What Does Critical Illness Insurance Cover?

Critical illness covers serious conditions including cancer (65% of claims), heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, major organ transplants, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, blindness, deafness, and 40-60+ more. Exclusions: pre-existing conditions, early-stage cancers, conditions during waiting period, and conditions not meeting policy definitions. Cancer, heart attack, and stroke account for 90%+ of claims.

Critical illness conditions list

Learn more about critical illness conditions list in our detailed guide.

Critical illness list

Learn more about critical illness list in our detailed guide.

Critical illness cover guide

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

What conditions does critical illness cover?

Core conditions: cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, major organ transplant, MS, Parkinson's, motor neurone disease. Additional: blindness, deafness, paralysis, severe burns. Most policies cover 40-60+ conditions.

Does critical illness cover cancer?

Yes, cancer is the most common claim (65%). However, early-stage cancers like carcinoma in situ and some skin cancers may not be fully covered. Check policy definitions carefully.

Exclusions: pre-existing conditions, early-stage cancers, conditions during waiting period (14-90 days), self-inflicted injuries, and conditions not meeting the policy's specific definition.

How many conditions are covered?

Most policies cover 40-60 conditions, some over 100. Quality of definitions matters more than quantity. Check how conditions are defined, not just how many.

Quick Answer

What Is Covered by Critical Illness Insurance?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Covers: cancer (65% of claims), heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, organ transplants, MS, Parkinson's + 40-60 more. Not covered: pre-existing conditions, early-stage cancers.

Critical illness insurance covers a defined list of serious medical conditions. Understanding exactly what's covered - and the exclusions - is essential when choosing a policy.

Key Points

1Cancer: 65% of all claims
2Heart attack + stroke: 15-20%
340-60 conditions typically covered
4Definitions matter more than count
5Pre-existing conditions excluded
6Check policy wording carefully

Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis must meet policy definition
Condition after policy starts
Survival period applies (14 days)
Must be within policy term

Typical Timeframe

Claims assessed against definitions. Payout typically 4-8 weeks after diagnosis.

Next Steps

1Review conditions important to you
2Compare definitions between providers
3Check cancer, heart, stroke wording
4Get quotes from multiple providers
5Speak to protection adviser

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What Is Covered by Critical Illness Insurance?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

Related Questions

Covered vs Not Covered

People Also Ask

What Our Clients Say

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

Related Questions

Covered vs Not Covered

People Also Ask

What conditions does critical illness cover?

Does critical illness cover cancer?

What is NOT covered?

How many conditions are covered?

What Our Clients Say