Critical Illness Insurance (CII) will pay a tax- free lump sum if you suffer from one of a number of life- threatening specified, serious illnesses such as a heart attack or stroke, kidney failure, cancer, or if you have to undergo certain types of major surgery, like a coronary bypass. There may also be a large range of other conditions that are additionally covered.

CII will pay out only for specified medical ailments, it will not cover you being off work because of common problems like a bad back or a broken arm for example. Once a payment has been made no further insurance cover is possible.

Usually there are no strings attached as to how you spend your money though many are used to pay off mortgages. CII is also sometimes confused with life assurance, because it pays a lump sum if an unfortunate event occurs but with CII it is received hopefully before you die- which is great if you are the payer but it is not so good if you have dependants.

Your age, sex, occupation, health and the health of your ancestors will affect the levels of the premiums as will the level of cover that you require. Apply now!