What types of policy are available?

A wide choice of policy is available. So it is important that you choose the policy and cover that is right for you.

You can choose critical illness cover as an extra benefit on a life assurance policy. This usually means that the policy pays out if you die or suffer a critical illness. These plans generally only pay out once and then end - so they don't continue to provide life cover after paying a critical illness claim.

Many people want to protect their mortgage, and most mortgage plans allow you to include life cover and critical illness cover.

You may prefer to buy critical illness cover as a separate plan, for example if you already have all the life cover you need.

You should also think about how long you want the cover for. You can choose cover for a set number of years, perhaps until your mortgage is paid off. Or you can choose a plan that has no fixed period, so you can keep the cover for as long as you need it.

Many plans automatically provide some critical illness cover for your children. If you have a family, you may want to consider a plan with this benefit.

Your financial adviser or insurance company will be able to help you decide which type of plan will best meet your needs, as well as answering any questions you have about the policy you are considering.

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?