Critical Illness Cover FAQs

Can I include my children in a Critical Illness Policy ?

While it is always best to check with your insurer first, most insurers will include children up to a certain age in your policy. You also have the option of taking out a policy specifically for your child.

How long am I likely to be covered for ?

This is agreed by you when you take out the policy and usually depends on a couple of factors. Those wishing to cover the cost of a mortgage for example may tie the term to the remaining years on a mortgage account, while others cover themselves until retirement.

Can you continue working after a claim ?

Once the insurer has agreed your claim and it has been settled you can return to work once you are fit and well.

What factors can affect my premium ?

Several factors are taken into account when deciding your insurance premium. These include your age, gender, weight, whether you are a smoker, as well as the medical history of your family and any existing illnesses or underlying conditions you may have, or have had in the past.

What does a critical illness policy cover ?

Critical illness cover is a policy that will pay benefits should you be diagnosed with a set of illnesses or injuries, as outlined by the insurer. These illnesses usually include cancer, heart disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, major organ transplant or failure, head trauma, and paralysis. Coverage may be expanded depending on the insurer, and each insurer usually has a plethora of exclusions as well.

How can I buy a critical illness cover ?

You can purchase a critical illness cover directly with an insurance company. However, you can also purchase coverage through an independent financial advisor (IFA). Buying a policy through an IFA gives you more protection if something goes wrong with a claim in the future. An ombudsman intervention can work to your benefit through the wrong or inappropriate actions of a financial advisor.

I’ve already been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Will that be covered if I apply ?

Not likely. Insurance companies could not possibly stay in business if people discovered they were ill and then attempted to obtain immediate insurance and payout. Subsequently, pre-existing conditions are usually excluded from coverage. The same applies for heart disease, gynaecological issues, and other types of conditions that could eventually lead to serious illness. In this instance, you may be eligible for a critical illness policy that would cover other types of illnesses, but MS would be excluded from your policy.

What is excluded from critical illness cover ?

A critical illness cover will typically help people who legitimately develop serious illness or injury. However, non-invasive or non life-threatening illnesses are usually excluded. An example would be an early detection of a non-malignant lump in the breast. Although it is considered cancer, it can still be treated immediately, and the patient can fully recover.

Other exclusions in most policies include aviation injuries, injuries resulting from criminal acts, drug abuse, failure to follow medical advice, hazardous sports or activities, HIV/AIDS, self-inflicted injury, and war or civil commotion.

The details and fine print of a critical illness cover vary depending upon the insurance company. It is important to carefully evaluate your needs and individual circumstance before choosing the right critical illness cover for you.

How many serious illnesses are covered on the PruProtect Plans ?

PruProtect insurance policies can cover between 93 and 154 listed conditions, depending on which plan you choose, whereas most other critical illness policies only cover around 27 critical illnesses.

Why are severity based payments better ?

Payments made based on severity aim to make the payment received relevant to the effect the serious illness has on a person’s lifestyle. Although PruProtect do not always pay out 100% of the claim, by paying claims based on severity they are able to cover significantly more illnesses than other insurance providers. With this is mind you are far more likely to receive a payout for a serious illness than one which is life threatening, additionally this payment can be made at an earlier stage of your illness.

Can I make multiple claims on the PruProtect Plans ?

Yes, if you choose to do so, PruProtects Serious Illness cover can continue to provide cover after you have made a claim. Additional claims can be made:

• On totally unrelated illnesses
• If your current condition becomes more severe then you may be eligible to make a further claim.
• If at least 36 months have passed since a claim then you can even receive a further payout for the same condition.

Note – For a limited amount of conditions policy holders may only be able to claim once.

What does serious illness insurance cover ?

While traditional critical illness policies cover an average of 27 conditions, PruProtects Comprehensive Plan covers 154 and our Primary Plan covers 93. You will therefore be covered for serious illnesses and partial disabilities, not just critical ones.

What are the advantages of serious illness cover ?

Unlike traditional critical illness cover where you receive a lump sum pay payment, serious illness cover is based on the severity of the illness and the impact it has on your lifestyle. This means PruProtect are able to make a payment at an earlier stage in your illness, even if its not life threatening. This also mans you are able to claim up to three times on the same policy.

What happens if I need to claim again ?

If your original claim does not require a full payout of your sum assured, then the remaining cover will stay in place until you potentially need to make another claim. Therefore if your illness progresses or even if you develop a completely different illness you will be able to claim again. Additionally it is also possible to choose a policy that will top up your cover every time you claim.

What is the PruProtect Minimum Protection Account ?

The Minimum Protection Account allows customers to top up their serious illness cover immediately after a claim. In addition to this, the minimum protection account requires no further under writing, premium increases and illness exclusions.

What is the Vitality programme ?

The unique PruProtect Vitality programme encourages policy holders to live a healthier lifestyle by giving you rewards and discounts on a wide range of services. Membership to the Vitality programme is automatic and the current available services include: gyms, health resorts, health screens, holidays and cinemas.