Critical Illness Calculator
Our critical illness calculator estimates the monthly premium for critical illness insurance — a policy that pays a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of a serious specified condition such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. The lump sum can be used to clear a mortgage, fund private treatment, or replace income during recovery.
Critical Illness Calculator
Calculate how much critical illness cover you need and estimate your monthly premium.
Estimates are indicative. Critical illness policies vary significantly — always compare FCA-regulated providers.
What Critical Illness Insurance Covers
Most UK policies cover between 40 and 100 specified conditions. The core conditions — cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and kidney failure — are covered by virtually all policies. A 35-year-old non-smoker seeking £200,000 of critical illness cover for 25 years might pay approximately £60–£90 per month. Cancer alone accounts for approximately 60% of critical illness claims in the UK. Critical illness pays once and in full on diagnosis; income protection pays ongoing monthly benefits for as long as you cannot work — they are complementary. Use our Income Protection Calculator to model the monthly benefit option, and our Life Insurance Calculator to complete your protection planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most policies cover cancer of a specified severity. Early-stage or superficial cancers are typically excluded — the diagnosis must meet a defined severity threshold in the policy wording.
Most policies offer optional children’s critical illness cover — a smaller lump sum (typically £10,000–£25,000) if a child is diagnosed with a covered condition.
Combined life and critical illness policies are common. However, if the CI claim pays out, it may reduce the remaining life cover. Standalone policies maintain full life cover independently.
A family history of serious conditions before age 60 in first-degree relatives can result in premium loadings or exclusions. Full disclosure at application is essential.
Pre-existing conditions diagnosed before the policy start date are typically excluded. Conditions not listed in the policy schedule are not covered regardless of severity.
Enter the lump sum benefit amount you want — typically enough to repay the mortgage, replace income during recovery, and cover adaptations if needed. Critical illness insurance pays a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of a specified condition such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Policies vary significantly in which conditions they cover and how seriously affected you must be — always read the policy definition of each condition before purchase rather than relying on the headline number of conditions covered. Age, smoking status, and pre-existing conditions drive the premium. Consider combining critical illness with life insurance, which most providers offer at a combined discount. As with all protection insurance, buy from an FCA-authorised provider and disclose all relevant health information accurately.
Important Information
This calculator is provided for general information and planning purposes only. It does not constitute financial or tax advice and should not be relied upon as such. Figures are indicative estimates based on simplified, publicly available criteria and stated assumptions. Actual results depend on your full circumstances. See our Disclaimer for further information.