Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with one of a wide range of serious medical conditions defined by your policy. This typically includes major illnesses such as cancer, heart attack, and stroke, as well as many others — for example, serious neurological, organ, and degenerative conditions, or the loss of physical ability through total and permanent disability.

Every insurer’s list of covered conditions is slightly different, but the aim is the same: to provide financial support when a significant health event changes your life. This is where speaking to an independent expert really matters — the breadth and quality of cover can vary widely between insurers, and the advice we provide ensures you you’re not left to rely on a policy from a bank or comparison site, which often provide inferior cover for a limited number of conditions.

The payout can be used in any way that helps you or your family, for example:

• Adapting your home or car for accessibility
• Paying for private or specialist medical treatment not available on the NHS
• Funding carers, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation support
• Allowing you to take extended time off work

Covering family living costs or clearing financial commitments, such as your mortgage or other loans you have.

Nearly 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime.
(Source: Cancer Research UK, 2024)

And serious illnesses like heart attack and stroke are far from rare — thousands of working-age adults experience them every year.

A critical illness policy provides financial breathing space when life takes an unexpected turn — helping you recover without rushing financial decisions.

• We help you choose the amount of cover and policy term (e.g. 20–30 years) based on your specific needs and circumstances
• If you’re diagnosed with a covered illness and survive the minimum period (usually 14 days), the policy pays out
• Many modern policies include partial payments for less severe conditions, which are often paid in addition to the main cover and don’t impact your ability to claim in full later
• The payout is tax-free and has no cash value if not claimed.

Every insurer defines covered conditions slightly differently, so getting independent advice ensures you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.

It’s difficult to think about, but protecting your children against serious illness can be an essential part of your family’s financial plan.

Most adult policies include standard children’s cover, providing a lump sum (e.g. £25,000 or 50% of the parent’s cover amount) if a child is diagnosed with a covered illness.

Some insurers also offer enhanced or standalone children’s policies, which can:

• Cover a wider range of childhood conditions, including those that are genetic or present from birth
• Increase payout limits
• Include hospitalisation benefits, parental leave support, and even bereavement or funeral cost payments (to ease financial stress at the hardest time)

As a father of 2 children, I understand how important this cover is and that is why I will discuss children’s cover openly but always with sensitivity. It’s an uncomfortable topic, but an important one — and I will approach it with empathy, never fear.   The goal is simply to help you understand your options and make informed, confident choices for your family.

Modern protection policies from leading insurers like Aviva, Royal London, and Legal & General often include additional support services at no extra cost, such as:

• 24/7 online GP access for you and your family
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Second medical opinions from UK specialists
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation consultations
• Health and lifestyle coaching
• Bereavement and carer support services

These features are available even if you never make a claim — providing ongoing wellbeing and practical help when you need it most.

When you speak to Taylor James Financial Services, you’ll deal directly with me — your adviser.

There are no call centres, no scripted sales calls — just clear, professional guidance that’s personal to you and your family.

Here’s how I help clients with critical illness cover:

• Understand your needs – We’ll talk about your circumstances, priorities, and what financial support would make the biggest difference if you were seriously unwell.
• Review your existing protection – If you already have life cover or workplace benefits, I’ll check how they work together and identify any gaps.
• Compare providers – I’ll research the whole market, including Zurich, LV, Royal London, Aviva, and Legal & General, to find a policy with the right level of cover and the widest range of conditions.
• Explain everything clearly – You’ll understand exactly what’s covered, how partial payments work, and how claims are assessed — in plain English.
• Tailor your policy – I’ll help you balance cost and cover, including options for enhanced or children’s protection if relevant.
• Ongoing support – I’ll review your policy regularly and help you if you ever need to 

• Independent, whole-of-market advice — We are tied to any insurer or Ban
• Personal service — you deal directly with me, your adviser
• Tax-free lump sums and flexible policy options
• Clear, jargon-free guidance — helping you understand every option
• Family-focused protection — including children’s and enhanced cover
• Added wellbeing benefits — such as online GPs, counselling, and expert support
• Ongoing help and reviews — your cover evolves with you.