Now we have made you aware of the importance of life insurance on a mortgage it is time to discuss the benefits of Critical Illness Cover.

The aim of Critical illness cover is to ensure that your mortgage is repaid or you have money for your own reasons should you suffer a critical illness such as a heart attack, cancer, stroke, or other serious illness. Upon a successful claim you will receive a tax free lump sum, a set period after the point of diagnosis, usually 28-30 days.

It has now been evidenced, that at some stage in your life, you have a one in three chance of suffering a critical illness, and the likelihood increases with age, state of health, and of course the occurrence of previous illnesses of this nature in your close relatives.

Ask yourself - how would you repay your mortgage, and maintain your standard of living if you were diagnosed with a Critical Illness?

It is important to remember that not all Critical Illness becomes terminal illness, and the majority of people survive. How would you pay for private medical treatment or adjustments to your home, such as a stair life or door frames widening if they were needed?

All these questions need serious thought and consideration when reviewing your financial situation, particularly if you have young children or dependants.

An example of the benefits of Critical Illness insurance could be that perhaps you suffer a heart attack, and as a result you are admitted to hospital were you stay to recuperate for a couple of weeks, all this puts a huge strain on your finances and results in high levels of stress and worry.

Once you come out of hospital it is very unlikely that you will be able to return to work immediately, so the likelihood is you would take sick leave for a specified time until advised to return to work. .

What happens in this situation should you be self employed? Or Employed but without full sickness benefit? How would other costs, such as assistance with household tasks be met?

If you had taken Critical Illness insurance out, the life insurance company would be able to pay out the whole lump sum benefit and you would be able to redeem all or part of your mortgage, or use the funds for the purpose of your choice.

For further advice on Critical Illness Insurance the associated options, please call one of our Life Assurance Specialists on 01282 861181 who have access to the whole of the UK market for Critical Illness Insurance and who will be happy to provide you with a no obligation quote and offer advice on the level of cover needed in your particular circumstances.