Critical Illness Cover
Clear information about critical illness cover, what to consider and the next steps before requesting a quote.
What is Critical Illness Cover?
Critical illness cover can pay a cash benefit if the insured person is diagnosed with a specified serious illness that meets the policy definition. The illnesses covered, definitions, survival periods and benefit limits vary by insurer and policy.
Who might consider this cover?
It may be considered by people who want financial protection if a serious illness affects their ability to work or creates additional household costs. It is different from life insurance because the insured event is a qualifying diagnosis rather than death.
Key things to understand
Policies list the illnesses and medical definitions that qualify. A diagnosis does not automatically mean a claim will be payable.
The policy may pay a lump sum or another stated benefit, subject to its terms and limits.
Some policies may include or offer children’s critical illness benefits. Terms and limits can be different from the adult cover.
Applications may require health, lifestyle and medical information. Complete and accurate answers are important.
What to check before arranging cover
Check the quotation, policy wording, schedule and any endorsements together. Pay particular attention to eligibility, insured events, exclusions, excesses, limits, waiting or deferred periods where applicable, and any conditions you must follow. The exact cover is determined by the insurer’s documents, not by this general website information.
Information we may need for a quote
The details required depend on the product. We may ask about the person, property or business being insured, the cover required, previous insurance and claims, and other information relevant to the insurer’s questions. Please provide complete and accurate information and tell us if relevant circumstances change.
Common questions
Does every policy provide the same cover?+
No. Insurers can use different definitions, limits, exclusions, excesses, eligibility rules and policy conditions. Compare the quotation and policy documents that apply to the cover being considered.
Will everything described on this page be covered?+
Not necessarily. This page gives general information only. The quotation, policy wording, schedule and endorsements confirm the actual cover and conditions.
What information will I need for a quote?+
The information depends on the product and insurer. We will tell you what details are required for the particular enquiry.
What happens after I make an enquiry?+
Tell us the type of cover you are interested in and provide the requested details. We can then explain the next steps and the information relevant to the available quotation.
This page provides general insurance information and is not a policy document. Cover is subject to insurer acceptance, eligibility and the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of the policy offered. Read the relevant product and policy documents before deciding whether to proceed.
Ready to make an enquiry?
Tell us which cover you are interested in and we will explain the information needed for the next step.