# How to compare critical illness cover in the UK

> Insurance · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## Quick answer

Compare critical illness cover on the number and definition of conditions covered, survival period, children’s cover, premium type (guaranteed vs reviewable), and whether it is standalone or combined with life insurance. ABI+ definitions are the industry standard for core conditions.

Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness. Policies vary widely in which conditions count and how strictly they are defined. This guide explains how to compare policies fairly and when income protection may suit better.

## Key facts

- Core conditions: cancer, heart attack and stroke — check ABI+ standard definitions
- Survival period: typically 14 days — death within that window may not pay CI but may pay life cover
- Standalone CI vs life insurance with CI rider — standalone can be clearer on definitions
- Children's CI cover is often an optional extra paying a percentage of adult sum assured
- Income protection pays on inability to work; CI pays on diagnosis of listed conditions

## Definitions matter more than condition count

A policy listing 100 conditions is not automatically better than one listing 50 — read the definition for cancer (early-stage cover varies), heart attack (severity thresholds) and stroke (neurological deficit requirements).

ABI+ definitions set minimum standards for core conditions. Policies using them are easier to compare.

## Premium types and cover amount

Guaranteed premiums stay fixed for the policy term. Reviewable premiums start lower but can rise at insurer review points.

Common cover amount: 3–5× annual salary or enough to clear mortgage plus living costs. Use our critical illness guide for condition lists.

## Critical illness vs income protection

CI pays once on diagnosis of a listed condition — useful for mortgage clearance or medical costs. Income protection pays a monthly income if you cannot work due to illness or disability.

Many working-age households need income protection first; CI suits those with dependants and mortgage debt wanting a lump sum.

See our critical illness vs income protection comparison.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does critical illness cover pay on terminal illness?

Many combined life and CI policies pay the life sum early on terminal illness diagnosis. Standalone CI policies vary — check the policy summary.

### Are premiums tax-deductible?

No for personal policies. Business policies may have different tax treatment — ask your accountant.

### Can I get cover with a pre-existing condition?

Insurers may exclude related conditions, load the premium or decline cover. Specialist brokers help with complex medical histories.

## Primary source

https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/protection-insurance

## Related

- [Critical illness cover explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/critical-illness-cover-explained/)
- [CI vs income protection](https://moneyguide.org.uk/compare/critical-illness-vs-income-protection/)
- [Income protection vs CI](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/income-protection-vs-critical-illness/)
- [Life insurance basics](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/life-insurance-basics/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.