Which critical illnesses are covered?

Different policies cover different critical illnesses. Each policy will only cover the conditions set out in its key features leaflet, and no others. However, all critical illness policies cover cancer, heart attack and stroke.

We have published model definitions as a minimum standard for the most common critical illnesses covered. This means that insurance companies will assess claims for all these conditions using the same or more favourable definitions.

Please remember that the heading of each critical illness is only a guide to what is covered. For example, some types of cancer are not covered. The full definition under each heading shows what your policy covers. You can ask your insurance company for this information.

The model definitions are grouped into 'core' and 'additional' conditions. The 'core' conditions are generally the critical illnesses most likely to happen.

The "core" conditions are:

o cancer
o coronary artery by-pass surgery
o heart attack
o kidney failure
o major organ transplant
o multiple sclerosis
o stroke

The "additional" conditions are:

o aorta graft surgery
o benign brain tumour
o blindness
o coma
o deafness
o heart valve replacement or repair
o loss of limbs
o loss of speech
o motor neurone disease
o paralysis/paraplegia
o Parkinson's disease
o terminal illness
o third degree burns

Insurance companies may not cover all these critical illnesses but if they do, the company will use our model definitions or alternatives that give more cover.

Insurance companies may also cover other critical illnesses, for example total permanent disability, as well as those with model definitions.

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?