Can I Get Critical Illness Cover Without Life Insurance?

Yes, standalone critical illness cover is available without life insurance. You're covered only for serious illness, not death. This suits people who already have life insurance or want separate policies. Combined life and CI policies are often cheaper, but standalone gives flexibility. Consider your existing cover and whether you need different amounts for each type of protection.

Life and critical illness combined

Learn more about life and critical illness combined in our detailed guide.

Critical illness cover guide

Learn more about critical illness cover guide in our detailed guide.

Is critical illness worth it?

Learn more about is critical illness worth it in our detailed guide.

Can I get critical illness cover without life insurance?

Yes, standalone critical illness cover is available from most UK providers. You pay for CI only and receive a payout if diagnosed with a covered condition, with no life insurance element.

Is standalone critical illness more expensive?

Often yes. Combined life and critical illness policies typically offer better value because the insurer only pays once (either on death or CI, whichever happens first). Standalone CI can cost more per pound of cover.

When should I choose standalone critical illness?

Consider standalone CI if you already have sufficient life insurance, want to keep policies separate, or need different cover amounts/terms for each type of protection.

What's the difference between standalone and combined CI?

Standalone CI pays only for critical illness. Combined policies pay on critical illness OR death (whichever first). With separate policies, you get two payouts - one for each event if both occur.

Quick Answer

Should I Get Standalone Critical Illness Cover?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Standalone CI is available but often more expensive than combined policies. Choose it if you already have life insurance or want separate, flexible policies with different terms.

Critical illness cover can be purchased as a standalone policy (CI only) or combined with life insurance. Standalone policies pay out if you're diagnosed with a covered condition, with no death benefit. Most people choose combined policies for better value, but standalone has its place.

Key Points

1Standalone CI = illness cover only, no death benefit
2Combined policies often better value
3Choose standalone if you have existing life cover
4Allows different terms for each policy
5Two separate payouts possible with standalone
6Compare costs of both options

Eligibility Criteria

Same eligibility as combined policies
Health declaration required
Age limits typically 18-65
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded

Typical Timeframe

Application process is similar to combined policies - typically 1-4 weeks depending on medical history.

Next Steps

1Review your existing life insurance
2Calculate CI cover needed
3Compare standalone vs combined costs
4Consider flexibility vs value
5Get quotes for both options

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Should I Get Standalone Critical Illness Cover?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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