Every year, 1m workers in the UK unexpectedly find themselves unable to work because of injury or illness, according to the ABI (2015).

Life Insurance pays out on the death or terminal illness of the policy holder, but a critical illness insurance policy gives you and your family protection if you are unable to work because of a serious and long term illness.

Critical illness cover, also known as critical illness insurance, is a long-term insurance policy which covers serious illnesses listed within a policy.

If you get one of these illnesses, a critical illness policy will pay out a tax-free, one-off payment. This can help pay for your mortgage, rent, debts, or alterations to your home, such as wheelchair access, should you need it.

Critical illness insurance will pay out if you get one of the specific medical conditions or injuries listed in the policy.

Please be aware that not all conditions are covered and policy will also state how serious the condition must be. Our protection advisors will be sure to show you conditions that are covered – and those that aren’t.

Examples of critical illnesses that might be covered include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Certain types and stages of cancer
• Life changing conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Most policies will also consider permanent disabilities as a result of injury or illness that leave you unable to work and provide from you and your family.