Critical Illness Cover Insurance

What does Critical Illness Cover?

Critical Illness cover covers any serious illness such as heart attack, cancer or stroke. They also cover a variety of other serious illnesses and conditions as well as some physical disabilities following an injury. The conditions covered vary slightly between providers as well as the severity of the condition that is covered.

Why is it important to consider taking a Critical Illness Cover policy out?

Critical Illness cover is there as a safety net for your finances should you be in a position where you are diagnosed with, or suffer from a critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or a stroke **. The impact that a diagnosis of cancer, or from suffering a heart attack or stroke could have on your ability to work, and provide for your family could have long-lasting effects.

Having a Critical Illness policy in place will provide a lump sum to be able to cover any pressing financial commitments and alleviate the financial stress that an event like this could cause allowing you and your family to focus on getting well again.

How much does Critical Illness Cover Cost?

The cost of Critical Illness Cover is dependent on a variety of factors. The main factors that affect the cost are:

• Your age; the younger you take it out the cheaper it is
• Your current health and lifestyle
• Smoking and Alcohol consumption
• Any pre-existing conditions you have/have had
• The amount of cover and the term of the policy

There are two payment types/options when considering a Critical Illness Cover policy

• Guaranteed Premiums – the premium stays the same for the life of the policy. These tend to start off slightly more expensive but as long as the policy is not altered you will always pay the same the premium each month
• Reviewable premiums – these can often be cheaper to start with but are ‘age reviewed’ so in effect the premium increases slowly over time based on your age