Terminal Illness Cover

Terminal Illness Cover: Everything You Need to Know

Terminal illness cover is one of the most valuable yet least understood features of life insurance. While no one wants to think about terminal illness, understanding this benefit could make a profound difference to you and your family during the most difficult time imaginable.

What Is Terminal Illness Cover?

Terminal illness cover is a feature included with most life insurance policies that allows you to claim your policy's death benefit whilst you're still alive, if diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Key Definition

Terminal illness is typically defined as an illness that satisfies both:

1. Life expectancy of 12 months or less (some policies specify 6 or 24 months)
2. Diagnosis confirmed by a registered medical practitioner
3. No reasonable prospect of recovery

How It Works

Standard Life Insurance:

• Pays out only upon death
• Family receives lump sum
• Used to cover funeral costs, debts, mortgage, ongoing living expenses

With Terminal Illness Cover:

• Diagnosis of terminal illness triggers early payout
• You receive the money whilst alive
• Use funds for specialist treatment, quality time with family, clearing debts
• Death benefit is paid out early (no further death claim possible)

Why Terminal Illness Cover Matters

Financial Impact of Terminal Diagnosis

When someone receives a terminal diagnosis, financial pressures multiply:

Immediate Costs:

• Private medical consultations: £200-£500 per appointment
• Experimental treatments (if available): £10,000-£100,000+
• Home adaptations: £5,000-£25,000
• Care equipment: £2,000-£10,000
• Travel to specialist centres: £500-£5,000

Ongoing Financial Changes:

• Loss of income (stopping work)
• Partner may reduce hours to care
• Mortgage and bills continue
• Care costs escalate
• Family wants quality time, not financial worry

Real-Life Scenario

Mark, 42, married with two children:

• Diagnosed with terminal cancer, 9 months life expectancy
• Mortgage: £180,000
• Life insurance: £300,000
• Household income drops from £65,000 to £15,000 (partner's part-time income only)

Without terminal illness cover:

• Family struggles financially for 9 months
• Mark worried about debts
• Can't afford specialist treatment
• Limited quality time due to financial stress

With terminal illness cover:

• £300,000 paid out within 4 weeks
• Mortgage cleared immediately
• £120,000 available for living expenses and treatment
• Mark spends remaining time with family, not worrying about money
• Family financially secure during and after bereavement

Terminal Illness Cover Definitions by Insurer

Critical difference: Life expectancy requirement varies significantly by provider.

12-Month Life Expectancy (Most Common)

Providers using 12-month definition:

• Legal & General
• Aviva
• Vitality
• Royal London
• Scottish Widows
• LV=

Example definition (Legal & General):

"Terminal illness means an advanced or rapidly progressing incurable illness where, in the opinion of an attending consultant and our chief medical officer, the life expectancy is no more than 12 months."

6-Month Life Expectancy (More Restrictive)

Providers using 6-month definition:

• Some older policies
• Certain budget life insurance products

Impact: Harder to claim - illness must be further progressed

24-Month Life Expectancy (More Generous)

Providers offering 24-month definition:

• Some premium policies
• Certain employer group schemes

Impact: Easier to claim earlier in terminal diagnosis

Claim Criteria in Detail

Medical Evidence Required

To claim terminal illness benefit, you'll typically need:

1. Consultant Diagnosis

• Written confirmation from consultant specialist
• Life expectancy prognosis
• Details of condition and treatment attempted
• Confirmation of terminal prognosis

2. GP Confirmation

• Supporting letter from GP
• Medical history relevant to condition
• Current treatment plan
• Prognosis agreement

3. Insurer's Medical Assessment

• Insurer's chief medical officer reviews all evidence
• May request additional information
• May arrange independent medical examination
• Final decision on whether criteria met

What Conditions Qualify?

Terminal illness cover applies to ANY terminal diagnosis, including:

Cancer:

• Advanced metastatic cancer
• Treatment-resistant cancers
• Aggressive late-stage cancers

Neurological Conditions:

• Motor neurone disease (MND/ALS)
• Advanced multiple sclerosis
• Advanced Parkinson's disease

Organ Failure:

• End-stage heart failure
• Advanced liver disease
• Kidney failure (when dialysis/transplant not viable)

Respiratory Diseases:

• End-stage COPD
• Advanced pulmonary fibrosis
• Severe emphysema

Other Conditions:

• Advanced AIDS-related illness
• End-stage dementia
• Any condition meeting life expectancy criteria

What Doesn't Qualify?

Important exclusions:

1. Life Expectancy Too Long

• Even serious conditions may not qualify if prognosis > 12 months
• Example: Early-stage cancer with 18-month prognosis wouldn't qualify (under 12-month definition)

2. Possibility of Recovery

• If any reasonable prospect of recovery exists, claim denied
• Example: Serious illness requiring high-risk treatment with 20% survival chance

3. Lack of Medical Consensus

• Conflicting medical opinions
• Uncertainty in prognosis
• Experimental treatments available that might extend life

The Claims Process

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Obtain Medical Diagnosis (Week 0)

• Consultant confirms terminal diagnosis
• Life expectancy prognosis given
• Treatment options discussed

Step 2: Notify Your Insurer (Week 1)

• Contact insurer as soon as possible
• Provide policy number and basic details
• Insurer sends claim forms

Step 3: Complete Claim Forms (Week 2)

• Fill in all claim documentation
• Provide consent for medical records access
• Include all medical evidence

Step 4: Medical Evidence Gathering (Weeks 2-4)

• Insurer contacts consultants and GPs
• Medical records reviewed
• Chief medical officer assesses case

Step 5: Decision and Payout (Weeks 4-6)

• Insurer makes decision
• If approved, payout typically within 7-10 days
• If more information needed, process may extend

Expected Timeframes

Fast-track cases (3-4 weeks):

• Clear terminal diagnosis
• Unambiguous medical evidence
• Consultant actively cooperating
• All paperwork complete

Standard cases (4-8 weeks):

• Some medical uncertainty requiring additional evidence
• Multiple specialists involved
• Waiting for test results or scans

Complex cases (8-12+ weeks):

• Conflicting medical opinions
• Borderline life expectancy (close to 12-month threshold)
• Experimental treatments creating uncertainty
• Incomplete medical records

Claim Approval Rates

Industry statistics:

• Approximately 95-98% of terminal illness claims are paid
• Most rejections due to life expectancy exceeding policy threshold
• Very few disputes compared to critical illness claims

If Your Claim Is Declined

Reasons for decline:

1. Life expectancy exceeds policy definition (e.g., 18 months when policy requires <12 months)
2. Medical evidence doesn't support terminal prognosis
3. Possibility of recovery still exists
4. Policy exclusions apply (e.g., pre-existing condition not disclosed)

Your options:

1. Request detailed explanation - insurer must explain decision
2. Obtain second medical opinion - may support claim if prognosis changes
3. Submit additional evidence - new test results, consultant letters
4. Formal complaint - use insurer's complaints process
5. Financial Ombudsman - free independent review if complaint rejected
6. Reapply later - if condition progresses, life expectancy may fall within definition

Terminal Illness vs Critical Illness Cover

Often confused - here's the key difference:

Terminal Illness Cover

Definition: Life expectancy 12 months or less
Payout: Full death benefit paid early
Included: Automatic with most life insurance
Cost: No extra premium
Limitation: Illness must be terminal (beyond recovery)

Critical Illness Cover

Definition: Specific serious illnesses (cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc.)
Payout: Specified lump sum (separate from life insurance)
Included: Separate policy or add-on to life insurance
Cost: Additional premium (can double total cost)
Benefit: Claims possible even if full recovery expected

Example Comparison

Sarah, 38, diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer:

Terminal illness cover:

• Cannot claim - treatment available, good prognosis, likely full recovery
• Will only qualify if cancer progresses to terminal stage

Critical illness cover:

• Can claim immediately - breast cancer is specified condition
• Receives payout to cover treatment, time off work, financial breathing space
• Even though prognosis is good

Complementary Protection: Many people have both:

• Life insurance with terminal illness cover - for protection of dependants and terminal scenarios
• Critical illness cover - for serious illness that may not be terminal

Tax Treatment of Terminal Illness Payouts

Current UK Tax Rules

Life Insurance Death Benefit:

• Usually paid free of income tax
• May be subject to inheritance tax if policy not written in trust
• Terminal illness payout treated same as death benefit

Key Point: Terminal illness benefit receives same tax treatment as if you'd died

Writing Your Policy in Trust

Critical for terminal illness claims:

Without trust:

• Payout forms part of your estate
• Subject to inheritance tax if estate exceeds £325,000 (£500,000 with residence nil-rate band)
• Could take months to access funds (probate process)
• Problem: You're alive and need money NOW, but it's caught up in your estate

With trust (recommended):

• Payout goes directly to beneficiaries
• Outside your estate for inheritance tax
• Faster payout (no probate delay)
• Benefit: Money available quickly when you need it

For terminal illness specifically: Technically the payout is to you (the life assured) rather than beneficiaries, but trust structure still helps with:

• Ensuring smooth access
• Minimising inheritance tax impact
• Clear distribution if you pass away shortly after receiving funds

Using Your Terminal Illness Payout

Common Uses

1. Medical Treatment (Private or Abroad)

• Experimental treatments not available on NHS: £20,000-£100,000+
• Specialist consultations: £500-£2,000 per consultation
• Alternative therapies: £5,000-£20,000
• Medical travel to specialist centres abroad

2. Clearing Debts

• Pay off mortgage: Removes family burden
• Credit card debt: Clear outstanding balances
• Loans: Eliminate monthly payments
• Benefit: Family not left with debt burden

3. Quality of Life

• Family holidays/creating memories: £5,000-£25,000
• Home adaptations for care: £10,000-£30,000
• Private care: £500-£2,000 per week
• Specialist equipment

4. Family Financial Security

• Put aside funds for children's education
• Set up trust for family
• Ensure partner financially stable
• Pay for future care needs

5. End-of-Life Planning

• Funeral pre-planning and payment: £4,000-£8,000
• Legal advice and will updates
• Estate planning
• Benefit: Removes burden from family

Financial Planning Advice

Once you receive payout:

Immediate priorities:

1. Emergency fund - set aside 3-6 months living expenses
2. Clear high-interest debt - credit cards, loans
3. Mortgage - consider paying off or reducing (depends on interest rate vs investment potential)

Medium-term planning:

1. Medical treatment fund - if pursuing private/experimental treatment
2. Care costs - set aside funds for increasing care needs
3. Family security - ensure partner and children provided for

Professional advice strongly recommended:

• Independent financial adviser
• Specialist in terminal illness cases
• Can help with tax planning, investments, trusts
• Many advisers offer free initial consultation for terminal illness cases

Terminal Illness Cover Limitations

Age Restrictions

Most policies have age limits:

Standard restrictions:

• Terminal illness cover typically ceases at age 65-70
• After this age, only death benefit available
• Some policies extend to age 75

Example (Legal & General):

• Life insurance continues to age 90
• Terminal illness cover ends at age 75
• If diagnosed terminally at age 76, cannot claim early payout

Why age limits exist:

• Life expectancy harder to define at advanced age
• Many serious illnesses common in elderly don't meet 12-month criteria
• Actuarial calculations based on younger terminal illness cases

Life Expectancy Uncertainty

12-month prognosis isn't always clear:

Challenges:

• Medical uncertainty - prognosis can change
• New treatments may extend life beyond 12 months
• Different specialists may give different timeframes

Borderline cases: If prognosis is 10-14 months:

• Some insurers may decline
• May need to wait until prognosis clearer
• Could miss opportunity for early payout

Policy Specific Exclusions

Check your specific policy for:

Pre-existing conditions:

• Conditions you had before policy started may be excluded
• Usually only relevant if you didn't disclose during application

Waiting periods:

• Some policies have 6-12 month waiting period from policy start
• Terminal diagnosis within this period may not be covered

Self-inflicted injury exclusions:

• Conditions arising from deliberate self-harm
• Alcohol/drug abuse in some policies

Practical Considerations

When to Tell Your Insurer

Tell them immediately after terminal diagnosis:

Reasons to notify quickly:

1. Claim assessment takes time - 4-8 weeks typical
2. Medical evidence easier to gather when fresh
3. Some treatments may extend life beyond 12-month threshold
4. Financial support needed sooner rather than later

Don't wait because:

• "Not ready emotionally" - understandable, but delay costs you
• "Want to pursue treatment first" - payout can fund better treatment
• "Prognosis might improve" - unlikely, and delay may mean missing 12-month window

Medical Privacy

Concerns about disclosure:

What insurers learn:

• Only medical information relevant to claim
• Your medical team provides specific evidence
• Insurer's medical staff bound by confidentiality

What insurers don't do:

• Share information with other insurers
• Disclose information to employer
• Make your diagnosis public

Your control:

• You control who tells family/friends
• Insurer only contacts your nominated representative
• All communications confidential

Multiple Policies

If you have multiple life insurance policies:

You can claim on ALL of them:

• Each policy assessed independently
• Terminal illness cover on Policy A doesn't affect Policy B
• Total payout could be substantial

Example:

• Policy A (work-related): £150,000
• Policy B (personal): £200,000
• Policy C (mortgage protection): £250,000
• Total terminal illness payout: £600,000

Process:

• Claim on each policy separately
• Provide medical evidence to each insurer
• Each makes independent decision
• Payouts received separately

Terminal Illness Cover vs Early Access/Accelerated Death Benefit

Different names, same concept - but clarify:

Alternative Terms

Terminal illness cover (UK standard term)
Accelerated death benefit (US/international term)
Living benefits (general category including terminal illness)
Early death benefit (some providers)
Compassionate payment (informal term)

They all refer to receiving life insurance payout early due to terminal diagnosis.

Related Benefits (Often Confused)

Critical illness cover:

• Different benefit entirely
• Pays on specific serious illness diagnosis
• Illness doesn't need to be terminal
• Separate premium cost

Total permanent disability:

• Pays if permanently unable to work
• Doesn't require terminal diagnosis
• Different criteria and evidence

Extended living benefits:

• Some US policies include nursing home benefits
• Long-term care coverage
• Not standard in UK life insurance

Questions to Ask Your Insurer

Before purchasing or when reviewing your existing policy:

About Terminal Illness Cover Specifically

1. "Is terminal illness cover included in this policy?"

   • Should be yes for most modern policies
   • If no, consider different provider

2. "What's the life expectancy definition - 6, 12, or 24 months?"

   • 12 months is most common
   • 24 months more generous if available

3. "Up to what age is terminal illness cover available?"

   • Usually 65-75
   • Important if you're planning coverage into later life

4. "What medical evidence is required for a claim?"

   • Understand the process upfront
   • Know what your doctors will need to provide

5. "Are there any exclusions to terminal illness cover?"

   • Pre-existing conditions
   • Specific illness types
   • Waiting periods

6. "How long does the claims process typically take?"

   • Expect 4-8 weeks as standard
   • Ask about fast-track for urgent cases

7. "Can I claim on terminal illness cover if I'm receiving treatment?"

   • Usually yes, as long as life expectancy criteria met
   • Treatment doesn't affect eligibility

About Your Specific Situation

8. "If I have other policies, can I claim on all of them?"

   • Confirm each policy can pay independently

9. "Is the policy written in trust?"

   • Essential for fast payout and IHT efficiency
   • Can be arranged if not already in place

10. "What support do you offer during the claims process?"

    • Some insurers provide dedicated claim handlers
    • Support services for terminal illness claimants

Provider Comparison: Terminal Illness Cover Features

Legal & General

Life expectancy: 12 months
Age limit: 75
Additional support:

• Dedicated claims support team
• Fast-track process for urgent cases
• Support services through LifeChanger benefits
  Average claim time: 4-6 weeks

Aviva

Life expectancy: 12 months
Age limit: 70
Additional support:

• Specialist claims handlers
• Medical helpline for claimants
• Bereavement support services
  Average claim time: 4-7 weeks

Vitality

Life expectancy: 12 months
Age limit: 70
Additional support:

• Claims support and guidance
• Access to healthcare specialists
• Mental health support for family
  Average claim time: 5-7 weeks

Royal London

Life expectancy: 12 months
Age limit: 75
Additional support:

• Compassionate claims handling
• Dedicated terminal illness team
• Probate and estate planning guidance
  Average claim time: 4-6 weeks

Scottish Widows

Life expectancy: 12 months
Age limit: 70
Additional support:

• Specialist terminal illness claims team
• Family liaison support
• Bereavement counselling
  Average claim time: 5-8 weeks

Real-Life Case Studies

Case Study 1: Motor Neurone Disease

Client: James, 55

• Occupation: Teacher
• Life insurance: £400,000
• Terminal illness cover included: Yes (12-month definition)

Situation:

• Diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND)
• Consultant gave 8-10 month prognosis
• Wanted to stop working immediately
• Needed home adaptations for wheelchair access
• Wanted to spend quality time with family

Claim Process:

• Notified insurer within 1 week of diagnosis
• Consultant provided detailed prognosis
• Insurer's medical officer reviewed case
• Claim approved in 4 weeks

Outcome:

• £400,000 paid out in full
• James paid off £220,000 mortgage
• £30,000 spent on home adaptations
• £50,000 set aside for care costs
• £100,000 secured for family's future
• Remaining 9 months spent with family, financially secure

Impact: "The terminal illness payout meant I could focus on my family, not finances. We made incredible memories in those final months without the cloud of mortgage debt and financial worry."

Case Study 2: Advanced Cancer

Client: Linda, 47

• Occupation: Self-employed consultant
• Life insurance: £250,000
• Terminal illness cover included: Yes (12-month definition)

Situation:

• Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer
• NHS treatment unsuccessful
• Specialist in Germany offering experimental treatment
• Cost: £80,000
• Family desperate to try anything

Claim Process:

• Initial prognosis: 6-9 months without treatment
• Treatment might extend to 18-24 months
• Complication: If treatment successful, might exceed 12-month threshold
• Insurer required clear prognosis from UK consultant
• After discussion, consultant confirmed terminal prognosis of <12 months even with treatment

Outcome:

• Claim approved in 7 weeks (longer due to treatment complexity)
• £250,000 paid out
• £80,000 funded German treatment
• Treatment provided additional 11 months with family
• Remaining funds secured family's financial position

Impact: "Without the terminal illness payout, we couldn't have afforded the experimental treatment. It gave us precious extra time together and peace of mind that my family would be financially secure."

Case Study 3: Declined Claim - Then Approved

Client: Robert, 62

• Occupation: Retired
• Life insurance: £180,000
• Terminal illness cover included: Yes (12-month definition)

Situation:

• Diagnosed with advanced heart failure
• GP indicated "months rather than years"
• Applied for terminal illness benefit

Initial Claim:

• Cardiologist review: Prognosis 12-18 months with treatment
• Claim declined - life expectancy potentially exceeded 12 months
• Family disappointed and frustrated

Three Months Later:

• Robert's condition deteriorated faster than expected
• New consultant review: 6-8 months life expectancy
• Resubmitted claim with updated medical evidence

Outcome:

• Second claim approved within 3 weeks
• £180,000 paid out
• Robert used funds for quality end-of-life care
• Family able to focus on time together, not finances

Lesson: "The initial decline was devastating, but our broker explained we could reapply if prognosis changed. Three months later, we did, and the claim was approved. Don't give up if initially declined - medical situations can change."

Terminal Illness Cover Checklist

When Taking Out Life Insurance

• ☑ Confirm terminal illness cover is included
• ☑ Check life expectancy definition (preferably 12 or 24 months, not 6)
• ☑ Verify age limit for terminal illness benefit
• ☑ Understand any exclusions or limitations
• ☑ Ask about claims process and average timeframes
• ☑ Ensure policy is written in trust for efficiency
• ☑ Keep policy documents accessible
• ☑ Inform partner/family where policy documents are kept

If You Receive a Terminal Diagnosis

• ☑ Notify insurer immediately (don't delay)
• ☑ Request claim forms and guidance
• ☑ Inform your consultant you'll need medical evidence for insurance claim
• ☑ Gather all medical records and test results
• ☑ Complete claim forms thoroughly and accurately
• ☑ Provide consent for insurer to access medical records
• ☑ Keep copies of all documentation submitted
• ☑ Follow up weekly with insurer on claim progress
• ☑ If claim declined, request detailed explanation
• ☑ Consider financial advice on how to use payout

Supporting a Family Member Making a Claim

• ☑ Offer to handle paperwork and insurer contact
• ☑ Liaise with medical team on behalf of claimant
• ☑ Keep detailed records of all communications
• ☑ Push for fast-track processing if available
• ☑ Don't accept delay without explanation
• ☑ Escalate to complaints if unreasonable delays
• ☑ Seek independent advice if claim declined
• ☑ Help plan use of payout once received

Common Questions About Terminal Illness Cover

"Can I claim terminal illness benefit if I'm still receiving treatment?"

Yes. Terminal illness cover doesn't require you to stop treatment. The criteria is life expectancy, not whether you're receiving treatment. Many claimants are still undergoing palliative or life-extending treatment when they claim.

"What if my prognosis changes after I claim?"

Once paid, the money is yours. If you claim terminal illness benefit with a 12-month prognosis, but new treatment extends your life beyond 12 months, you keep the money. The insurer won't ask for it back.

However, if you're considering experimental treatment that might significantly extend life expectancy, discuss with your insurer before claiming - they may want to reassess once treatment outcome is clearer.

"Can I claim terminal illness benefit and still work?"

Yes. There's no requirement to stop working, though most people with terminal diagnoses do stop due to illness severity. You can claim the benefit and continue working for as long as you're able.

"Will claiming terminal illness benefit affect other insurance?"

No. Your terminal illness claim is entirely separate from:

• Critical illness insurance (if you have it separately)
• Income protection insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Any other insurance policies

Each is assessed independently.

"What if I have multiple life insurance policies?"

Claim on all of them. If you have several life insurance policies (e.g., through work, personal policy, mortgage protection), you can claim terminal illness benefit on each one. They're completely independent.

"Do I have to spend the money on treatment?"

No. Once you receive the terminal illness payout, it's yours to use as you wish. There's no requirement to spend it on medical treatment, care, or any specific purpose. Many people choose to pay off debts, provide for family, or create memories through travel.

"What happens if I die during the claims process?"

The claim continues as a death claim. If you die before the terminal illness claim is processed, it automatically converts to a death claim. Your beneficiaries will receive the full death benefit (which is the same amount as the terminal illness benefit would have been).

The claims process may be slightly faster as a death claim since the outcome is certain, whereas terminal illness claims require medical prognosis assessment.

"Can insurers refuse terminal illness cover on new policies?"

They can't add exclusions, but they can decline the whole policy. If you apply for life insurance with a terminal diagnosis, the insurer will almost certainly decline the entire policy application. Terminal illness cover is automatically included with life insurance - insurers can't exclude just that element.

This is why it's crucial to have life insurance in place before any terminal diagnosis.

The Future of Terminal Illness Cover

Industry Trends

Extending life expectancy definitions:

• Some insurers considering 18 or 24-month standard definitions
• Recognition that medical advances extend terminal prognoses
• More generous terms benefit customers without significantly increasing insurer risk

Additional terminal illness benefits:

• Enhanced terminal illness options with multiple partial payouts
• Integration with critical illness for comprehensive coverage
• Living benefits packages combining several early payout triggers

Digital claims processing:

• Faster medical evidence gathering through digital records
• AI-assisted claims assessment for quicker decisions
• Real-time claim status updates via apps

Legislative Developments

FCA focus on claims handling:

• Increased scrutiny on terminal illness claim decline rates
• Pressure on insurers to improve claims timeframes
• Enhanced requirements for clear communication to customers

Medical definition updates:

• Regular reviews of terminal illness definitions
• Incorporation of advances in medical prognosis accuracy
• Alignment with NHS and medical profession standards

Get Expert Advice on Terminal Illness Cover

Understanding terminal illness cover is crucial when choosing life insurance. While it's an aspect of cover you hope never to need, having it in place provides invaluable peace of mind.

How We Can Help

Before you purchase life insurance:

• Compare terminal illness cover features across providers
• Explain the differences between 6, 12, and 24-month definitions
• Ensure your policy includes comprehensive terminal illness cover
• Verify age limits and any exclusions
• Help you write your policy in trust for maximum efficiency

If you already have life insurance:

• Review your existing terminal illness cover provisions
• Check your policy's specific definition and age limits
• Explain exactly how to claim if needed
• Advise on whether additional cover is needed

If you need to make a claim:

• Guide you through the entire claims process
• Help gather necessary medical evidence
• Liaise with your insurer on your behalf
• Push for fast-track processing
• Support if claim is declined - review, appeal, or Ombudsman referral

After receiving a payout:

• Provide financial planning advice (through our financial planning partners)
• Help you make the most of your payout
• Ensure tax efficiency
• Support with estate planning

Get expert advice on terminal illness cover - we'll ensure you have the right protection in place and support you through any claim.

Summary

Terminal illness cover is an essential feature of life insurance that can make a profound difference when you need it most:

✓ Included with most life insurance - no extra premium
✓ Pays full death benefit early - when diagnosed with terminal illness
✓ Life expectancy usually 12 months or less - check your policy's specific definition
✓ 95-98% claim approval rate - most genuine claims are paid
✓ 4-8 week typical claim timeframe - money when you need it
✓ Use for any purpose - treatment, debt clearing, quality time with family
✓ Tax-free benefit - treated same as death benefit
✓ Claim on multiple policies - if you have several life insurance policies

Terminal illness cover transforms life insurance from death protection into living protection, ensuring financial security and dignity during the most challenging time imaginable. Having the right cover in place means you and your family can focus on what truly matters - time together - rather than financial worries.