Can I get critical illness cover with PTSD?
Critical illness cover is available for most PTSD cases where the condition is stable. Note that standard CIC policies do not pay out for mental health conditions themselves — but cover for cancer, heart attack, stroke, and other physical conditions remains intact. An exclusion for mental health-related claims may apply with some insurers.
How do insurers assess PTSD?
Insurers look at when you were diagnosed, how well-controlled the condition is, your current treatment, and any related complications. Each insurer has different underwriting criteria — terms and premiums vary significantly between providers.
What options are available?
- Standard terms — possible if your condition is well-controlled with no complications
- Rated premium — higher premium reflecting the additional risk, with full cover intact
- Exclusion — the condition and directly related conditions excluded, but all others covered
- Decline — some insurers may decline; a specialist broker can find alternatives
What does CIC pay out for?
Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of specified conditions — including cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and organ failure. Even if your pre-existing condition is excluded, you are still covered for all other conditions on the policy list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Premiums are based primarily on age, health, and how well-controlled the condition is. Compare the whole market to find the most competitive terms for your profile.
Often yes — even with an exclusion for your condition, you're still covered for cancer, heart attack, stroke, and 30+ other serious conditions.
Yes — payouts from personal critical illness policies are completely tax-free in the UK.