Critical Illness Insurance provides benefits when a covered person is diagnosed with an eligible condition like heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant, end stage renal failure or coronary artery bypass surgery.

The kinds of illnesses that are covered are usually long-term and very serious conditions such as a heart attack or stroke, loss of arms or legs, or diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.

Critical illness cover and life insurance serve different purposes. Critical illness cover pays out a lump sum upon diagnosis of a health condition defined within the terms of the policy, while life insurance pays out if the policy holder dies within its duration.

Critical illness insurance covers a specific list of life-changing events. If you have a family history of these illnesses, critical illness insurance may be particularly worth it. With affordable rates, you can help provide yourself with peace of mind and financial protection if an emergency were to strike.

The biggest disadvantage of a critical illness plan is that the payout is applicable only when a critical illness is diagnosed. This means that you will be covered only if a doctor confirms that your illness concurs with the policy's definition of 'critical'. In all other respects, no payment is made.

Cancer, heart conditions, and stroke are often the three major categories into which critical illness insurance carriers group covered conditions.

The biggest disadvantage of a critical illness plan is that the payout is applicable only when a critical illness is diagnosed. This means that you will be covered only if a doctor confirms that your illness concurs with the policy's definition of 'critical'. In all other respects, no payment is made.