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Find a Critical Illness Cover Broker in the UK
1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if it happens to you. Get matched with a specialist broker today.
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1 in 2people will get cancer in their lifetime
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Why Nesto
Why use a Critical Illness Cover Broker?
Critical illness policies vary enormously in what they cover. Some cover 50 conditions; others cover 150+. The definitions matter too — a 'severe' heart attack definition is very different from 'any' heart attack. An independent critical illness broker compares policies not just on price, but on the breadth and quality of cover — ensuring you choose a policy that will actually pay out when you need it most.
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Cover quality comparison
Price isn't everything. Your broker compares the definitions and breadth of cover, not just premiums.
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Medical history expertise
Know which insurers are most lenient about specific conditions before you apply.
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Tax-free payout
Critical illness payouts are free of income tax and capital gains tax — the full sum is yours.
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Combined with life cover
Many brokers find better value combining critical illness and life cover in a single policy.
Every adviser matched by Nesto is independently FCA-authorised and regulated
Ready to find your perfect Critical Illness Cover Broker?
"I'd been putting off finding a critical illness adviser for years. Nesto matched me in literally two minutes and the adviser they found was brilliant — saved me thousands."
Sarah M.
London · Critical Illness Cover Broker customer
★★★★★
"The adviser Nesto matched me with was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. He explained everything clearly and found me a deal I never would have found on my own."
James K.
Manchester · Critical Illness Cover Broker customer
★★★★★
"I was sceptical about using a matching service but Nesto was genuinely impressive. Free, fast, and the adviser they found was a total expert. Highly recommend."
What a Critical Illness Cover Broker can help with
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Heart conditions
Cover for heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular conditions.
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Cancer cover
Comprehensive cancer cover including early-stage diagnoses.
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Neurological conditions
Cover for MS, Parkinson's, motor neurone disease and other conditions.
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Organ failure
Kidney failure, liver failure and major organ transplants.
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Total permanent disability
Payouts if illness permanently prevents you from working.
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Children's cover
Many policies extend critical illness protection to children at no extra cost.
Got Questions?
Frequently asked questions about Critical Illness Cover Brokers
The most comprehensive policies cover 100+ conditions including most cancers, heart attacks, strokes, organ failure, multiple sclerosis and total permanent disability. Your broker compares policies on the quality of definitions.
Enough to repay your mortgage, cover lost income during recovery and fund any necessary home adaptations. A common approach is to mirror your mortgage balance, or 3–5 years' salary.
No. Critical illness pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a specific condition. Income protection pays a monthly income if illness prevents you from working, regardless of the condition.
Most policies cover most cancers, but some early-stage or skin cancers may be excluded or only partially covered. Your broker compares cancer definitions across insurers.
Often yes, though the pre-existing condition itself may be excluded. Some specialist insurers offer cover with exclusions rather than declining outright. Your broker will identify the best options.
You submit a claim with medical evidence from your doctor or consultant. The insurer assesses whether your condition meets the policy definition. Choosing the best definitions upfront minimises claim disputes.
Some critical illness policies include total permanent disability with different definitions. 'Own occupation' is better — it pays if you can't do your specific job. 'Any occupation' only pays if you can't work at all.
Many policies automatically include children's critical illness cover at no extra cost, though the sum assured is typically 50% of the parent's cover.
Joint policies pay out once on the first claim. Two separate policies potentially pay out twice — for each partner's claim. Your broker will model which is better value for your situation.
Typically to age 70 or 85, though some providers offer whole-of-life critical illness cover. Your broker will advise on the appropriate term based on your circumstances.
A lump sum payout could affect means-tested benefits. Your broker will discuss structuring the policy to minimise any benefits impact.
Based on age, health, smoker status, occupation, the amount of cover and the number of conditions covered. Premiums are usually fixed for the term, though indexed policies increase with inflation.
All policies cover the 'big three': cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Comprehensive policies cover 40–60+ conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, organ failure, loss of limbs, and more. A broker compares policy definitions carefully — the differences between insurers on what qualifies are significant.
Yes, but only for cancers meeting the policy definition — typically invasive cancers of a specified severity. Some early-stage cancers are excluded or pay a partial benefit. A broker identifies policies with the broadest cancer definitions, which matters enormously at claim time.
Yes — and for many people, having both makes sense. Critical illness pays a lump sum; income protection pays a monthly income. A broker can structure both policies to work together, ensuring you're fully protected without paying for overlapping cover.
Still have questions? Your matched adviser will answer them all — for free.
Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you with a qualified, FCA-regulated adviser suited to your exact situation — completely free, no obligation.
