Critical illness insurance is designed to pay out a lump sum if you are unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with one of a list of medical conditions specified in the policy documents.
There is a wide variation in the length of the lists, some covering as few as eight illnesses and one a staggering 140, but this is a slightly different version, which pays various sums, according to the severity of the condition. Heart disease and cancer head the list on all the policies. Very few policies will cover illness caused by stress or mental problems. Back problems are rarely covered either.
Whilst some people consider critical illness cover essential and enjoy the peace of mind being insured offers them, it is interesting to note that a great many claims are turned down. It is believed that this figure is 20%. The most common reason for this being non-disclosure of a previous illness. Insurance companies are quite entitled to do this and the first thing that will happen, in the event of a claim, is that the insurance company will ask for your full health records. They will go through these very thoroughly and if they find any proof of failure to tell them about a previous...