Could you afford a serious illness? Why Critical Illness Cover matters?

What is Critical Illness Cover (CIC) and how does it work?

Have you considered how a serious illness could affect your financial stability? Critical Illness Cover can help maintain your lifestyle and protect your finances during recovery, and is a common part of financial planning in the UK. Unlike standard health insurance, CIC provides a tax-free lump sum payout upon diagnosis of specified serious illnesses.

A couple holding hands

Why would I need Critical Illness Cover?

The financial support you get from a payout can be used for various purposes, including:

- covering medical expenses, 

- maintaining living standards, 

- adapting your home to accommodate new health needs.

CIC can safeguard your business interests during periods of recovery and serves as a strategic tool to preserve wealth, ensuring that unforeseen health crises do not erode accumulated assets or disrupt business operations. 

Above all, a lump sum payout offers immediate relief and provides peace of mind in a moment when stress levels will inevitably be high. You will be better able to focus on recovery without the added stress of financial burdens.

What illnesses does Critical Illness Cover include?

The exact list of illnesses covered can vary dependent on the insurer, but most UK providers cover major conditions such as:

You should check each individual policy, as cover can vary by insurer.

Cancer (66% of all claims – royallondon.com)

Heart attack (13% of all claims – legalandgeneral.com)

Stroke

Multiple sclerosis

Major organ transplant

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Kidney failure

Blindness (permanent and irreversible)

Deafness (permanent and irreversible)

Loss of limbs

Paralysis of limbs

Motor neurone disease

Parkinson’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease or dementia (before a certain age)

Benign brain tumour

Is Critical Illness Cover worth it? Key benefits and extra features

For many UK families, Critical Illness Cover offers both practical and emotional support.  It can provide financial security in the face of serious health challenges, offering peace of mind and financial stability during recovery and acts as a safeguard to protect wealth and business interests. 

Some insurers offer additional benefits, such as access to GP, physio and wellbeing services, as well as subsidised gym memberships which can be particularly valuable for anyone seeking comprehensive care options. LV reported an 24% increase in usage of their doctor services which is not surprising considering the difficulty many face with booking a GP appointment through the NHS.

Policies can be tailored to individual needs, with coverage amounts and terms adjusted based on factors such as age, health, and lifestyle.

Given the complexities and variations in policy terms, consulting with a financial advisor can help individuals select the most appropriate coverage to align with their specific circumstances and financial goals.

Get expert advice on Critical Illness Cover options

Remember, all decisions should be considered in the context of your own personal circumstances.

If you wish to discuss your protection options or your financial position, please contact one of our advisers, who can help you compare Critical Illness Cover options from leading UK insurers.

You can reach us at info@thepennygroup.co.uk or on 0207 061 2345.

The Penny Group Ltd is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 19/06/2025