The UK's Best Critical Illness Cover

In our view there are 3 key things to look for in a Critical Illness Policy: what percentage of claims does the insurer actually pay; what is the maximum it will pay out; and how many conditions does it cover?

In this guide:

• Best Critical Illness Providers – Claims Paid
• Best Critical Illness Policies – Maximum Benefit
• Best Critical Illness Providers – Number of Conditions Covered

Alternatively, if you're not sure what Critical Illness Cover is, start here.

Best Critical Illness Providers – Claims Paid

Here are the top life insurance companies, in order of the percentage of critical illness claims they paid out in 2021:

1. Zurich – 99%
2. Legal and General – 99%
3. Scottish Widows – 93%
4. Aegon – 93%
5. Aviva – 92%
6. Royal London – 92%
7. Vitality Life – 91%

Across the UK life insurance industry, the average pay out rate in 2021 was 91.3%.

Sources: Association of British Insurers (ABI), Company websites and press releases

Best Critical Illness Policies – Maximum Benefit

Here are the top Critical Illness policies, in order of the maximum amount they will pay out:

1. AIG – Your Critical Illness Choices – Enhanced Cover – £Unlimited
2. Zurich – Life Cover with Critical Illness Select – £Unlimited
3. LV= – Life and Enhance Critical Illness Cover – £Unlimited
4. Vitality Life – Personal Protection Plan Serious Illness Cover Plus – £3 million
5. Royal London – Critical Illness Cover – £3 million
6. Legal and General – Life Cover with Critical Illness Extra – £3 million
7. Aviva – Life Insurance Plus and Critical Illness Plus – £2 million

According to the ABI, the average pay out for critical illness claims in 2021 was just under £68,000.

Sources: ABI, MoneyFacts, Company websites

Best Critical Illness Providers – Number of Conditions Covered

Here are the top Critical Illness providers, sorted by the number of conditions they cover:

1. Vitality Life – 182
2. AIG – 100+
3. LV= – 87
4. Royal London – 67
5. Aviva – 53
6. Zurich – 42
7. Scottish Widows – 40
8. Legal and General – 39

Source: Money for the Masses, Company websites