What Is Covered by Critical Illness Insurance?

Critical illness covers serious conditions: cancer (65% of claims), heart attack, stroke, coronary bypass, kidney failure, major organ transplant, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, blindness, deafness, paralysis, and 40-60+ more conditions. Coverage is based on specific policy definitions. Cancer, heart attack, and stroke account for over 90% of all claims.

Critical illness conditions

Learn more about critical illness conditions in our detailed guide.

Learn more about what does ci cover in our detailed guide.

Critical illness cover guide

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

What conditions are covered by critical illness?

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

Is every type of cancer covered?

Most cancers are covered, but early-stage cancers (carcinoma in situ) and some skin cancers may not be fully covered. Some policies offer partial payments for early-stage conditions.

What about heart attacks?

Heart attack is a core condition covered by all policies. The definition typically requires evidence of heart muscle death through blood tests and ECG changes.

Are mental health conditions covered?

Traditional critical illness doesn't cover mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Some newer policies include severe conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.

Quick Answer

What Conditions Does Critical Illness Cover?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Core: cancer (65% claims), heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, organ transplant, MS, Parkinson's. Plus 40-60 more including blindness, deafness, paralysis, burns.

Critical illness insurance covers a comprehensive list of serious medical conditions. Understanding what's included helps you assess the value of different policies.

Key Points

1Cancer: 65% of all claims
2Heart attack and stroke: 15-20%
340-60 conditions typically covered
4Core conditions standardised (ABI)
5Definitions vary by provider
6Check specific policy wording

Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis must meet policy definition
Condition after policy starts
Survival period applies
Pre-existing conditions excluded

Typical Timeframe

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

Next Steps

1Review full conditions list
2Focus on cancer, heart, stroke definitions
3Compare providers
4Get quotes
5Speak to protection adviser

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Coverage: Key Facts

What Conditions Does Critical Illness Cover?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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