Heart Attack Critical Illness Cover - Lump Sum Payout for Serious Illness
Direct Answer
Yes, critical illness cover pays out for heart attack. Heart attack is one of the 'core' conditions covered by all CI policies in the UK. It accounts for approximately 10-15% of all claims. However, the heart attack must meet specific diagnostic criteria—typically requiring evidence of permanent heart muscle damage through blood tests and ECG changes.
How Is Heart Attack Defined for CI Claims?
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) sets a standard definition that most insurers follow. To claim, your heart attack must involve:
- Death of heart muscle — Permanent damage, not just temporary reduced blood flow
- New ECG changes — Characteristic electrical changes visible on heart monitoring
- Elevated cardiac biomarkers — Specifically troponin levels indicating heart muscle damage
- Clinical symptoms — Chest pain, breathlessness, or other cardiac symptoms
Important: Minor heart attacks or angina (chest pain without permanent damage) may not meet the full claim criteria. Some policies offer partial payouts for less severe cardiac events.
Heart Attack Claim Statistics
10-15%
Of CI claims are for heart attack
£67,000
Average CI claim payout
86%+
Claims paid rate (industry average)
7.6 million
UK people living with heart disease
What Other Cardiac Conditions Are Covered?
Beyond heart attack, most CI policies cover:
- Coronary artery bypass surgery — Surgery to bypass blocked coronary arteries
- Heart valve replacement/repair — Surgical intervention on heart valves
- Cardiomyopathy — Weakening of heart muscle with reduced function
- Heart failure — Severe reduction in heart pumping capacity
- Primary pulmonary hypertension — High blood pressure in lung arteries
Can I Get CI Cover After a Heart Attack?
Getting critical illness cover after a heart attack is challenging but not impossible:
- 0-2 years post-event: Most insurers decline applications
- 2-5 years post-event: Some specialists may offer cover with cardiac exclusions
- 5+ years post-event: More options available, though with exclusions or loadings
Alternatives: Life insurance or income protection may be easier to obtain with cardiac history. A specialist broker can advise on your best options.
Tips for Heart Attack Claims
- Keep all medical records — Hospital discharge summaries, ECG results, blood test results
- Get your cardiologist's confirmation — Medical evidence of diagnosis and severity
- Contact your insurer promptly — Most require notification within a set timeframe
- Understand the definition — Know what criteria your policy requires
- Use your broker — We can help navigate the claims process
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CI cover pay out for heart attack?
Yes, heart attack is covered by all critical illness policies. It must meet diagnostic criteria including evidence of permanent heart muscle damage.
Do minor heart attacks qualify for CI claims?
Mild heart attacks without permanent damage may not meet full claim criteria. Some policies offer partial payouts for less severe events.
Can I get CI cover with heart disease history?
Difficult but possible through specialist insurers, typically with cardiac exclusions or premium loadings. A broker can help find options.
Related Topics
Content reviewed: January 2026