It's Free to Speak to an Advisor, 7 days, 8am - 10pm

Can You Get Critical Illness Cover Without Life Insurance?

Yes, you can take out critical illness cover without life insurance. While the two are often combined, they serve different purposes.

Critical illness cover provides a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy, helping with medical costs, household bills, or lost income.

Life insurance, on the other hand, ensures your loved ones receive financial support after your passing.

Plan Ahead with Personalised Insurance Advice

Schedule a free callback from one of our experts today.

  • Access to different types of cover
  • Transparent and honest protection advice
  • Help finding a policy that meets your needs

Our customers rate us 4.9/5

Reviews.io White Logo

When Critical Illness Cover Might Be a Better Fit

If you don’t have dependants who rely on your income after you pass away, life insurance may not be a priority. However, a serious illness could leave you unable to work, affecting your financial stability.

In this case, critical illness cover can offer financial support, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than worrying about expenses.

This can be especially important for self-employed individuals who don’t have sick pay or those with a mortgage who want to ensure they can keep up with payments if they become too ill to work.

When Life Insurance Alone Might Be Enough

If your main concern is ensuring your family is financially secure after your passing, life insurance may be enough.

A policy can cover outstanding debts, mortgage payments, or general living costs for your loved ones.

Those with a strong sick pay policy or other financial safety nets may feel they don’t need critical illness cover, especially if they have other protections in place.

Should You Have Both?

For those looking for a more comprehensive safety net, having both life insurance and critical illness cover can provide greater financial security.

If your budget allows, either a combined policy or separate policies can ensure protection in multiple scenarios.

Life insurance looks after your family’s future, while critical illness cover provides financial support when you need it most.

Other Insurances to Consider

Depending on your circumstances, additional protection policies may be worth considering:

Income Protection Insurance

Income protection insurance, works differently to a lump sum payout. Instead, this provides a regular income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

Family Income Benefit

Family income benefit is a type of life insurance that pays out a regular income to your family instead of a lump sum, helping them manage day-to-day expenses more easily.

How We Can Help

Finding the right protection policy can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding between different types of cover.

Our team of protection advisors are here to help you explore your options and find a policy that suits your needs.

Whether you’re looking for critical illness cover, life insurance, or additional protection like income protection insurance, we can provide expert support to ensure you have the right level of cover in place.


Latest Insurance Guides

Read More Guides
Author Image of Wayne Dewsbury - Mortgage Advisor at UK Moneyman Ltd.

About the Author

Wayne Dewsbury

Mortgage Advisor at UK Moneyman Ltd.

There are unlikely to be very many advisors in the UK with Wayne’s wealth of experience. Having joined Nationwide as a Trainee Manager in 1983, he has gone on to perform a wide range of Management and Business Development roles with a number of prominent UK Building Societies and Mortgage Companies and has been a regular contributor of articles and TV/Radio comment.

He continues to advise right across the spectrum from young first time buyers, landlords and to clients in the later stages of life. Whatever the age of the client, he embodies UK Moneyman’s commitment to find the right deal for any customer’s needs and priorities.

Outside work, Wayne is a keen follower of rugby league and spends a lot of time chasing his grandchildren around!

Learn More

Continue Reading

UK Moneyman Limited is Registered in England, No. 6789312

Registered Address: 9 Gallows Lane, Beverley, United Kingdom HU17 7FJ.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We are entered on the Financial Services Register No. 627742 at www.register.fca.org.uk.

© UK Moneyman Limited 2025.

Equity Release Council Logo Facebook Image X Logo Instagram Image YouTube Image LinkedIn Image SpotifyImage

We value your privacy

This website uses cookies. If you continue to use the site, we will assume that you agree with our use of cookies.