Decoding Critical Illness Insurance

Decoding Critical Illness Insurance: Your Comprehensive Guide Before You Sign

Critical illness insurance can sit alongside a mortgage, but it is not the same thing as getting a mortgage approved. It is a protection policy that usually pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the serious illnesses listed in the policy and you meet the insurer’s definition during the policy term. […]
Written By: James Blackler
Last Updated - Mar 7, 2024

Critical illness insurance can sit alongside a mortgage, but it is not the same thing as getting a mortgage approved. It is a protection policy that usually pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the serious illnesses listed in the policy and you meet the insurer’s definition during the policy term.

For many UK borrowers, the practical question is not simply “do I need critical illness cover?” It is:

If I became seriously ill, could my household still manage the mortgage, bills, childcare, debts and everyday costs?

Most standard residential mortgage lenders do not usually require critical illness insurance as a condition of lending. That does not make it irrelevant. It means the mortgage decision and the protection decision are separate, even though they are connected.

This guide explains how critical illness insurance works when you have, or are about to take on, a mortgage. It also covers the points borrowers often miss before choosing a policy.

This is general information only and is not personal mortgage, insurance, tax or legal advice. Your options depend on your circumstances, lender criteria, insurer underwriting and the policy selected.

Key takeaway: Critical illness insurance can sit alongside a mortgage, but it is not the same thing as getting a mortgage approved.

What critical illness insurance actually covers

Critical illness insurance usually pays a lump sum if the insured person is diagnosed with a specified serious illness covered by the policy and the diagnosis meets the insurer’s definition.

Commonly covered conditions can include specified forms of cancer, heart attack and stroke, but the wording matters. Not every diagnosis of cancer, heart disease, neurological illness or long-term condition will automatically lead to a claim.

public guidance describes critical illness cover as insurance that pays out if you get one of the specific medical conditions or injuries listed in the policy. You can read its consumer guidance here: public guidance: what is critical illness cover?

For mortgage borrowers, the lump sum might be used to:

  • repay all or part of the mortgage
  • reduce monthly commitments
  • cover household bills while income is affected
  • pay for childcare or care costs
  • adapt the home
  • create breathing space while treatment or recovery is ongoing
  • clear other debts
  • support a partner or dependants

With many lump-sum policies, the payout is paid to the policyholder after a valid claim is accepted rather than being restricted only to the mortgage. You should still check the ownership, beneficiary arrangements, policy terms and any trust arrangements where relevant.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Critical illness cover, life insurance and income protection: what is the difference?

These policies are often discussed together during a mortgage application, but they do different jobs.

Protection type What it is generally designed to do Mortgage-related use Key limitation to understand
Critical illness cover Pay a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness and meet the policy definition Could repay or reduce a mortgage, or provide a cash buffer after serious illness It does not cover every illness and usually depends on specific medical definitions
Life insurance Pay out if the insured person dies during the policy term Could help a partner or family repay the mortgage after death It usually does not pay because you are ill but still alive, unless additional cover is included
Income protection Pay a regular income if illness or injury prevents you from working, subject to the policy terms Could help with monthly mortgage payments and bills while you cannot work It normally pays monthly income rather than a lump sum and has its own waiting periods and definitions
Family income benefit Pay a regular income to dependants if the insured person dies during the policy term Could support ongoing household costs after death It is usually death-focused rather than illness-focused

public guidance has separate guidance on income protection insurance and how protection insurance costs are worked out.

The important point is that critical illness cover is not a general sick pay replacement. If your main worry is paying the mortgage every month because you cannot work, income protection may need to be considered as well.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Do lenders require critical illness insurance?

In most standard residential mortgage cases, lenders do not usually require critical illness insurance before agreeing to lend.

A lender’s mortgage assessment normally focuses on areas such as:

  • income and affordability
  • deposit or equity
  • credit history
  • debts and regular commitments
  • property type and valuation
  • mortgage term and repayment method

GOV.UK explains the broad preparation involved when buying a home, while public guidance covers home-buying and budgeting guidance here: public guidance: buying a home.

Those checks are about whether the mortgage appears affordable at the point of application. They do not answer what would happen if illness later changed your income, costs or ability to work.

So there are two separate questions:

  1. Will the lender agree the mortgage?
  2. Could your household cope financially if a serious illness affected income or costs?

The first is a mortgage lending question. The second is a protection planning question.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Should critical illness cover match the mortgage balance?

It can, but it does not always have to.

A common approach is to link cover to the mortgage balance, especially for borrowers who want the option to repay the debt if a serious illness occurs. But the right amount of cover depends on more than the mortgage.

Use this decision table as a starting point.

If your main concern is… Cover approach you might consider Important trade-off
Repaying a repayment mortgage if a serious illness occurs Decreasing critical illness cover linked broadly to the mortgage term The potential payout reduces over time and may not cover wider family costs
Keeping a fixed lump sum available for family needs Level critical illness cover Premiums may be higher than decreasing cover
Covering only part of the mortgage because budget is tight A smaller sustainable amount of cover You may still have mortgage debt after a claim
Replacing income month by month if you cannot work Income protection, possibly alongside critical illness cover It may not provide a lump sum to repay the mortgage
Protecting dependants after death and serious illness A mix of life insurance and critical illness cover Combined policies may pay once and then end, depending on the terms

A mortgage-only figure can be too low if illness would also create childcare, travel, home adaptation or care costs. Equally, aiming to cover every possible risk can make premiums unaffordable.

A sustainable policy that you can keep in force is usually more useful than a larger policy that becomes unaffordable and is cancelled.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Example scenario: covering the mortgage but missing the real shortfall

A couple are buying their first home with a repayment mortgage over a long term. One income is higher, but both incomes are needed to pass affordability and to manage the monthly budget. They ask for critical illness cover equal to the mortgage balance because they assume the main aim is simply to clear the debt if something serious happens.

That may be sensible as a starting point, but it can miss the practical problem. If the higher earner became seriously ill, the household might also face reduced income, travel to treatment, extra childcare, changes to working hours and day-to-day bills. Clearing the mortgage would help, but a decreasing policy linked only to the loan may leave little flexibility later in the term.

The broker judgement is not just “how much is the mortgage?” It is more like:

Question Why it changes the advice discussion
How long would employer sick pay last? A short sick-pay period may make income protection more important
Are both incomes needed for the mortgage? Single, joint or two separate policies may lead to different outcomes
Are there children or childcare costs? The cover need may be higher than the mortgage-only figure
Is the budget already stretched? A smaller sustainable policy may be better than unaffordable cover
Is the policy combined with life cover? Some combined policies pay once and then end

The practical lesson is that critical illness cover should not be chosen by mortgage balance alone. The right discussion is what cash the household would need, when it would be needed, and whether a lump sum, monthly income protection, life cover, or a mix is the better fit.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Level cover, decreasing cover, single cover or joint cover?

The structure matters as much as the headline amount.

Policy structure How it usually works When it may be considered Watch-out
Decreasing cover The cover amount reduces during the term Often considered for repayment mortgages It may not leave much extra support for family costs later in the term
Level cover The cover amount stays the same during the term Often considered where wider family protection is needed Premiums can be higher than comparable decreasing cover
Standalone critical illness cover Critical illness cover is arranged separately Useful where you want illness cover separate from life cover You still need to check definitions and exclusions carefully
Combined life and critical illness cover Life and critical illness are packaged together Common in mortgage protection planning Some policies pay once and then end, so do not assume two separate payouts
Joint policy Two people are covered under one policy May be considered for joint borrowers It may only pay once, depending on the terms
Two single policies Each person has their own policy Can offer broader individual protection It may cost more than one joint policy

For joint borrowers, the right answer is not always “joint cover”. If both incomes matter, two separate policies may provide a different level of protection from one joint policy. The cost and suitability depend on the household, health details and policy terms.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Who should consider critical illness cover alongside a mortgage?

Critical illness cover may be worth considering if:

  • you have a mortgage or are about to take one out
  • your household relies on your income
  • you have a partner, children or other dependants
  • you have limited savings
  • you are self-employed or have variable income
  • your employer sick pay is limited
  • you and a joint borrower depend on each other financially
  • you would want the option to reduce or repay the mortgage after a serious illness
  • you already have life insurance but no illness-related lump-sum cover
  • you have not reviewed protection since buying, remortgaging, having children or changing jobs

It may be especially relevant where the mortgage has been stretched to fit the household budget. Higher mortgage payments can leave less room for financial shocks, so the protection conversation becomes more important.

James Blackler at The Mortgage Blog puts it this way:

“The mortgage tells you what the household has committed to. Protection planning asks what happens to that commitment if illness changes the income picture.”

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

When might critical illness cover be unsuitable or less of a priority?

Critical illness cover is not automatically right for everyone.

It may be unsuitable, unaffordable or lower priority if:

  • you have no mortgage, dependants or significant financial commitments
  • you have substantial savings or assets you would be comfortable using
  • your employer provides strong long-term sick pay and other benefits
  • you already have enough suitable cover
  • premiums would make your household budget too stretched
  • your main concern is monthly income replacement rather than a lump sum
  • your medical history makes cover expensive, restricted or unavailable
  • you expect the policy to pay for any illness rather than only specified conditions

Sometimes the better first step is reviewing income protection, life insurance, emergency savings, employer benefits or debt levels.

Protection planning is about priorities. If the budget cannot cover every type of insurance, the question becomes: what risk would cause the biggest financial problem, and which policy best addresses that risk?

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Are Crohn’s disease, melanoma or fibromyalgia covered by critical illness insurance?

There is no universal answer because each insurer uses its own policy wording and underwriting rules.

The key point is that critical illness insurance usually covers listed conditions only, and only where the policy definition is met.

Condition or question What to understand before relying on cover
Crohn’s disease It may not be a standard covered critical illness in many policies. A history of Crohn’s may also affect underwriting. You would need to check the specific policy wording and insurer questions.
Melanoma Some cancers may be covered, but early-stage, less invasive or specifically excluded cancers may be treated differently. The policy definition of cancer is crucial.
Fibromyalgia It is not usually the type of condition people should assume is covered by critical illness insurance. If it affects ability to work, income protection may be more relevant, subject to underwriting and policy terms.
Any long-term condition Diagnosis alone does not mean a critical illness claim will be accepted. The condition must be covered and meet the insurer’s definition.

Do not buy a policy based only on the name of a condition you are worried about. Ask for the policy wording and check the covered conditions, exclusions, severity definitions and survival period if one applies.

If you already have a medical history, answer underwriting questions fully and accurately. Non-disclosure or inaccurate answers can affect a future claim.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

What affects the cost of critical illness cover?

Premiums can vary because insurers assess risk and policy design differently.

Factors that may affect cost include:

  • age
  • smoker or nicotine use status
  • health and medical history
  • family medical history, where asked
  • occupation
  • hazardous hobbies or travel, where relevant
  • cover amount
  • policy term
  • level or decreasing cover
  • standalone or combined policy
  • single or joint cover
  • optional extras or enhanced definitions

public guidance explains that protection insurance costs can depend on personal circumstances and the type and amount of cover selected: public guidance: how much does protection insurance cost?

A cheaper policy is not automatically unsuitable. A more expensive policy is not automatically better. The useful comparison is whether the policy matches the risk you are trying to cover and whether you can keep paying the premium long term.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

What to check before choosing a policy

Before choosing critical illness cover for a mortgage, check these points.

Check Why it matters
Covered conditions Policies only pay for listed conditions and definitions vary
Severity definitions Some conditions must reach a specified severity before a claim is valid
Exclusions Certain circumstances, conditions or medical histories may be excluded
Survival period Some policies require the insured person to survive for a set period after diagnosis
Cover amount The mortgage balance may not be the only financial need
Policy term The term may need to match the mortgage, children’s dependency or retirement plans
Level or decreasing benefit This affects how much could be paid later in the policy term
Single or joint policy Joint cover may not provide the same outcome as two single policies
Combined or standalone cover Combined life and critical illness cover may pay once and then end
Premium affordability Cover only helps if it remains in force when needed
Existing policies Older policies should be reviewed before being cancelled or replaced
Employer benefits Sick pay, death-in-service and other benefits can affect the protection need

Do not rely only on a summary quote. The policy wording is where the detail sits.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming every serious illness is covered

Critical illness insurance is not a general health insurance policy. It usually pays only for specified conditions that meet the policy definition.

Confusing critical illness cover with income protection

Critical illness cover usually pays a lump sum. Income protection is designed to pay a regular income if illness or injury stops you working, subject to the policy terms.

If your main concern is meeting monthly mortgage payments while off work, income protection may need to be part of the conversation.

Buying only enough to cover the mortgage

Repaying the mortgage may be the priority, but serious illness can create other costs. Childcare, care, travel, home adaptations and reduced working hours can all affect the household budget.

Choosing the cheapest policy without checking definitions

Low premiums are attractive, especially when buying a home is already expensive. But price should be weighed against definitions, exclusions, term, flexibility and claim conditions.

Ignoring employer benefits

Some borrowers have sick pay, death-in-service cover, private medical insurance or other workplace benefits. These can be valuable, but they may change if you change job, become self-employed, reduce hours or leave employment.

Not disclosing medical history accurately

Insurers rely on the information you provide. If you leave out relevant medical history, lifestyle details or other information requested by the insurer, a future claim could be affected.

Leaving protection until after completion

Mortgage applications, surveys, legal work and moving plans can take over. But if you complete with a new mortgage and no protection arranged, a later health change could affect your options.

Cancelling an existing policy too quickly

Do not cancel existing cover just because you are taking a new mortgage. Your health, age and policy terms may have changed since the original policy was arranged. Review before replacing.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Examples in practice

Scenario Possible issue Protection point to consider
Joint borrowers with one main earner The mortgage depends heavily on one income Critical illness cover could be considered to reduce debt or create a lump sum if the main earner becomes seriously ill
Self-employed borrower No employer sick pay and income may stop quickly Income protection may be central, with critical illness cover considered for lump-sum needs
Family with young children Illness could affect income and childcare Cover may need to consider childcare and household costs, not just the mortgage
Borrower with strong employer benefits Some support already exists Existing benefits should be checked before adding personal cover
Borrower on a tight budget Premium affordability is a concern A smaller sustainable policy may be more realistic than cover that is later cancelled
Remortgage customer with old cover Existing policy may no longer match the mortgage Review amount, term, definitions, ownership and whether health has changed

Example 1: joint mortgage with one higher earner

A couple take out a repayment mortgage. One borrower earns most of the income, while the other works part-time and handles more childcare.

If the higher earner became seriously ill, the household might struggle with the mortgage and bills. Critical illness cover could be considered to repay part of the mortgage, repay all of it, or create a lump sum to support the family.

The right structure might be joint cover, two single policies, level cover, decreasing cover or a combination. The answer depends on budget, income, mortgage size, existing benefits and policy terms.

Example 2: self-employed borrower

A self-employed borrower has a good income but limited sick pay. If they cannot work, income may stop quickly.

Critical illness cover could provide a lump sum if they suffer a specified serious illness that meets the policy definition. But if they are off work with a condition that does not meet the critical illness definition, the policy may not pay.

This is where income protection may be important. The borrower’s main risk may be loss of income, not just diagnosis of a listed illness.

Self-employed borrowers should also keep good financial records. GOV.UK provides information on Self Assessment tax returns, which may be relevant when evidencing income for mortgage and advice discussions.

Example 3: remortgage with existing cover

A homeowner is remortgaging and already has life and critical illness cover from when they bought the property.

They may be tempted to cancel and start again. That could be a mistake if their health has changed, the existing policy has valuable terms, or a new policy would cost more.

A better first step is to review the existing cover: amount, term, definitions, premium, ownership and whether it still matches the mortgage and family needs.

Example 4: first-time buyer with limited budget

A first-time buyer is stretching to cover deposit, legal fees, survey costs and moving expenses. They want protection but cannot afford every type of policy.

In this case, prioritisation matters. The first question is which event would cause the biggest financial problem: death, serious illness, or being unable to work for a long period.

The answer may point towards life cover, income protection, critical illness cover, a smaller amount of combined cover, or building emergency savings first. There is no universal answer.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

How protection advice sits alongside mortgage advice

Mortgage advice and protection advice overlap, but they are not the same.

Mortgage advice looks at areas such as borrowing amount, affordability, deposit, lender criteria, product choice and property suitability.

Protection advice looks at what happens if death, illness or injury affects the household’s ability to keep the mortgage and wider finances on track.

public guidance explains the importance of shopping around or getting advice when choosing a mortgage: public guidance: choosing a mortgage. The FCA also provides consumer information about financial products and firms here: FCA consumer information.

A good protection conversation should not simply add insurance to a mortgage application. It should ask:

  • who depends on the income?
  • what happens if one borrower cannot work?
  • how long would savings last?
  • what sick pay or employer benefits exist?
  • what debts and family costs would remain?
  • what existing policies are already in place?
  • what premium is affordable alongside the mortgage?
  • what policy terms and exclusions apply?

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

What documents make advice easier?

You do not need every document before having an initial conversation, but the right information helps avoid guesswork.

Useful items include:

  • latest mortgage offer or mortgage statement, if available
  • property purchase price or estimated value
  • mortgage balance, term and repayment type
  • monthly household budget
  • income details for each borrower
  • employer sick pay and benefits information
  • death-in-service details, if any
  • existing life, critical illness or income protection policy documents
  • savings and emergency fund position
  • debts and regular commitments
  • details of dependants
  • relevant medical history, where the insurer asks for it
  • self-employed accounts or tax calculations, where relevant

Documents are not just admin. They help test whether the cover amount, policy term and premium are realistic.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Red flags and trade-offs

Red flag Why it matters What to do before committing
“I just want the cheapest cover” The cheapest policy may not match the risk you are trying to insure Compare definitions, exclusions, term and structure as well as price
“The lender said insurance is optional, so I do not need it” Lender requirements and household resilience are different questions Consider what would happen if illness affected income or costs
“My employer benefits will cover me” Benefits can change and may not be enough Check the benefit amount, duration and conditions
“I already have cover, so I’m sorted” Existing cover may be too low, too short or structured differently from your current mortgage Review the policy before relying on it
“I’ll sort it after completion” Health or circumstances can change Consider protection before the mortgage completes where possible
“It says cancer is covered” Some policies define covered cancers carefully Read the policy definition and exclusions

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

How to prepare before asking for advice

Before speaking to a broker or protection adviser, write down:

  • why you are reviewing cover now
  • mortgage amount, term and monthly payment
  • household income and who depends on it
  • savings and emergency fund
  • employer sick pay and benefits
  • existing policies and premiums
  • debts and regular commitments
  • dependants and childcare responsibilities
  • any business obligations if self-employed
  • your monthly budget for protection
  • what outcome matters most if serious illness occurs

Also think about your fallback position. If the preferred amount of cover is too expensive or not available, would you rather reduce the cover amount, shorten the term, choose a different policy type, or prioritise income protection or life insurance first?

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

When to speak to a broker

Speak to us if:

  • you are buying a home and want to understand what protection may be sensible
  • you are remortgaging and have not reviewed cover for several years
  • you are self-employed or have variable income
  • you have dependants or a partner relying on your income
  • you have existing policies and are unsure whether to keep, replace or adjust them
  • you have medical history and are unsure how underwriting may work
  • you are concerned about cost and want to prioritise cover sensibly
  • you are not sure whether critical illness cover, life insurance or income protection is more relevant

For complex cases, the value is often in knowing what not to assume. Do not assume the cheapest policy is right. Do not assume your lender requires it. Do not assume your employer benefits are enough. Do not assume a policy will pay for any serious illness.

We cannot guarantee eligibility, premiums, insurer acceptance or claim outcomes. We can help you understand the questions to ask and how protection fits with the mortgage.

You may also find these guides useful:

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

FAQs

Is critical illness insurance the same as mortgage protection?

Not exactly. Critical illness cover is one type of protection that can be used alongside a mortgage. Mortgage protection can also refer to life insurance, income protection or other policies designed to protect the household’s ability to manage the mortgage.

Does a mortgage lender require critical illness cover?

Usually not for a standard residential mortgage. Lenders mainly assess affordability, deposit, credit profile and the property. Critical illness cover is normally a separate protection decision.

Should critical illness cover repay the whole mortgage?

It can, but it does not have to. Some borrowers choose cover linked to the mortgage balance. Others choose partial cover, level cover for wider family needs, or a mix of policies. The right amount depends on income, savings, dependants, budget and existing protection.

Is critical illness cover better than income protection?

Neither is automatically better. Critical illness cover usually pays a lump sum for specified serious illnesses. Income protection is designed to pay regular income if illness or injury stops you working, subject to the policy terms. Many borrowers compare both before deciding.

Will critical illness cover pay for any cancer?

Not necessarily. Policies use specific definitions and may treat some early-stage or less invasive cancers differently. Always check the policy wording rather than relying on the condition name alone.

Can I get critical illness cover if I have a medical condition?

Possibly, but it depends on the condition, severity, treatment, time since diagnosis and the insurer’s underwriting. Cover could be accepted, rated, excluded, postponed or declined. Do not assume the outcome before underwriting.

Should I cancel my old policy when I remortgage?

Not without reviewing it first. Older policies may have useful terms, and your age or health may have changed. Check the existing cover amount, term, premium, definitions and ownership before replacing it.

Is critical illness cover tax-free?

Many UK personal critical illness payouts are commonly described as tax-free, but tax treatment can depend on ownership, trust arrangements, business use and individual circumstances. Do not rely on a general statement for tax planning. Take appropriate advice if tax treatment matters.

The strongest next step

If you are arranging a mortgage, remortgaging or reviewing family protection, start with the household risk rather than the policy name.

Ask:

  • what would happen to the mortgage if illness affected income?
  • how long would savings last?
  • what employer benefits are available?
  • who depends on each income?
  • is a lump sum, monthly income, or both needed?
  • what cover amount is affordable long term?
  • what does the policy actually cover and exclude?

If you want help reviewing the mortgage and protection position together, you can speak to a mortgage adviser or make a finance enquiry.

Want personalised mortgage advice?

Speak to The Mortgage Blog before you apply so we can help you check lender fit, documents and next steps for decoding critical illness insurance.

Call 0333 335 6595
Send an enquiry

Written by
James Blackler

James Blackler is the founder of The Mortgage Blog
A Guide to Understanding Private Bank Mortgages

A Guide to Understanding Private Bank Mortgages

A private bank mortgage is a mortgage route usually considered by borrowers with higher-value property plans, significant assets, complex income or a financial profile that does not fit neatly into a standard high-street affordability model. That does not mean private...

read more
Choosing the Right Location: A Guide for UK Homebuyers

Choosing the Right Location: A Guide for UK Homebuyers

Finding the perfect place to call home is an exciting yet daunting task. As you embark on your journey to find the ideal location in the UK, it’s crucial to consider various factors impacting your daily life and long-term satisfaction.

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

We’re only a phone call away

Any questions? Our friendly specialists are here to help from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Spanish Mortgage Broker