Critical illness insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides a lump sum of money if you are diagnosed with certain serious illnesses or disabilities. The illnesses covered are usually long-term and severe conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. The policy pays out a tax-free cash amount if you are diagnosed with one of the specified illnesses, which can help safeguard your income and cover expenses such as feeding your family and balancing your bills when you can’t work. The amount of cover you need depends on factors such as what you want to cover, how much you’re willing to pay each month, and for how long. Critical illness cover is usually priced at under £19 a month, but the cost varies depending on the policy’s length, the amount you’ve chosen to cover, and your personal circumstances. It’s important to check the policy carefully to see what it covers and what it will pay out if you become ill. Critical illness cover is one of several types of illness insurance, and it’s important to compare different types to see which one suits you best