Cancer and Critical Illness Cover – What You Need to Know

A Clear Overview

Critical illness insurance typically includes cover for advanced cancers such as leukaemia, sarcoma, and lymphoma. Some earlier-stage cancers, like carcinoma in situ or low-grade prostate cancer may also be included, but this varies by provider.

In general, pre-existing cancers or those classified as pre-malignant, non-invasive, or having a low potential to spread are not usually covered. Each insurer sets out its own criteria and definitions in their policy documentation, so it’s vital to review this carefully or contact your provider for full details.

In the UK, someone is diagnosed with cancer roughly every 90 seconds, and over 3 million people are currently living with the disease. Cancer remains the leading cause of claims on critical illness policies, followed by heart attacks and strokes.

At comparelifequotes.com, our partners can provide you with quotes for critical illness cover so that you have financial security in the event of being diagnosed with any of the specified illnesses. 👉 Compare life insurance with critical illness cover today.

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Is Cancer Covered by Critical Illness Insurance?

Yes, many types of cancer are covered, especially those in advanced stages. Whether a particular diagnosis qualifies for a claim depends on the insurer’s medical definition and severity of the condition.

Early-stage or lower-risk cancers might also be covered, but the level of payout may differ.

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How Do Insurers Define Cancer?

The definition commonly used is based on guidance from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and refers to:

“A malignant tumour, characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of cancerous cells, and invasion of tissue.”

This usually refers to cancers that have progressed beyond Stage 1. Each insurer may build on this baseline to provide broader or more tailored cover, check the policy wording for precise details or ask our expert partners to explain the cover to you in finer detail.

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Cancers Commonly Covered

Conditions that typically meet the criteria for a full payout under critical illness cover include:

• Leukaemia
• Sarcoma
• Lymphoma
• Bowel cancer
• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Brain tumours

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Other Cancers That May Be Covered

Some cancers may be covered depending on the provider’s terms, including:

• Aplastic anaemia
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Skin cancer (if advanced)
• High-grade prostate cancer
• Advanced Hodgkin’s disease
• Multiple myeloma

If your diagnosis meets the relevant medical definition, you could receive 100% of your cover amount.

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Partial Payouts for Less Severe Cancers

Many policies also offer limited payments for early-stage cancers. These often include:

• Carcinoma in situ (e.g., breast or cervix)
• Early-stage prostate cancer
• Testicular carcinoma in situ
• Non-malignant pituitary tumours

These may trigger a payout of around 25–30% of your cover, typically up to £25,000–£30,000. Importantly, this doesn’t always affect the remaining cover amount, which continues to protect you for future serious diagnoses.

For instance, some insurers, such as LV= offer a partial payment for qualifying conditions, while maintaining full cover for the rest of your policy term.

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What Types of Cancer Are Not Usually Covered?

Cancers that are generally excluded include those that:

• Are pre-malignant or non-invasive
• Are considered low grade or easily treatable
• Don’t meet the insurer’s defined severity

Examples include:

• Certain types of skin cancer
• Low-grade prostate cancer
• Urothelial tumours
• Neuroendocrine tumours
• Thyroid cancer (in early stages)

Policies may also exclude claims for cancers where there’s a relevant pre-existing condition or if your condition doesn’t meet the clinical definition required.

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Specific Cancer Queries

Skin Cancer:
Advanced malignant melanoma may be covered, but most non-invasive skin cancers are not.

Basal Cell Carcinoma:
Unlikely to be covered, as it rarely spreads and typically does not meet severity requirements.

Breast Cancer:
Typically covered if malignant and invasive. Early forms like carcinoma in situ may only qualify for a partial payout, depending on your policy.

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Children’s Cancer Cover

Many critical illness policies include or offer optional cover for children. As with adults, only cancers meeting the insurer’s definitions will be eligible for claims. This can offer added peace of mind for families and should be considered if you have children who are financially dependent on you and an illness to them could restrict your families earning capabilities.

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Common Types of Cancer in the UK

According to the NHS, the most frequently diagnosed cancers include:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bowel cancer

Over 200 cancer types exist, many of which may be covered if they meet ABI and provider-specific definitions.

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Other Conditions Often Covered

Alongside cancer, critical illness insurance typically also covers:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia
• Major organ failure
• Loss of sight or hearing
• Severe burns or brain injury

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Finding the Right Policy

Given cancer’s prevalence in critical illness claims, choosing the right policy is essential. A tailored policy gives you peace of mind and financial protection if the worst happens.

Why Choose Us?

• Our experts can point you in the direction of the best available plan for your circumstances that they offer
• Speak to a qualified, FCA-regulated expert
• Get help with a streamlined process and use an expert who completes the application on your behalf.
• Join thousands of happy customers who have used comparelifeplans.com

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