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What Cancers are Covered By Critical Illness Insurance?

Life can be unpredictable, and being diagnosed with a serious illness is something no one expects. While health insurance covers medical costs, critical illness cover provides a lump sum when diagnosed with a serious illness. Unlike life insurance, which only pays out upon death, critical illness cover will payout while you’re still alive, helping you manage the costs that come with critical illnesses such as cancer.

Most insurers cover a range of cancers; here’s a breakdown:

Does Critical Illness Cover Cancer?

Yes, critical illness cover can pay out for cancer. The lump sum can help to pay for adapting your home to funding your treatment or simply covering everyday costs while you focus on recovery. Many use the lump sum to pay bills and cover living expenses so they can focus on recovery. 

What Cancers are Covered by Critical Illness?

Breast cancer (invasive forms such as ductal carcinoma with spread)

  • Lung cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Prostate cancer (if it has reached a specified stage, often beyond “low risk”)
  • Leukaemia and lymphoma (advanced stages)
  • Skin Cancers – Malignant melanoma typically qualifies if it has reached a specified stage of severity (e.g., deeper than a certain millimetre or with spread to lymph nodes).
  • Rare and Aggressive Cancer – Brain tumors, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, or oesophagal cancer are often included if they meet severity criteria.

Cancers Excluded or Partially Covered

  1. Early-Stage Cancers: Non-invasive cancers or cancers in situ (e.g., ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast) are typically excluded unless the policy specifically covers early-stage conditions.
  2. Less Severe Skin Cancers: Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are usually not covered unless they spread or become life-threatening.
  3. Low-Risk Prostate Cancer: Early-stage prostate cancer may not qualify unless it requires invasive treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Additional Considerations

  1. Partial Payouts:  Some policies offer a smaller payout for early-stage cancers or less severe conditions as an added benefit.
  2. Policy Variations: Each insurer defines the cancers they cover differently, specifying stages and severity in the policy documents. It’s crucial to review the “definitions” section to understand what qualifies for a claim.
  3. Children’s Critical Illness Cover: If the policy includes children, it may also cover pediatric cancers like leukaemia, though the terms will vary.  

Policy wording matters greatly. Insurers often use detailed criteria, such as tumor size, staging (e.g., TNM classification), or the type of treatment required, to determine eligibility for a claim. Always review the documentation and ask for clarifications from the provider to ensure you have the cover you need.

How Does Critical Illness Cover Work?

Once you’ve taken out a policy, if you’re diagnosed with a type of cancer covered by your plan, you can make a claim. Upon approval, the insurer pays out a lump sum, which you can use however you choose. Common uses for this payout include:

  • Paying off a mortgage or other debts
  • Covering medical expenses not included by the NHS 
  • Compensating for lost income while you’re unable to work
  • Making necessary home modifications (e.g., installing wheelchair ramps or stairlifts)

This lump sum can make a huge difference, ensuring that you and your family maintain financial stability during a difficult time.

Real-Life Example: How Critical Illness Cover Can Help With Cancer

Case Study: Amanda’s Story

Amanda, a 30-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions, decided to take out critical illness cover to safeguard her future. She opted for a policy providing £50,000 of cover at an affordable premium of just £17.07 per month, with a term of 34 years.

Unfortunately, a few years into her policy, Amanda was diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to her critical illness cover, she received a lump sum payment of £50,000.

This payout gave Amanda the financial freedom to focus on her recovery. She used the funds to pay off a portion of her mortgage, ease the burden of household bills, and take much-needed time off work without worrying about her finances.

Case Study: Jasleen’s Story

Jasleen, a 37-year-old doctor with no pre-existing medical conditions, was acutely aware of the emotional and financial toll that a serious illness like cancer can have on families. Wanting to protect his own future, Jasleen decided to take out critical illness cover, securing £50,000 of protection over a 30-year term for a monthly premium of £25.73.

Ten years later, Jasleen was diagnosed with cancer. While this was a challenging time, his critical illness policy provided a vital financial safety net. The £50,000 payout enabled Jasleen to access international private treatment, giving him the best possible care and peace of mind during his recovery.

Get a Quote for Critical Illness Cover from The Insurance Surgery Today

 Now that you know what cancers are covered by critical illness cover, it’s time to start considering policies for you. To explore your options, visit The Insurance Surgery to get a quote or to discuss your needs with an expert