Best Critical Illness Cover UK 2026
Direct Answer
The best critical illness cover UK depends on your priorities. For comprehensive cover: Legal & General or Aviva. For wellness rewards: Vitality. For value: LV= or Royal London. All major UK insurers pay 85-95% of claims. Focus on condition definitions (especially cancer, heart attack, stroke), claims record, and price.
Top UK Critical Illness Providers 2026
Legal & General
ComprehensiveOne of the UK's largest insurers with excellent condition definitions and strong claims record.
- ✓ 60+ conditions covered
- ✓ Strong cancer definitions
- ✓ Children's cover included
- ✓ 92%+ claims paid rate
Aviva
EstablishedMajor insurer with wide range of policy options and flexible cover levels.
- ✓ 50+ conditions covered
- ✓ Flexible payment options
- ✓ Online claims tracking
- ✓ 90%+ claims paid rate
LV=
ValueConsistently competitive pricing with solid cover and good customer service.
- ✓ Often cheapest quotes
- ✓ Good condition definitions
- ✓ Doctor services included
- ✓ 91%+ claims paid rate
Vitality
RewardsUnique wellness programme that rewards healthy living with premium discounts.
- ✓ Earn rewards for exercise
- ✓ Premium discounts available
- ✓ Apple Watch offers
- ✓ Partner discounts (cinema, coffee)
Royal London
MutualMutual insurer (customer-owned) known for good definitions and service.
- ✓ Customer-owned (mutual)
- ✓ Strong cancer definitions
- ✓ Helping Hand support service
- ✓ 92%+ claims paid rate
What Makes "Best" Critical Illness Cover?
When comparing CI providers, focus on:
- Condition definitions — How conditions are defined matters more than how many are covered. Stricter definitions mean harder claims.
- Claims paid rate — Look for 85%+ claims paid. Declines usually result from non-disclosure or not meeting definitions.
- Core conditions — Cancer, heart attack, and stroke account for 80%+ of claims. Focus on these definitions.
- Price for cover — Compare like-for-like policies. The cheapest isn't always best.
- Additional benefits — Children's cover, second opinion services, rehabilitation support.
- Insurer stability — Check financial strength ratings for long-term security.
How to Choose the Best CI Cover for You
- Calculate your cover needs — Mortgage balance, debts, income replacement, care costs
- Get multiple quotes — Prices vary significantly between insurers
- Read the policy definitions — Especially for cancer, heart attack, stroke
- Check claims statistics — Available on insurer websites
- Consider additional benefits — Children's cover, support services
- Use a broker — We compare the whole market and know which insurers suit different circumstances
Why Use a Broker?
Different insurers price different risks differently. A 40-year-old smoker might find Insurer A cheapest, while a 30-year-old non-smoker finds Insurer B cheapest. A broker compares all options to find your best match—and our advice is free (we're paid by the insurer, not you).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best critical illness cover UK?
Depends on your priorities: Legal & General/Aviva for comprehensive cover, Vitality for rewards, LV=/Royal London for value. All major insurers have good claims records.
What should I look for in CI cover?
Focus on condition definitions (especially cancer, heart attack, stroke), claims paid rate (85%+), price, and additional benefits like children's cover.
Why do CI claims get declined?
Main reasons: non-disclosure on application (not being honest about health), or condition not meeting policy definition. Always be truthful and understand what's covered.
Related Topics
Content reviewed: January 2026