What kind of cover should I buy – and who from?

Scottish Provident was named as the Best Critical Illness Provider in the most recent independently-judged insurance awards from researchers Moneyfacts. Legal & General was Highly Commended in the same awards, while Bupa was Commended. But the best insurer for one person might not be quite as good for another because everyone’s medical history and life goals will be different. So it really might be worth asking an independent expert to search around for you. IFA Promotion is the trade body that represents independent financial advisers and you can find a local firm by looking at www.unbiased.co.uk.



Ask for a free, no obligation consultation when you get in touch. Once you have picked a policy, you also need to decide how long you want it to last. Many people have plans that run alongside their mortgages, but it is possible to have them to last even longer. Royal London offshoot Bright Grey has recently increased its maximum terms from 25 years to 40, for example, though premiums will be higher the longer your protection lasts. When you take out a plan you also need to make sure you know how much your premium might increase over the years.

Insurance policyholders warned to check small print

Insurance policyholders have been warned to check the small print before they buy to make sure they understand what is and is not covered.

Consumer watchdog Which? claimed that consumers who forget to tell their insurer about a past health problem - even if it is something minor such as a trip to the doctor about a headache - risk having their health insurance claim refused.

The firm said that a fifth of critical illness insurance claims were rejected in 2005 due to a failure to disclose health issues or because the illness claimed for wasn't covered by the policy.

It also warned that payment protection insurance policies can often exclude back pain and stress-related illnesses, which are two of the main causes of absence from work.

Malcolm Coles, editor of which.co.uk, commented: "It's easy to assume that if you take out insurance you're protected if things go wrong, but check the small print carefully and make sure you understand what is and isn't included before you buy - or you might find it's worthless."

His comments echo those of Peter Staddon, head of technical services for the British Insurance Brokers' Association, who recently reminded consumers of the importance of understanding what they are buying and making sure that insurance policies cover their needs.

Insurances Limited “Critical Illness is becoming very expensive for Insurance Companies but there is high demand for this type of insurance. To reduce the cover with substantial clauses whilst claiming to offer Critical Illness is certainly attractive to providers.”

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