Is the cheapest policy the best?

Rarely. Condition definitions vary hugely between insurers, so a slightly higher premium often buys a far better chance of a successful claim.

Can I add it to life insurance?

Yes. Combined policies are cheaper, but pay out only once. Standalone policies cost more and keep both benefits intact.

Are children covered?

Most modern policies include children's cover as standard, typically up to £25,000 per child.

All cover types

Critical Illness Cover

A tax-free lump sum on diagnosis, not on death.

Pays out when you're diagnosed with a covered condition such as cancer, heart attack or stroke — money you can use for treatment, adaptations or simply time off.

From £15 a month1 in 2 people in the UK will face cancer

Covers 50–170 defined conditions depending on insurer
Partial payouts for early-stage cancers
Children's critical illness benefit options
Can be combined with life cover to reduce cost
Quality of definitions compared, not just price

Step 2 of 3

Takes 60 seconds

A few basics

Everything here is optional — it just sharpens your quotes.

Date of birth

Postcode

Have you smoked or vaped in the last 12 months?

Rough monthly budget

Employment

Do you already have cover in place?

No credit check. No obligation. Your details go to one FCA-regulated adviser only.

Compared acrossVitalityAIGLegal & GeneralZurichGuardianRoyal London

Critical Illness Cover questions, answered plainly

4.9/5 from 2,800+ households

Other cover worth comparing

Private Medical Insurance

Skip the wait. See a specialist in days, not months.

Life Insurance

A tax-efficient lump sum for the people you leave behind.

Income Protection

Up to 70% of your salary if illness stops you working.