A tax-free lump sum when you need it most.
Critical illness cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with cancer, a heart attack, a stroke, or one of 40+ covered conditions. Your adviser finds your best-value policy from 30+ insurers.
How it works
Diagnosed with a covered condition: cancer, heart attack, stroke, and 40+ more
What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover pays you a tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with one of the serious conditions listed in your policy (things like cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke). You receive the money directly, with no restrictions on how you use it.
It's different from life insurance, which pays out when you die. Critical illness cover pays out while you're still alive, giving you financial breathing room at exactly the time you need it most.
You can use the payout to pay off your mortgage, cover lost income, fund private treatment, adapt your home, or simply take time to recover without worrying about money.
Important: Payouts are subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. Each insurer has its own definitions of covered conditions. Your adviser will explain exactly what is and isn't covered before you take out a policy.
Critical illness policies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Albot works with qualified protection advisers who are authorised and regulated by the FCA, so you're protected by strict rules on fair treatment and clear advice.
Commonly covered conditions
Most policies cover 40+ conditions
No restrictions on how you spend it
The lump sum is yours to spend however you need. Here are the most common ways people use a critical illness payout.
Pay off your mortgage
Clear the debt on your home so you can focus on recovery, not repayments. Your family stays in their home whatever happens.
Replace lost income
If you can't work during treatment or recovery, the lump sum bridges the gap. Keep your household running without drawing on savings.
Fund private treatment
Access specialist consultants, faster treatment, or therapies not available on the NHS. Get the best care available when timing matters.
Adapt your home
Make modifications for mobility, accessibility, or care at home. Cover the cost of a ground floor bedroom, stairlift, or wet room.
Cover childcare costs
Keep life as normal as possible for your children. Cover nursery fees, school runs, or additional childcare while you recover.
Buy yourself time
Take time off work to recover properly without financial pressure. Use the lump sum as a financial runway, on your terms.
The cover that works when you can't
A serious diagnosis changes everything. Critical illness cover gives you the financial certainty to focus on recovery instead of worrying about money.
Tax-free lump sum
The payout is completely tax-free. You receive the full amount with no deductions and no restrictions on how you spend it.
Pays out while you're alive
Unlike life insurance, critical illness cover pays when you need it most, on diagnosis. You're here to use the money and protect your family.
40+ conditions covered
Most policies cover over 40 serious conditions. Cancer, heart attack, stroke, and many more. Your adviser finds policies with broad, clear definitions.
Children's cover often included
Many policies automatically include a level of critical illness cover for your children at no extra cost, giving you peace of mind for the whole family.
Can be combined with life cover
Critical illness and life cover can be combined in a single policy or taken separately. Your adviser structures the right cover for your needs and budget.
Premiums fixed from day one
With a level or decreasing policy, your monthly premium is fixed at the start. Your cover won't cost more over time, so you can budget with confidence.
Your cover sorted in three steps
Simple, fast, and handled by a qualified adviser from start to finish.
Answer a few questions
Tell us your age, health, how much cover you need, and how long for. Takes under 2 minutes.
⏱ Under 2 minutesSee your best options
Albot compares 30+ insurers and shows you the best-value policies for your situation and budget.
⚡ 30+ insurers comparedAdviser sets it up for you
A qualified protection adviser reviews your needs, confirms your cover, and handles all the paperwork.
👤 FCA regulatedCommon questions about critical illness cover
Everything you need to know before you take out a policy.
What conditions does critical illness cover pay out for?
Most policies cover 40 or more conditions, with cancer, heart attack, and stroke being the most commonly claimed. Other conditions typically include multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, major organ transplant, heart bypass surgery, and total permanent disability. Each insurer has its own specific definitions, and your adviser will explain what's covered before you commit.
How is critical illness cover different from life insurance?
Life insurance pays a lump sum when you die. Critical illness cover pays a lump sum when you're diagnosed with a serious condition listed in the policy, while you're still alive. The two can work together: critical illness cover supports you through a serious illness, while life insurance protects your family if you die.
How much critical illness cover do I need?
A good starting point is enough to cover your outstanding mortgage, plus 12–24 months of living expenses. Many people also factor in the cost of private treatment or home adaptations. Your adviser will help you calculate the right level of cover for your specific circumstances and budget.
Does critical illness cover pay out for all types of cancer?
Most policies cover cancer that requires active treatment, but some early-stage or lower-severity cancers may not qualify for the full payout, though many insurers include partial payments for these. The exact definition varies between insurers, which is why it's important to have an adviser compare policies and explain the small print clearly.
Can I get critical illness cover if I have a pre-existing condition?
Yes, in many cases. Insurers assess each application individually. A pre-existing condition may mean certain conditions are excluded from your policy, or that your premium is higher. But many people with health history still find suitable cover. Your adviser will search across 30+ insurers to find the most suitable option.
What happens if I make a claim?
You notify your insurer as soon as possible after diagnosis and provide medical evidence of the condition. Once the claim is validated against your policy terms, the lump sum is paid directly to you, usually within a few weeks of the claim being approved. The money is yours to use however you need it.
Get your critical illness cover sorted today
Compare 30+ insurers, get a free quote, and speak to a qualified adviser. No commitment, no obligation, won't affect your credit score.
Get my free quoteCritical illness cover pays out subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on the insurer's definitions of covered conditions at time of claim.
Albot is an introducer and technology platform. Protection advice is provided by qualified advisers who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your policy details, premiums, and conditions will be confirmed by your adviser before you proceed.