Best Life and Critical Illness Cover UK 2026
Direct Answer
The best combined life and CI cover depends on your needs. For comprehensive definitions: Legal & General or Aviva. For wellness rewards: Vitality. For value: LV= or Royal London. Combined policies pay a tax-free lump sum if you die OR are diagnosed with a covered illness—whichever happens first. Most families find this the best balance of protection and affordability.
Top Combined Life & CI Providers 2026
Legal & General
Best DefinitionsExcellent condition definitions and strong claims record. One of the most comprehensive combined policies available.
- ✓ 60+ conditions covered
- ✓ Strong cancer definitions
- ✓ Children's cover included
- ✓ 92%+ claims paid rate
Vitality
Wellness RewardsUnique wellness programme that rewards healthy living with premium discounts and extra benefits.
- ✓ Discounts for healthy lifestyle
- ✓ Activity tracking rewards
- ✓ Health screening benefits
- ✓ Premium can reduce over time
LV=
Best ValueExcellent value for money with competitive premiums and solid coverage.
- ✓ Competitive pricing
- ✓ Good claims record
- ✓ Children's cover included
- ✓ Straightforward terms
Royal London
Cancer FocusParticularly strong cancer definitions—important as cancer accounts for 60%+ of CI claims.
- ✓ Excellent cancer definitions
- ✓ Strong customer service
- ✓ Helpful additional benefits
- ✓ Mutual insurer (customer-owned)
How Combined Life and CI Cover Works
Combined policies provide a single lump sum if either of these happens:
- You die during the policy term, OR
- You're diagnosed with a covered critical illness
Crucially, the policy only pays once. If you claim for a critical illness, the life cover ends. This is why combined policies are cheaper than buying two separate policies.
Combined vs Separate Policies
| Feature | Combined Policy | Separate Policies |
|---|---|---|
| Death cover | ✓ | ✓ |
| CI cover | ✓ | ✓ |
| Two potential payouts | ✗ (pays once) | ✓ |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (often 2x) |
| Best for | Most families | Maximum protection |
How Much Does Combined Cover Cost?
For £250,000 combined life and CI cover over 25 years:
- Age 30, non-smoker: £25-40/month
- Age 40, non-smoker: £50-80/month
- Age 50, non-smoker: £100-160/month
Adding CI to a life-only policy typically increases premiums by 50-100%, but provides significantly more comprehensive protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best combined life and critical illness cover?
For comprehensive definitions: Legal & General or Aviva. For wellness rewards: Vitality. For value: LV= or Royal London. The best choice depends on your priorities—definitions, price, or additional benefits.
Is combined life and critical illness cover worth it?
Yes, for most families combined cover offers excellent value. You get protection against both death and serious illness, and it's cheaper than separate policies. The only downside is you receive just one payout.
Should I get separate life and CI policies instead?
Separate policies mean you could receive two payouts—one for illness and one for death. However, this costs significantly more. Most families find combined cover offers the best balance of protection and affordability.
Related Topics
Content reviewed: January 2026
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