Critical Illness Cover Calculator (UK)

Critical Illness Cover Guide (UK)

What Critical Illness Cover Pays For

Critical illness cover (CIC) pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness during the policy term. Different to life insurance (pays on death) and income protection (pays a monthly income while you cannot work). Typical conditions covered: cancer of specified severity, heart attack of specified severity, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, dementia, major organ transplant, kidney failure, paralysis. Important: the policy wording defines exactly which

How Much Cover Is Right

Common starting points for estimating cover need: clear the mortgage so the home is secure. Income replacement: 2-5 years' net income to cover recovery, treatment, adapted living. Dependant reserve: £30,000-£100,000 per child for ongoing costs through recovery period. Lifestyle adjustment: home modifications, equipment, transport — typically £10,000-£50,000. The total can easily reach £300,000-£500,000 for a typical family with mortgage. Higher for those with younger children or higher mortgages

Working with Workplace Cover

Many UK employers offer 'Group Income Protection' and sometimes 'Group Critical Illness Cover' as a benefit. Worth checking: cover amount (often 1-3× salary). Conditions list (some group policies are narrower than personal policies). Waiting period before payments start (income protection). What happens if you leave the employer (usually cover ends). Calculation approach: work out total need first, then subtract employer cover to find the gap to fill with personal cover. Personal cover continues

Things That Affect Premium

Major factors in CIC premium pricing: age (premiums roughly double every 10 years older). Smoker status (smokers pay 50-100% more). Health declarations (high blood pressure, BMI over 32, family history of cancer/heart disease all add to premium). Occupation (some occupations including offshore, military, certain trades have loaded premiums or exclusions). Hobbies (climbing, motorsports, scuba diving can add loadings). Sum assured (cover amount). Term length. Type of policy: level term (same payo

Not financial advice. This calculator is for general information and education only. Figures are estimates and may not reflect your circumstances. For decisions, consult the FCA register and a qualified financial adviser. See our editorial standards.

Recommended for this calculator

LV= life insurance critical illness UK

LV= is an FCA-authorised UK life and protection insurer — one of the major providers, with critical illness cover often included as a rider on life policies for cost efficiency.

amazon View on Amazon ↗

Cavendish Online life insurance broker

Cavendish Online is an FCA-authorised life insurance broker — compares the whole market for critical illness cover, with low-fee structure that rebates most of the broker commission to customers.

amazon View on Amazon ↗

Critical illness cover book UK insurance

A clear guide to income protection and critical illness cover helps you decide how much cover you need — useful context alongside the critical illness cover figures here.

amazon View on Amazon ↗