The core conditions every policy covers
Cancer, heart attack and stroke sit at the centre of every critical illness policy, whichever insurer you choose. Many UK insurers base their wording for these on model definitions set out by the Association of British Insurers, which gives a minimum standard across the market.
Beyond the core three, most policies list dozens of other conditions. Common examples include multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, major organ transplant, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease and heart bypass surgery. Some also cover permanent loss of sight, hearing or speech, and total permanent disability.
- Cancer (to the severity the policy specifies)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Kidney failure and major organ transplant
Why the definition matters more than the list
Two policies can both list the same condition and still pay out in different situations. The policy wording sets out exactly what must happen for a claim to succeed, such as how advanced a cancer must be or what tests must confirm a heart attack.
A long list of conditions looks impressive, but the quality of the definitions for the most common claims matters far more. When comparing policies, look closely at how each insurer defines cancer, heart attack and stroke. Many policies also require you to survive a short period after diagnosis, commonly a couple of weeks, before they pay.
Full payouts and severity-based payouts
Traditional policies pay the full sum assured for a qualifying condition, and the policy then ends. Some newer policies take a different approach and pay a percentage of the cover based on how severe the illness is. A less serious diagnosis might pay a smaller share, with the rest of the cover still available for a later claim.
Severity-based policies can pay out in more situations, but a serious illness at the lower end of their scale may pay less than a traditional plan would. Neither design is better for everyone, and the right choice depends on what you want the money to do.
Partial payments for less severe conditions
Many traditional policies also include additional or partial payments for conditions that fall short of the full definition. Examples include some early-stage cancers, certain types of heart surgery and some less invasive procedures. These usually pay a fixed amount or a percentage of your cover, often up to a set limit.
On some policies, a partial payment reduces the main sum assured. On others, the insurer pays it on top and your main cover stays the same. Check which approach a policy takes, because it changes how much you could receive if a condition later gets worse.
Children's critical illness cover
Many policies include cover for your children at no extra cost. If a child is diagnosed with a listed condition, the policy pays a set amount, which can help you take time off work to be with them. Cover usually applies from shortly after birth to a set age, often extending if they stay in full-time education.
The conditions, amounts and age limits vary by insurer, and some offer enhanced children's cover for an extra premium. A children's claim does not usually affect your own cover. Some policies also add small extras for children, such as a payment if a child needs a long hospital stay.
How Hi Tomorrow compares critical illness cover for you
We look beyond the number of conditions and compare the definitions that matter most, along with partial payments and children's cover. We explain how combined life and critical illness cover works, where a critical illness payout ends or reduces the life cover, compared with standalone policies that pay separately.
If you have health conditions, we help you complete the application accurately, because the medical questions shape what the policy covers. If the insurer adds an exclusion, we explain what it means in practice and check whether another insurer on our panel would offer cover without it. Acceptance and terms are always subject to the insurer's underwriting.