MBA FINANCIAL LTD
Critical Illness
What it does – Critical illness cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a major illness, including cancer and heart disease. Actual illnesses covered in a policy may vary between providers.
How it works – Many insurers will make a part payment on an early-stage diagnosis of a condition specified in the policy; the percentage will vary from company to company.
What you need to know – Many people buy a combined life and critical illness policy, and it makes sense to do so. In this case, a payment would be made on either diagnosis of a critical illness as defined in the policy, or death, whichever is the sooner. If the cover is combined in this way, the policy premium is usually cheaper than it would be for separate policies, as there is only ever one lump sum paid out by the insurance company.