With life insurance
One policy that pays on a serious illness or death, whichever comes first.
Suits: Covering a mortgage or a family
Cover for the living part
Critical illness cover
A tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, so you can focus on getting better, not on the bills.
A few minutes online. No sales calls, and no fee from us.
Build the cover around you.
Critical illness cover can stand alone, sit beside life insurance, or come with a few useful extras.
Who can apply? Most insurers cover people from 18, if you live in the UK. The top age depends on the insurer and how long you want the cover for, and your health history matters more here than for life insurance. Not sure? Ask us.
Income protection
A monthly income if any illness or injury stops you working.
Suits: Anyone who relies on their pay
Waiver of premium
An add-on that pays your premiums if you can’t work.
Suits: Keeping the cover going when money’s tight
Why get it through Croaked?
We compare the small print. Insurers list different conditions and define them differently. We show you where they differ.
No fee from us. The insurer pays us if you take a policy. It doesn’t add to your premium.
No sales calls, ever. Do it all online. Call us only if you want to.
Help if you claim. If you arranged it through us, we’ll help you find the policy and the right people.
Cover from names you know.
Compare a panel of recognised UK insurers through one clear, straightforward application.
What’s covered, and what isn’t.
The short version. Your policy documents list every condition and its definition, and we’ll go through them with you.
Usually covered
- Cancer, heart attack and stroke, the most common claims
- Other serious conditions the policy lists, such as multiple sclerosis or kidney failure
- Some less severe conditions, for a partial payment, on many policies
- A terminal illness, on most policies
Usually not covered
- Conditions the policy doesn’t list, or that don’t meet its definition
- Some early-stage cancers
- Conditions you had, or had symptoms of, before you applied
- Anything you didn’t tell the insurer when you applied
Most policies only pay if you survive a short time after diagnosis, often 10 to 14 days. What’s covered depends on the policy and the insurer.
How it works.
Three steps, online, with a person on the phone if you want one.
Step 1Tell us about you.
Your age, your health and the cover you want. It takes a few minutes, online.
Step 2Compare your quotes.
See the prices and the conditions each policy covers, side by side, and choose the one that fits.
Step 3Apply, and you’re covered.
The insurer checks your answers, sometimes with your doctor. Cover starts the day they accept you.
Critical illness questions.
Short answers to what people ask most, before they buy.
How is it different from life insurance?
Life insurance pays out when you die. Critical illness cover pays out while you’re alive, if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness the policy covers.
How much cover do I need?
Enough to give you breathing space: to cover the bills, adapt your home, or take time off while you recover. Some people match it to the mortgage. We’ll help you work it out.
Is the payout taxed?
A payout from a personal policy is usually free of Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. You can spend it on whatever you need.
What affects the price?
Your age, your health and your family’s, whether you smoke or vape, how much cover you want and for how long, and your job. It usually costs more than life insurance alone, because a claim is more likely.
Does it pay out more than once?
Most policies pay the full amount once, and then the cover ends. Some pay smaller amounts for less severe conditions and keep the rest of your cover going.
Can I get cover with a health condition?
Often, yes, though the insurer may exclude that condition or anything related to it. Insurers see conditions differently, which is why comparing helps.
Already have a policy?
Claims and changes are handled by your insurer: their number is on your policy documents. If you arranged it through us, call us on 01302 590 852 and we’ll help you find the policy and the right people.
For a claim, it helps to have:
- The policy number
- The date of your diagnosis
- Your specialist’s and your GP’s details
- Bank details for the payment
Claim through the insurer
Their claims number and online form are in the policy documents. Most claims start with one call, and they’ll ask your doctors for the medical detail.
Ask us to help
Can’t find the policy, or the insurer? Call us on 01302 590 852 and we’ll find it with you.
Useful information
Changing your mind
You have 30 days after your policy starts to cancel for a full refund of anything you’ve paid.
If an insurer fails
Critical illness cover is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers 100% of a claim if an insurer can’t pay. See fscs.org.uk.
Before you buy
The insurer gives you a Key Facts document and a list of the conditions covered. Read the definitions: they decide a claim. Stuck on a word? Try our glossary.
Still need support?
Ask a real person anything about critical illness cover. Nobody will try to sell you anything, and there’s no fee from us.
Monday–Thursday 9am–7pm, Friday 9am–3pm
