+
Conditions typically covered
100%
Tax-free payout

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.
02
Search the whole market
We compare policies from 20+ leading insurers on price, conditions covered, exclusions, and claims reputation.
03
Recommend the right policy
We recommend the policy that gives you the best combination of comprehensive cover and affordable premiums.
04
Arrange cover quickly
We handle the application and keep you updated. Most policies can be in place within days.

Related protection products

Life InsuranceIncome ProtectionMortgage Protection Insurance

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.

Get your free critical illness quote

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

Get a Free Initial QuoteCall 0844 884 9748

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