What is the cost?

For most policies you must pay a regular premium, either every month or once a year, and the amount of cover you can buy obviously depends on the premium you can afford. The size of your premium depends on your age, sex, health, occupation, whether or not you smoke, the amount and type of cover you need and how long you need the cover for. Your financial adviser or insurance company will be able to give you more information on this.

Over the life of the policy, the premiums may increase. Any possible increases, and the reasons for them, will be explained in the policy's key features leaflet. Some companies offer policies which guarantee never to increase the premium during the term of the contract.

If you find that you can no longer afford the premiums you should contact your financial adviser or insurance company. They will tell you if there are any options available to you.

1. What is level term life insurance?
2. What is mortgage protection insurance?
3. Why should I consider buying critical illness cover?
4. What are critical illness policies?
5. Which illnesses are covered?
6. Will any exclusions apply to the critical illness cover?
7. How do I compare critical illness cover policies?
8. What types of critical illness policy are available?
9. What is the cost of critical illness cover?
10. Who can take out critical illness cover?
11. Can I increase my cover after the policy starts?
12. How do I apply for critical illness cover?
13. How do I make a claim?
14. What should I do if I want to complain?