Critical illness insurance

Critical illness insurance is designed to protect the policyholder if they become seriously ill and are unable to work. Most policies provide a tax-free lump sum if you need to make a claim. The amount you receive will vary with different policies and will be linked to the amount of premiums paid.

Critical illness insurance payments can be used to cover living expenses and medical bills. Critical illness plans are available that cover the whole of the family of the policyholder. In most instances you would pay a set premium over a set period of time that will provide cover. It is possible to increase the amount paid in premiums to provide more cover as you get older.

	Aviva boosts critical illness insurance Aviva has revamped its critical illness cover, a move which will see the maximum sum insured increase to £2 million.
	Brits 'refusing to take out critical illness cover' Many Brits are deciding against taking out critical illness insurance, which protects them in the event that they develop a condition or illness covered by the policy.
	Aviva cuts critical illness premiums Aviva is reducing premiums for its critical illness insurance when health exclusions for cancer or multiple sclerosis are added to policies.
	Aviva UK Health expands critical illness range Aviva UK Health has announced it is to enhance its group risk proposition with the introduction of a new group critical illness product.
	Aviva: £60m critical illness payouts Aviva is highlighting the importance of having critical illness cover by revealing it has paid out almost £60 million to people in need.