Critical illness cover pays a fixed lump sum when a listed condition is diagnosed and the policy conditions are met. The money is yours to use for anything: treatment abroad, lost income, home modification, or simply time away from work.
It is not a replacement for health insurance. It answers a different question — not “who pays the hospital”, but “how does the household keep running”.
Who needs this cover
Sole earners
People with a family history of listed conditions
Self-employed professionals with no sick pay
Key benefits
Lump sum paid on diagnosis, independent of actual expenses
Money usable for income replacement, not just treatment
Available standalone or as a rider
Cover continues for other listed conditions in some products
What is typically covered
The specific conditions listed in the policy schedule
Payment on meeting the definition and survival period
Eligibility
Entry ages usually 18 to 65 years
Medical underwriting applies
Key exclusions and limitations
Conditions diagnosed during the initial waiting period
Pre-existing conditions as defined by the policy
Any condition not on the listed schedule, however serious
Exclusions differ between insurers and product variants. Always read the policy wording for the exact list.
Claim information
The claim requires a confirmed diagnosis meeting the exact policy definition, plus survival for the stated period. Definitions are strict — we go through them with you at purchase, not at claim time.
Information on this website is educational and advisory in nature. Insurance products, benefits, exclusions, waiting periods and claim outcomes are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective insurer's policy document and applicable IRDAI regulations. Please read the policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
Frequently asked questions
It is the time that must pass before certain conditions can be claimed. Health policies typically have an initial period of around 30 days covering everything except accidents, specific waiting periods of one to two years for listed conditions, and a longer period for pre-existing conditions. The exact periods are stated in your policy schedule.
Yes. Portability lets you move to another insurer while carrying forward the waiting-period credit you have already accrued, provided the policy has been continuously renewed and you apply within the window before renewal. Acceptance is subject to the new insurer’s underwriting.
