Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Critical Illness Cover | Income Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Payout type | One-off lump sum | Monthly income |
| Trigger | Diagnosis of a specific listed condition | Unable to work due to any illness/injury |
| Back pain covered? | No | Yes |
| Depression covered? | No | Yes |
| Cancer covered? | Yes | Yes |
| How long it pays | Once | Until recovery or retirement |
| Typical cost | More expensive per £ of benefit | More affordable per £ of benefit |
| Best for | Mortgage clearance, treatment costs | Replacing monthly income |
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Get a Free Quote →When to Choose CIC
- You want to clear your mortgage on diagnosis of a serious illness
- You want a lump sum for private treatment or home adaptations
- You want cover specifically for the “big” conditions: cancer, heart attack, stroke
- Budget only allows one product and you have a large mortgage
When to Choose IP
- You want cover for any condition that stops you working (not just specific serious ones)
- You want ongoing monthly income replacement, not a one-off payout
- You are concerned about back problems, mental health, or musculoskeletal conditions
- Budget only allows one product and income replacement is the priority
Ideal solution: Have both. CIC provides a large lump sum for the most serious diagnoses (clear the mortgage, fund treatment). IP provides ongoing monthly income for any condition that stops you working. Together, they cover all scenarios.
If You Can Only Afford One
Most financial advisers recommend income protection as the single most important protection product. Here is why:
- It covers all conditions, not just specific ones
- Back pain and mental health (the most common reasons for being off work) are only covered by IP
- It pays for as long as you cannot work, not just once
- The average IP claim lasts 4–6 years – ongoing income is essential during this time
Frequently Asked Questions
IP is generally more important (covers all conditions). Ideally have both CIC and IP.
Yes, and it’s recommended. CIC for lump sum, IP for ongoing income. They complement each other.