Life insurance the most simple and basic form of insurance designed to pay out a lump sum if you die. No one likes to think about this worst-case scenario, but it is important to consider, especially if you have a family and/or a joint mortgage.
Critical illness cover can be arranged in conjunction with life cover or as separate policy. This type of insurance is designed to pay out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a serious or critical illness. The common conditions that are covered are certain types of cancer, heart attack and stroke but there are many more. Most of the conditions are recoverable but would impact your life and ability to work for a period or even for life.
Different insurers have a specified list of what they consider is a critical illness, and that, subject to cover, may depend on a full assessment of your health/medical history and will be subject to application /underwriting. The cover only applies should you be diagnosed with an illness detailed by the insurer in their policy.
For both insurances the lump sum can be tailored to your mortgage, or it can be a set figure.