A diagnosis can be difficult to deal with. If you have Critical Illness cover, the insurer can explain how to make a claim and what evidence it needs. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee payment: the condition must meet the definitions and other terms in your policy.
1. Contact the insurer
Use the claim contact details in your policy documents. You can ask what information to provide, when to provide it and whether the insurer needs permission to obtain medical evidence. Have your policy number and relevant medical information available if you can. If you need help, ask the insurer about its support options.
2. Check the policy conditions
Critical Illness policies list covered conditions and their definitions. They may include exclusions, waiting or survival periods, additional benefits or partial-payment provisions. The insurer will assess the claim against the specific contract in force, not a general list of illnesses. Do not assume that all cancers, strokes or other diagnoses qualify in the same way.
3. Keep cover and payments under review
While a claim is being assessed, check with the insurer before changing premium payments or cancelling the policy. After a decision, ask what cover, if any, remains and whether further premiums are due. Do not cancel a payment instruction solely because you expect a claim to be paid.
4. Get the decision in writing
The insurer should explain its decision and any payment or next steps. If it declines a claim or offers a partial payment, ask which policy terms and evidence it relied on and how to challenge a decision you believe is wrong. The amount, timing and tax treatment of any benefit depend on the policy and your circumstances; seek appropriate professional advice if needed.
Older claims statistics are not a prediction of an individual claim. For policy basics, see our Critical Illness Cover guide. To discuss future cover, use the Start Your Quote enquiry for an adviser conversation. An enquiry does not generate an instant price or guarantee acceptance.
