What Conditions Are on the Critical Illness List?

Core critical illness conditions: cancer (65% of claims), heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, major organ transplant, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease. Additional conditions include blindness, deafness, paralysis, severe burns, coma, and 30-50+ more depending on provider. Most UK policies cover 40-60 conditions total.

Learn more about what does ci cover in our detailed guide.

Critical illness cover guide

Learn more about critical illness cover guide in our detailed guide.

What conditions are on the critical illness list?

Core conditions: cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, major organ transplant, MS, Parkinson's, motor neurone disease. Additional conditions vary by provider but typically include blindness, deafness, paralysis, severe burns, and more.

How many conditions are covered?

Most UK policies cover 40-60 conditions, though some cover over 100. The number matters less than how conditions are defined. Focus on cancer, heart attack, and stroke definitions.

Which conditions account for most claims?

Cancer accounts for around 65% of all claims. Heart attack and stroke together account for 15-20%. These three conditions represent over 80% of all critical illness claims.

Are all cancers covered?

Most cancers are covered, but early-stage cancers like carcinoma in situ (CIS) and some skin cancers may not be fully covered or may receive partial payment. Check policy definitions.

Quick Answer

What's on the Critical Illness Conditions List?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Core: cancer (65% claims), heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, organ transplant, MS, Parkinson's. Additional: blindness, deafness, paralysis, burns, coma + 40-60 more.

Critical illness policies cover a defined list of serious medical conditions. The ABI (Association of British Insurers) provides standardised definitions for core conditions, while additional conditions vary by provider.

Key Points

1Cancer: 65% of all claims
2Heart attack + stroke: 15-20%
3Core conditions standardised (ABI)
440-60 conditions typically covered
5Additional conditions vary by provider
6Definitions matter more than count

Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis must meet policy definition
Condition after policy starts
Survival period applies
Pre-existing conditions excluded

Typical Timeframe

Claims assessed against specific policy definitions. Payout typically 4-8 weeks after diagnosis.

Next Steps

1Review full conditions list
2Compare key definitions
3Focus on cancer, heart, stroke
4Get quotes from multiple providers
5Speak to protection adviser

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What's on the Critical Illness Conditions List?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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