Short answer: Critical illness cover (CIC) pays a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of specific listed conditions like cancer, heart attack and stroke. Income protection (IP) pays a monthly tax-free income for as long as you are unable to work due to any illness. CIC covers ~60 named conditions; IP covers any illness causing income loss.
For who: employed and self-employed working adults.
Reviewed by: Ben Darke, lifecoverfor.com · Last updated: 2026-06-03
Reviewed by: Ben Darke, lifecoverfor.com · Last updated: 2026-06-03
Key facts (2026)
| CIC payout | One-time lump sum (typically £50k–£500k) |
| IP payout | Monthly income (typically 60% of pre-tax earnings) until you return to work or retire |
| CIC trigger | Diagnosis of one of 30–80 listed conditions; partial payouts for some less-severe versions |
| IP trigger | Inability to do your specific occupation due to illness or injury |
| Typical premium cost (age 35) | £15–25/month for CIC at £100k; £18–25/month for IP protecting £20k/year |
| Which to buy first | Income protection — broader claim triggers, longer cover duration; add CIC if budget allows |
Sources
ABI standard definitions, lifecoverfor.com adviser panel.
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