How popular are they?

Nowhere near as popular as they should be, say their supporters. Some 5 million people have policies, though sales have been falling in recent years. Most big insurance companies offer critical illness cover and many mortgage lenders either offer policies through their own in-house insurers or through tie-ups with other companies. The Association of British Insurers say claims worth more than £1.6 billion have been paid out to existing policyholders since 2000.