So where do you go to Buy Critical Illness Cover in the UK? Critical Illness cover is a type of insurance that,(surprise, surprise), pays out if you are critically ill.
Buy Critical Illness Cover in the UK. A Critical Illness Insurance policy pays out a tax-free lump sum to provide you with financial protection if you are diagnosed with:
A specific illness,
Medical condition,
Or disability.
Most people use this payout to supplement their income, pay off debts, or to pay for any alterations to your home that might be needed.
For example, providing wheelchair access.
If you have a young family, or a mortgage, Critical Illness cover might be something you are considering.
But where do you go to get it from?
Can I Buy Critical Illness Cover Through Price Comparison Sites?
In a word, yes.
You’ll be able to compare the prices of any type of insurance policy through an online price comparison site – including Critical illness cover.
But is this the best way to purchase your policy?
Particularly something as personalised as Critical Illness cover?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
The Pros Of Using Price Comparison Sites For Your Critical Illness Cover
- There’s A Lot Of Choice –A price comparison site is going to list most of the insurers you’ve heard of (and probably some you haven’t).
And you’ll be able to compare what they charge.
With so many choices you’re bound to find someone who offers a policy to suit your budget.
2. It Will Save You Time –Obviously googling a price comparison website is going to be quick.
Certainly quicker than googling a list of insurance companies and checking out their websites individually.
Simples.
3. You Could Save Money –The whole point of using those sites is to find the most budget-friendly policy.
This is why most people who are in the market for any type of insurance will often have a little browse through one of these first.
Price comparison sites can certainly be an excellent starting point. But….
The Cons Of Using Price Comparison Sites For Your Critical Illness Cover
- Not All Companies Are Signed Up –Price comparison sites don’t list every single insurance company that offers Critical Illness cover.
In fact some insurers consider NOT being part of something such as Compare the Market to be their USP.
As a result, it could be that you are missing out on a better deal elsewhere. Check out this article by Which
2. You’ll Receive No Guidance –Unless you really know your stuff, insurance can be a confusing field to navigate.
Price comparison sites will guide you towards the cheapest deal, but that’s where it ends.
You’re not able to ask advice about a particular insurer or policy, so you may end up purchasing something that doesn’t meet your requirements should you need it.
3. You’re On Your Own –You choose the insurance company, you complete the application, you set it up and you have to make the claim.
Meaning if you choose an insurance company that won’t cover certain conditions or you get something wrong when setting up the application…
… the fault rests entirely on YOU and you cannot claim through FSC. (Financial compensation scheme)
That’s glum.
Going Direct To The Insurer For Your Critical Illness Cover
With something as important as insurance it can’t always be cost that is the overriding factor. So when looking for where is best to buy critical illness cover in the UK, do your research. Reading this article is a sign you are on the right path.
Insurance is about more than money.
(See what we did there?)
This is especially true when it comes to something like Critical Illness cover which you and your family will be relying on if you fall critically ill.
Speaking to someone over the phone who has knowledge of the product you are after is certainly a big advantage because…
The Pros Of Going Direct To An Insurer For Your Critical Illness Cover
- Any Questions? –If you’re unsure of something or have questions about your Critical Illness policy then you can speak to someone who has that knowledge.
That way you are more likely to purchase exactly the type of cover you need.
2. It’s Faster –You’ve decided this is the company for you and you know what you want.
Job done.
Plus, if you don’t want to talk to somebody over the phone you can quite often apply online.
The Cons Of Going Direct To An Insurer For Your Critical Illness Cover
- They Might Not Be As Knowledgeable As You Think –I don’t want to sound harsh here, but…
Chances are that when you ring an insurance company about a policy you won’t be talking to someone with a wealth of insurance knowledge.
The person on the end of a phone is likely to be in a call-center environment.
And their knowledge of Critical Illness cover is probably limited to what is printed on the script in front of them.
This might not be an issue if you only want to know the basics…but surely, it’d be better to speak to someone who is actually qualified…
(No offense, insurance call center staff!)
It might be that the lovely person on the end of the phone isn’t an enthusiastic young college leaver with a script.
(I’m generalising obviously – NO ONE who works in a call centre is enthusiastic)
It could be that you are speaking to an non-advised broker who works within the insurance company itself and is more knowledgeable about the policies in general.
However, they can only tell you about the policies THEIR company offers.
If another company would offer a deal that would suit your needs better, you wouldn’t know about it by speaking to them.
But you would know about it if you spoke to….
Drum roll please…
An Advised Broker
Going To An Advised Broker For Your Critical Illness Cover
Are you already well-versed in the world of insurance and have plenty of knowledge on the subject?
If not, I would ALWAYS advise that you speak to an Advised Broker or Financial Advisor before you purchase any type of insurance policy.
These incredibly intelligent and attractive individuals have all your needs covered…
The Pros Of Going To An Advised Broker For Your Critical Illness Cover
- They Work For You –An Advised Broker or Financial Advisor is like the human equivalent of a price comparison site, except they will do all the work for you.
Instead of scrolling through websites or lists of insurers, you can speak to an advised broker, either face-to-face or over the phone.
They will then find a policy that perfectly suits your requirements. Of course, another huge plus here is…
2. You Are Protected –Using a broker offers you some financial protection, which you wouldn’t get if you fly solo.
You will be protected under the Financial Compensation Scheme.
This means that if you were to take out your insurance policy on the advice of your broker…
..and it doesn’t pay out because they gave you bad advice, you would be financially protected.
3. Options which are not on comparison sites –A few insurance companies like Aviva and Legal and General have two Critical illness options.
This includes a standard version (found on comparison sites) and an upgraded comprehensive version (found only when getting advice from a broker).
These upgraded versions typically cover more illnesses and are more likely to pay out.
4. They Know Their Stuff –It is likely that a broker will know of companies and deals that aren’t widely known and aren’t on comparison websites.
Because they have relationships with these companies, they’ll be able to broker a deal for you that you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.
See, basically, they’re great!
Most Financial advisers have a wealth of experience and the qualifications to boot in doing the exact thing you’re trying to do on your own –
financially protect yourself and loved ones.
The Cons Of Going To An Advised Broker For Your Critical Illness Cover
None at all whatsoever.
So when it comes to Critical Illness cover, there are plenty of options open to you.
Browsing price comparison sites and having a ring around different insurers can often serve as a good starting place.
However, if all that internet surfing ends up leaving you with more questions than answers, an advised broker, such as ourselves, can take away a lot of the confusion as well as find you a great deal.
If you would like a quote, or if you have any insurance-related questions please do get in touch.
Our advice is without obligation, and one of our qualified advisors would be more than happy to help.
