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Home » Services » Protection Services » Critical Illness Cover » How Critical Illness Cover Works

How Critical Illness Cover Works

Ciarán Power

Last Updated: February 2nd, 2024 at 6:45 pm

Table Of Contents

Introduction

Critical Illness Cover is a specialised insurance policy designed to provide financial support in the event of a serious health diagnosis. This comprehensive overview explains the process of selecting a policy, making a claim, and how the coverage operates.

Choosing a Policy

The process begins with selecting a policy that aligns with your needs, taking into consideration the range of illnesses covered, the amount of the lump sum payout, premium costs, and any additional benefits or exclusions. The underwriting process typically requires you to provide detailed information about your health, medical history, and lifestyle, as these factors significantly influence the policy terms and premium costs.

Understanding the Coverage

It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the coverage provided by your policy. This includes being familiar with the specific list of illnesses and medical conditions covered, as well as being aware of the policy’s terms and conditions. Knowing the waiting periods before the cover becomes effective and any exclusions that may apply is also key.

Typical conditions covered under a standard Critical Illness Cover (CIC) policy often include a range of serious health issues. While the specific conditions can vary between insurers, the following are commonly covered:

  • Cancer
  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
  • Kidney Failure
  • Major Organ Transplant
  • Paralysis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Loss of Speech
  • Loss of Limbs

Making a Claim

Should you be diagnosed with a covered illness, the process to file a claim involves submitting medical evidence of your diagnosis to your insurer. The insurer then assesses your claim against the policy terms. If approved, the policy pays out a lump sum, which can be used according to your discretion.

Post-Claim Policy Status

Typically, once a claim is paid, the policy concludes, meaning there is no ongoing coverage for other conditions or future illnesses. This is an important aspect to consider when planning your long-term financial security.

Regular Review and Adjustments

Maintaining the relevance of your Critical Illness Cover involves periodically reviewing your policy, especially after significant life changes. This ensures that your policy continues to meet your evolving needs. Some policies may offer the flexibility to adjust your coverage amount or add additional conditions, allowing for customization as your life circumstances change.

Summary

Critical Illness Cover offers vital financial support during challenging times, providing peace of mind and security. Understanding how to choose the right policy, make a claim, and manage your coverage is essential for ensuring that you have the necessary protection in place. Regular reviews and adjustments to your policy are important for maintaining its effectiveness throughout different stages of your life.

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