How to apply for critical illness insurance

Applications for critical illness insurance quotes can be made via:

• Financial Advisors/Brokers
• Telephone application
• Online application forms

Regardless of how you apply for critical illness insurance all requests are assessed by an underwriter, usually using a combination of an automated underwriting filtering system and experienced life and critical illness insurance underwriters.

Critical illness insurance underwriting is similar to life insurance underwriting because age, gender, smoking status, past medical history, family history, alcohol consumption and body mass index are all assessed. Unlike life insurance though, critical illness has an increased emphasis on family history, smoking and body mass index because these can represent high risk factors that can determine whether or not you will be approved for critical illness cover.

When applying for critical illness cover, in addition to questions about your health, you will be expected to provide details of your:

• age
• gender
• occupation

This information is required for everyone being insured under the policy.

If your application is approved you will be issued with a critical illness insurance registration certificate listing all the policy exclusions along with your insurance policy documents. Some online applications may result in you being given instant cover. Under the agreements between the Government and the ABI, all insurers must be clear about their critical illness insurance, explaining in detail:

• When your cover starts and ends
• What is and isn't covered
• Your premium amount

Insurers have different claims procedures, know what these are before you accept a policy. Most insurers have 24 hour helplines with trained staff available to assist, so put these contact details in a handy place in case any health issues or questions about your policy arise. Keep your critical illness insurance certificate and policy details in a safe place usually with your other personal or mortgage insurance documents. Ensure your direct debit is working, it's important to note that missing just one premium on a critical illness or term insurance policy can make it invalid and result in your policy being cancelled.

If your financial or personal circumstances change always let your critical illness insurance provider know, so they can discuss your options with you and make sure your policy is still valid in the event of a claim.

Download the Critical Illness Cover Insurance PDF Guide here - see our other free PDF guides here

Guide Contents

What is critical illness insurance?
Why you might need critical illness insurance
What are the different types of critical illness insurance?
Critical illness premium options
Shopping around for your critical illness insurance
Applying for your critical illness insurance
Critical illness insurance FAQs
Where can I go to get more help?

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