With a critical illness policy, cover is designed to provide a lump sum payment on diagnosis of a specified condition. These contracts vary widely between providers, getting the right professional advice is essential to ensure you are covered correctly.

The framework for such a policy is controlled by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). They specifically state what conditions need to be covered and the definition that needs to be applied, for a successful claim to be made.

Some insurers go beyond what is required by the ABI and enhance their definition making it more comprehensive. They add additional benefits into their contracts such as bereavement, counselling and/or medical helplines to give a greater depth of cover.