Critical illness cover UK
If a serious illness stops you from working, could your household afford to keep going? Critical illness cover gives you the financial protection to focus on recovery, not bills.
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What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover is a type of insurance that pays out a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness listed in the policy, such as:
Why critical illness cover matters
Many people think, “it won’t happen to me”, but illness can strike at any age, and with most households dependent on two incomes, even a few months off work could cause real financial strain.
Critical illness cover is especially important if:
- You’d struggle to keep up with your mortgage or rent without your income
- You have children or dependents relying on your salary
- You’re self-employed and don’t receive sick pay
- You don’t have substantial savings to fall back on
- You want financial breathing space if you need to recover long-term
Life insurance vs critical illness cover, what’s the difference?
- Life insurance pays out if you pass away during the policy term.
- Critical illness cover pays out while you're still alive, if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness.
They can be combined or bought separately, depending on your needs. Life insurance protects your family if the worst happens, and critical illness cover protects your income and lifestyle if your health takes a turn.
The benefits of working with a specialist
We explain your options in plain English, no jargon, no guesswork
We compare policies across the market, not just from one insurer
We tailor your protection to match your mortgage, income, and family needs
We highlight key terms and exclusions, so you know exactly what you’re getting
We handle the application for you, saving time and reducing hassle
Is critical illness cover worth it?
If you're asking yourself:
- “What if I couldn’t work for a year?”
- “Would we lose the house if I had to stop earning?”
- “Could we afford childcare and bills if I got sick?”
Then the answer is: yes, it’s worth considering.
Many people insure their phone or their car, but forget to protect what actually pays for those things: their health and income. Critical illness cover helps bridge the gap when life takes an unexpected turn.
Next steps
Book a free, no-obligation appointment with a Jigsaw adviser today. We’ll talk through your circumstances, review any cover you already have, and help you decide if critical illness cover is the right fit.
There’s no pressure to commit, just helpful, professional advice so you can make an informed decision.
How can we help you?
Find out what you can afford in minutes
Understanding what you can realistically afford is the first step toward a stress-free homebuying journey. Our affordability tool gives you a quick and accurate estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on your income, expenses, and deposit.
It’s completely free to use, doesn’t affect your credit score, and takes just a couple of minutes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up the ladder, or simply exploring your options, our tool can help you plan with confidence and avoid unwanted surprises later.
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