Which critical illnesses are covered?
Different insurance policies cover different illnesses and there are various levels of cover available, starting from basic plans which cover core illnesses, to comprehensive plans which cover a larger range of illnesses and conditions. All critical illness policies should cover heart attacks, strokes and cancer.
How do I find out what is covered?
Your policy leaflet will contain information about which illnesses it covers. If you have lost the document, you can contact your insurance provider and quote your policy number. If you are looking to take out critical illness cover and you do not know which policy to go for, make sure you shop around and check the level of cover provided by different policies. Typically, cheaper packages protect against fewer illnesses but it may be worth paying a little more in return for more comprehensive cover.
Core illnesses
Most policies outline a list of core illnesses. These illnesses are usually fairly common and are covered by most policies. Examples of core illnesses include:
- Heart attacks.
- Coronary bypass surgery.
- Major organ transplant.
- Stroke.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Kidney failure.
- Cancer.
There are a number of additional conditions which may be covered by more comprehensive policies, including:
- Coma.
- Benign brain tumour.
- Blindness.
- Deafness.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Terminal illness.
- Paralysis or paraplegia.
- Third degree burns.
- Aorta graft surgery.
- Surgery to repair or replace a heart valve.
- Loss of limbs.
- Loss of speech.
- Motor neurone disease.
If you are deemed to have a serious illness and you want to make a claim, check your insurance policy to make sure you are covered and then contact your insurance provider.
Life Insurance
- Life Insurance - Intro
- Why should I consider buying critical illness cover?
- Which illnesses are covered?
- How do I compare critical illness cover policies?
- What is the cost of critical illness cover?
- Can I increase my cover after the policy starts?
- How do I make a claim?
- What is level term life insurance?
- What is mortgage protection insurance?
- What are critical illness policies?
- Will any exclusions apply to the critical illness cover?
- What types of critical illness policy are available?
- Who can take out critical illness cover?
- How do I apply for critical illness cover?
- What should I do if I want to complain?