Critical Illness Cover

Financial support when serious illness strikes

A serious illness can turn life upside down overnight. Critical Illness Cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specified condition, giving you financial breathing space at a time when your focus needs to be on recovery.

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What is Critical Illness Cover?

Critical Illness Cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with one of the serious medical conditions listed in the policy, such as cancer, heart attack or stroke. It’s designed to reduce financial pressure at a time when your focus needs to be on recovery.

Lump sum payment

A one-off payment that can be used however you choose — from reducing your mortgage to covering treatment costs or taking time away from work.

Cover for specific serious illnesses

Each policy includes a defined list of conditions, with clear medical definitions outlining exactly when a claim can be made.

Use the money your way

There are no restrictions on how the payment is used — it’s there to support your circumstances, whatever they may be.

Standalone or combined cover

Critical Illness Cover can be taken on its own or combined with other protection policies, depending on how you want your protection structured.

Who should consider Critical Illness Cover?

Critical Illness Cover isn’t about planning for the worst — it’s about making sure serious illness doesn’t create financial stress on top of everything else.

Anyone who couldn’t afford a long time off work

A serious diagnosis can affect your income as well as your health. A lump sum can help cover bills, treatment costs and everyday expenses while you focus on recovery.

Families with people who rely on them

If your income supports children or dependants, Critical Illness Cover can help maintain financial stability during a difficult and uncertain time.

Those building layered protection

Critical Illness Cover works alongside Life Insurance and Income Protection, providing a lump sum that can help with larger, one-off costs or financial adjustments following a serious diagnosis — while your other cover continues as planned.

Self-employed or without sick pay

Without employer benefits to fall back on, a lump sum can provide crucial financial support if illness prevents you from working.

Critical Illness Cover FAQs

What is Critical Illness Cover? +

Critical Illness Cover is insurance that pays out a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy. It’s designed to give you financial breathing room during a very difficult time.

How is it different from Income Protection? +

Income Protection pays a regular monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Critical Illness Cover pays a one-off lump sum following the diagnosis of a serious condition, whether or not you’re able to continue working.

Do I need it if I already have savings? +

Savings can certainly help, but a serious illness can bring unexpected costs such as private treatment, home adaptations, or extended time away from work. Critical Illness Cover can help protect your savings and provide additional financial support when it’s needed most.

What conditions are covered? +

Each insurer has their own list of covered conditions, but most policies include cancer, heart attacks, strokes, multiple sclerosis, organ failure, and other major illnesses. The exact definitions vary, so it’s important to review the policy details carefully.

Helping Clients in Broadstairs, Thanet & Beyond

We’re proud to support clients across Kent—from Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate to Canterbury, Herne Bay and further afield. Wherever you are in your property and financial journey, we’re here to help.

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

IMPORTANT: With investments, your capital is at risk. Pensions and investments can go down in value as well as up, so you could get back less than you invest.

Need Financial Planning Ltd is registered in England and Wales no. 10901658. Registered office, 123 High Street, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1NQ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Need Financial Planning Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register https://register.fca.org.uk/ under reference 977136. If you wish to register a complaint, please write to [email protected] or telephone 01843 228800. A summary of our internal complaints handling procedures for the reasonable and prompt handling of complaints is available on request and if you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 0234 567.