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        Updated: December 13, 2022

        Children’s Critical Illness Cover

        Are you considering critical illness cover for your children? In this article we'll look at the benefits of having this cover, and how it works

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        We can help! We know everyone's circumstances are different, that's why we work with brokers who are experts in critical illness cover. Ask us a question and we'll get the best expert to help.

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        Pete Mugleston

        Author: Pete Mugleston - Mortgage Expert, MD

        Updated: July 23, 2019

        Deciding whether to get critical illness cover for your child can be a touchy subject for parents – no one wants to have to run through worst case scenarios.

        But a difficult situation can become even more heartbreaking if parents don’t have the funds needed to pay for potential medical or living expenses throughout the treatment period.

        Child critical illness insurance cover is therefore an increasingly popular choice for financially savvy parents. There’s no doubt that careful consideration of finances and insurance planning means parents and guardians benefit from the peace of mind prudence brings.

        If your child were to become critically ill, it’s vitally important to know that you can provide for your child’s medical needs, cover any incurred costs, and give your child your undivided attention.

        What is critical illness cover for children?

        Children’s critical illness insurance means that you will get a lump sum payout to help support your family if your child becomes ill with one of the serious conditions covered in the policy.

        After the payout, you won’t need to pay any further premiums and the insurance policy would terminate.

        Some well known and established providers of critical illness cover for children include:

        • Legal and General
        • Aviva
        • Canada Life
        • Zurich
        • Royal London

        However, due to the many variable factors you’ll need to take into consideration, when making a judgement on which critical illness cover provider to use, it’s recommended you solicit help from a critical illness cover advisor.

        Make an enquiry and we’ll put you in touch with an expert insurance advisor.

        Speak to an expert today

        How does it work?

        Critical illness cover for children is not a standalone product; it’s added to the parent or guardian’s life insurance policy. This is because the parent or main policyholder would make the claim on behalf of the child if the child is diagnosed with a covered condition.

        How much critical illness cover you can take out for your child will vary according to the provider.

        Some providers will offer children’s critical illness cover as a percentage of the adult policyholders’ critical illness cover but cap the total lump sum at a fixed rate.

        For example, if the main policyholder has critical illness cover of £200,000, and the child’s cover was 25% and capped at £30,000, you would get a maximum payout of £30,000 for your child and not £50,000, or 25%, of your total cover.

        If the adult had critical illness cover of £100,000, and took out child cover of 25% capped at £30,000, they would be entitled to a £25,000 payout.

        Which critical child illnesses do providers cover?

        The range of insured illnesses varies according to the provider, but here’s a list of commonly covered critical illnesses:

        If there are any additional child critical illnesses that you’d like cover for which aren’t typically covered by insurers, speak to an expert financial advisor.

        Give us a call on 0808 189 0463 or make an enquiry, to be put through to an advisor who can give you advice tailored to your specific needs.

        Terms and conditions

        Providers offer cover for children from as young as several weeks and up to 18 or even 21 years of age.

        The money paid out by the provider can typically be used to pay for:

        • The child’s treatment
        • Lost income if a parent has to leave work to care for the child
        • Any special equipment needed

        If you’re thinking about taking out children’s critical illness cover, it’s important to consider how long you’d like the cover for, which illnesses you’d like to insure against, and how big a payout you’ll need.

        The insurer that’s right for you will depend on your wishes and circumstances as the terms and conditions vary.

        If you’d like help in knowing what sort of child cover to take out, and which provider would be the most suitable for your situation, call Online Money Advisor on 0808 189 0463 or make an enquiry. We’ll put you through to an expert who can do a quick whole of market comparison to find you the most favourable deal.

        Speak to an expert

        If you have any questions or concerns over how much critical cover to take out, and which provider would offer the most favourable deal for your circumstances, make an enquiry online.

        We work selectively with expert financial advisors and we can match you with the right expert for your situation. Give us a call on 0808 189 0463 and we’ll put you in touch with an insurance expert right away!

        Ask a quick question

        We can help! We know everyone's circumstances are different, that's why we work with brokers who are experts in critical illness cover. Ask us a question and we'll get the best expert to help.

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        Pete Mugleston

        Pete Mugleston

        Mortgage Expert, MD

        About the author

        Pete, an expert in all things mortgages, cut his teeth right in the middle of the credit crunch. With plenty of people needing help and few mortgage providers lending, Pete found great success in going the extra mile to find mortgages for people whom many others considered lost causes. The experience he gained, coupled with his love of helping people reach their goals, led him to establish Online Mortgage Advisor, with one clear vision – to help as many customers as possible get the right advice, regardless of need or background.

        Pete’s presence in the industry as the ‘go-to’ for specialist finance continues to grow, and he is regularly cited in and writes for both local and national press, as well as trade publications, with a regular column in Mortgage Introducer and being the exclusive mortgage expert for LOVEMoney. Pete also writes for OMA of course!

        FCA Disclaimer

        *Based on our research, the content contained in this article is accurate as of the most recent time of writing. Lender criteria and policies change regularly so speak to one of the advisors we work with to confirm the most accurate up to date information. The information on the site is not tailored advice to each individual reader, and as such does not constitute financial advice. All advisors working with us are fully qualified to provide mortgage advice and work only for firms that are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. They will offer any advice specific to you and your needs.

        Some types of buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. Equity released from your home will also be secured against it.