What is the cheapest critical illness insurance?

The cheapest critical illness insurance typically starts from around £15/month for a young, healthy non-smoker with modest cover (£50,000-£75,000). Decreasing cover policies protecting a mortgage are usually cheaper than level cover. Different insurers price risks differently, so comparing quotes is essential.

Is cheap critical illness cover worth it?

Yes, cheap critical illness cover can still provide valuable protection. Even £50,000 could cover mortgage payments for 2-3 years, clear debts, or fund private treatment. The key is ensuring you have enough cover for your essential needs. Some cover is better than no cover—but don't underinsure just to save money.

Cheap CI Cover UK 2026 | Affordable CI Ins...

Q: How can I get cheap critical illness cover?

To get cheap critical illness cover: buy young before health issues develop, quit smoking (saves 50%+), choose decreasing cover if protecting a mortgage, opt for a shorter policy term, consider a lower cover amount, combine CI with life insurance for better rates, and compare quotes from multiple providers through a broker.

Q: Which UK insurer has the cheapest CI cover?

There's no single cheapest insurer—prices vary based on individual circumstances. LV=, Legal & General, Aviva, and Vitality are often competitive, but each prices different risk factors differently. A broker can compare the whole market to find your cheapest option.

Cheap Critical Illness Cover UK

Direct Answer

Cheap critical illness cover starts from around £15/month for young, healthy non-smokers. To get the best rates: buy young, quit smoking, choose decreasing cover for mortgages, compare multiple providers, and use a broker. Even affordable CI cover can provide essential protection—the average claim pays £67,000.

7 Ways to Get Cheaper Critical Illness Cover

1. Buy Young

Premiums increase significantly with age. Buying at 25 vs 45 can halve your costs.

2. Stop Smoking

Smokers pay 50-100% more. After 12 months smoke-free, you qualify for non-smoker rates.

3. Choose Decreasing Cover

If protecting a mortgage, decreasing cover matches your loan and costs less than level cover.

4. Combine With Life Insurance

A joint life and CI policy costs less than two separate policies.

5. Reduce Cover Amount

Lower payouts mean lower premiums. Calculate what you actually need.

6. Shorten Policy Term

A 20-year policy costs less than a 30-year policy at the same cover level.

7. Use a Broker

We compare the whole market to find your cheapest option. Different insurers price risks differently—your cheapest quote depends on your individual circumstances.

Cheap vs Comprehensive: What's the Trade-off?

Cheaper policies aren't necessarily worse—but understand what affects price:

Conditions covered — Basic policies may cover 30-40 conditions, comprehensive policies 60+
Severity definitions — Some policies have stricter definitions of what triggers a claim
Additional benefits — Children's cover, second opinion services, rehabilitation support
Claims paid rate — Check the insurer's claim payout statistics

Our advice: Focus on the core conditions (cancer, heart attack, stroke) which account for 80%+ of claims. A policy with good core definitions is better than a cheap policy with restrictive terms.

What Can Cheap CI Cover Protect?

Even £50,000 of critical illness cover could:

Pay your mortgage for 2-3 years while you recover
Clear credit card debts and loans
Fund private medical treatment
Allow your partner to take time off to care for you
Make home adaptations if needed

The average CI claim is £67,000. Work out what you'd actually need if diagnosed with a serious illness, then get quotes for that amount.

Budget-Friendly Provider Options

Major UK providers often competitive on price include LV=, Legal & General, Aviva, Royal London, and Vitality. However, the cheapest insurer varies by individual—age, health, occupation, and lifestyle all affect pricing differently across providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get cheap critical illness cover?

Buy young, quit smoking, choose decreasing cover, combine with life insurance, and compare quotes through a broker who searches the whole market.

Is £50,000 critical illness cover enough?

Depends on your circumstances. £50,000 could cover mortgage payments for 2-3 years, clear debts, or fund treatment. Calculate what you'd need to survive a serious illness financially.

Which insurer offers the cheapest CI cover?

It varies by individual. LV=, Legal & General, Aviva, and Vitality are often competitive, but each prices different risk factors differently. A broker comparison is essential.