Critical Illness Cover
Overview, product details, illnesses covered, children's cover

We cover 43 definitions, including 2 for early forms of cancer and 9 that exceed the ABI's standard definitions.

Our Critical Illness Cover pays out when the first of the following happens:

  • the person covered is diagnosed with one of the critical illnesses shown on our list or
  • the person covered is diagnosed as being totally and permanently disabled.

Key features:

  • 9 definitions exceed ABI
  • Up to £20,000 free children's Critical Illness Cover
  • 43 critical illness definitions covered
    • 41 of these definitions pay the full amount of cover. For 2 early forms of cancer we'll pay 20% of the amount of cover, up to a maximum of £15,000, over and above the amount covered.
  • Only 1 standard exclusion
  • Mortgage repayment guarantee option
  • Joint life separation option
  • Joint life reinstatement option
  • Instant cover
  • Flexible menu-based protection

Designed to look after your client and their family, personally

Our unique Helping Hand service provides much needed support to help your client and their family cope with the devastating effects that critical illness and death can have. It also gives you the opportunity to offer a unique value-added service.

Term of cover

5 - 40 years


Basis of cover

Single life or joint life
first event


Guaranteed or reviewable payments

Reviewable


Maximum amount of cover

£1,000,000


Minimum age when cover starts

18 attained


Maximum age when cover starts

64 attained


Maximum age when cover ends

74 attained


Payment of cover

Lump sum
Level
Increasing
Decreasing

Income
Level
Increasing


Exclusions

We won't pay a claim if:

  • the person who the claim is for dies within 14 days of the diagnosis of the critical illness or Total Permanent Disability
  • it’s the result of intentional self-inflicted injury
  • the person covered doesn’t meet the definition of critical illness or Total Permanent Disability in section D of the plan details, or
  • it’s the result of any excluded cause shown on the cover summary

Decreasing cover can be:

  • decreasing monthly at a rate of interest chosen by your clients (between 0 and 15%)
  • decreasing in line with the mortgage repayment guarantee

Increasing cover can be:

  • a fixed rate between 2% and 5%
  • a rate based on the change in retail price index (between 2% and 10%)

Still got a question? Read the product FAQs

Cover for 2 early forms of cancer

If you have Critical Illness Cover or Life or Critical Illness Cover you will also be covered for these 2 additional conditions:

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ more

    The undergoing of a mastectomy, partial mastectomy, segmentectomy or lumpectomy operation on the advice of a consultant oncologist following a histologically confirmed diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast.

    Specifically excluded are mastectomy, partial mastectomy, segmentectomy or lumpectomy operation for reasons other than DCIS e.g. prophylactic mastectomy or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).
  • Low grade prostate cancer more

    Tumours of the prostate histologically classified as having a Gleason score between 2 and 6 inclusive provided:
    • the tumour has progressed to at least clinical TNM classification T1N0M0 and
    • treatment included the complete removal of the prostate or external beam or interstitial implant radiotherapy.

    For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • treatment of the tumour by any procedures other than complete removal of the prostate, external beam or interstitial implant radiotherapy. For example:
    • cases treated with cryotherapy,
    • other less radical treatment such as transurethral resection of the prostate
    • 'experimental' treatments, or
    • hormone therapy.

If you're diagnosed with either of these conditions, we'll pay out 20% of the amount of cover, up to a maximum of £15,000. And we'll also pay out the full amount of cover if you're diagnosed with one of our other critical illnesses listed below.

Here is a complete list of the critical illnesses we cover. This information is also available in section D of our plan details booklet.

  • Alzheimer’s disease – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    A definite diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by a Consultant Neurologist, Psychiatrist or Geriatrician. There must be permanent clinical loss of the ability to do all of the following:
    • remember;
    • reason; and
    • perceive, understand, express and give effect to ideas.
    For the above definition, the following are not covered:
    • other types of dementia.
  • Aorta graft surgery – for disease or traumatic injury more

    The undergoing of surgery for disease or trauma to the aorta with excision and surgical replacement of a portion of the diseased or damaged aorta with a graft. The term aorta includes the thoracic and abdominal aorta but not its branches.

    For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • Any other surgical procedure, for example the insertion of stents or endovascular repair.
  • Aplastic anaemia – requiring regular blood transfusions more

    Definite diagnosis of complete bone marrow failure necessitating regular blood transfusions. The bone marrow failure must result in anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
  • Bacterial meningitis – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    Definite diagnosis of bacterial meningitis resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms. Other forms of meningitis, including viral meningitis, are specifically excluded.
  • Benign brain tumour – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    A non-malignant tumour or cyst in the brain, cranial nerves or meninges within the skull, resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms.

    For the above definition, the following are not covered:
    • tumours in the pituitary gland.
    • angiomas.
    In addition, the requirement for permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms will be waived if the benign brain tumour is surgically removed.
  • Blindness – permanent and irreversible more

    Permanent and irreversible loss of sight to the extent that even when tested with the use of visual aids, vision is measured at 3/60 or worse in the better eye using a Snellen eye chart.
  • Cancer – excluding less advanced cases more

    Any malignant tumour positively diagnosed with histological confirmation and characterised by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells and invasion of tissue.

    The term malignant tumour includes leukaemia, sarcoma and lymphoma except cutaneous lymphoma (lymphoma confined to the skin).

    For the above definition, the following are not covered:

    All cancers which are histologically classified as any of the following:
    • pre-malignant;
    • non-invasive;
    • cancer in situ;
    • having borderline malignancy; or
    • having low malignant potential.
    All tumours of the prostate unless histologically classified as having a Gleason score greater than 6 or having progressed to at least clinical TNM classification T2N0M0.

    Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia unless histologically classified as having progressed to at least Binet Stage A.

    Any skin cancer (including cutaneous lymphoma) other than malignant melanoma that has been histologically classified as having caused invasion beyond the epidermis (outer layer of skin).
  • Cardiomyopathy – of specified severity more

    A definite diagnosis of cardiomyopathy causing permanent impaired ventricular function such that the ejection fraction is 40% or less for at least 6 months when stabilised on therapy advised by the consultant. The diagnosis must also be evidenced by:
    • electrocardiographic changes;
    • echocardiographic abnormalities,
    both of which must be consistent with the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. All other forms of heart disease, heart enlargement and myocarditis are specifically excluded. Cardiomyopathy related to alcohol or drug misuse is excluded.
  • Chronic lung disease – of specified severity more

    Confirmation by a consultant physician of chronic lung disease resulting in all of the following:
    • the need for continuous daily oxygen therapy on a permanent basis
    • FEV1 being less than 40% of normal, and
    • Vital Capacity less than 50% of normal
  • Coma – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    A state of unconsciousness with no reaction to external stimuli or internal needs which:
    • requires the use of life support systems; and
    • results in permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms.
    For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • coma secondary to alcohol or drug abuse.
  • Coronary artery bypass grafts more

    The undergoing of surgery on the advice of a consultant cardiologist to correct narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries with bypass grafts.

    For the above definition, the following are not covered:
    • balloon angioplasty;
    • atherectomy;
    • rotablation;
    • insertion of stents; and
    • laser treatment.
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    Definite diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease supported by evidence of progressive loss of ability to:
    • remember;
    • reason;
    • perceive, understand, express and give effect to ideas,
    which causes a significant reduction in mental and social functioning, requiring the continuous supervision of the person covered.
  • Deafness – permanent and irreversible more

    Permanent and irreversible loss of hearing to the extent that the loss is greater than 95 decibels across all frequencies in the better ear using a pure tone audiogram.
  • Encephalitis – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    A definite diagnosis of encephalitis by a consultant neurologist resulting in permanent neurological deficit and persisting clinical symptoms.
    For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • Heart attack – of specified severity more

    Death of heart muscle, due to inadequate blood supply, that has resulted in all of the following evidence of acute myocardial infarction:
    • New characteristic electrocardiographic changes.
    • The characteristic rise of cardiac enzymes or Troponins recorded at the following levels or higher:
      - Troponin T > 1.0 ng/ml
      - AccuTnI > 0.5 ng/ml or equivalent threshold with other Troponin I methods.
    The evidence must show a definite acute myocardial infarction. For the above definition, the following are not covered:
    • Other acute coronary syndromes including but not limited to angina.
  • Heart valve replacement or repair more

    The undergoing of surgery on the advice of a consultant cardiologist to replace or repair one or more heart valves.
  • HIV infection – caught from a blood transfusion, a physical assault or at work more

    Infection by Human Immunodeficiency Virus resulting from:
    • a blood transfusion given as part of medical treatment;
    • a physical assault; or
    • an incident occurring during the course of performing normal duties of employment; after the start of the policy and satisfying all of the following:
      - The incident must have been reported to appropriate authorities and have been investigated in accordance with the established procedures.
      - Where HIV infection is caught through a physical assault or as a result of an incident occurring during the course of performing normal duties of employment, the incident must be supported by a negative HIV antibody test taken within 5 days of the incident.
      - There must be a further HIV test within 12 months confirming the presence of HIV or antibodies to the virus."
      - The incident causing infection must have occurred in one of the following countries:
      - The United Kingdom
      - Australia
      - Austria
      - Belgium
      - Canada
      - Channel Islands
      - Cyprus
      - Czech Republic
      - Denmark
      - Estonia
      - Finland
      - France
      - Germany
      - Gibraltar
      - Greece
      - Hong Kong
      - Hungary
      - Iceland
      - Ireland
      - Isle of Man
      - Italy
      - Japan
      - Latvia
      - Lithuania
      - Luxembourg
      - Malta
      - The Netherlands
      - New Zealand
      - Norway
      - Poland
      - Portugal
      - Slovakia
      - Slovenia
      - Spain
      - Sweden
      - Switzerland
      - USA
    For the above definition, the following is not covered: HIV infection resulting from any other means, including sexual activity or drug abuse.
  • Intensive care – requiring mechanical ventilation for 10 consecutive days more

    Any sickness or injury resulting in the person covered requiring continuous mechanical ventilation by means of tracheal intubation for 10 consecutive days (24 hours per day) or more in an intensive care unit in a UK hospital.
    For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • sickness or injury as a result of drug or alcohol intake or other self-inflicted means.
  • Kidney failure – requiring dialysis more

    Chronic and end stage failure of both kidneys to function, as a result of which regular dialysis is necessary.
  • Liver failure – end stage more

    End stage liver failure due to cirrhosis and resulting in all of the following:
    • permanent jaundice;
    • ascites;
    • encephalopathy.
    Liver disease secondary to alcohol or drug misuse is excluded.
  • Loss of hands or feet – permanent physical severance more

    Permanent physical severance of any combination of 2 or more hands or feet at or above the wrist or ankle joints.
  • Loss of independent existence – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    Any condition that:
    • permanently prevents the person covered from doing at least 3 out of the 6 living tasks either with or without the use of mechanical equipment, special devices or other aids and adaptations in use for disabled persons; or
    • causes mental failure.
    The full list of living tasks and the definition of mental failure can be found in section D of our plan details.
  • Loss of speech – permanent and irreversible more

    Total permanent and irreversible loss of the ability to speak as a result of physical injury or disease.
  • Major organ transplant more

    The undergoing as a recipient of a transplant of bone marrow or of a complete heart, kidney, liver, lung, or pancreas, or inclusion on an official UK waiting list for such a procedure. For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • Transplant of any other organs, parts of organs, tissues or cells.
  • Motor neurone disease – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    A definite diagnosis of motor neurone disease by a Consultant Neurologist. There must be permanent clinical impairment of motor function.
  • Multiple sclerosis – with persisting symptoms more

    A definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis by a Consultant Neurologist. There must be current clinical impairment of motor or sensory function, which must have persisted for a continuous period of at least 6 months.
  • Multiple system atrophy – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    A definite diagnosis of multiple system atrophy confirmed by a consultant neurologist. There must be evidence of disease progression and permanent clinical impairment of either:
    • motor function with associated rigidity of movement,
    • the ability to coordinate muscle movement, or
    • bladder control and postural hypotension.
  • Open heart surgery – with surgery to divide the breastbone more

    The undergoing of surgery requiring median sternotomy (surgery to divide the breastbone) on the advice of a Consultant Cardiologist to correct any structural abnormality of the heart.
  • Paralysis of limbs – total and irreversible more

    Total and irreversible loss of muscle function to the whole of any 2 limbs.
  • Parkinson’s disease – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    A definite diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease by a Consultant Neurologist. There must be permanent clinical impairment of motor function with associated tremor, muscle rigidity and postural instability.

    For the above definition, the following are not covered:
    • Parkinson's disease secondary to drug abuse
    • other Parkinsonian syndromes
  • Pneumonectomy – removal of a complete lung more

    The undergoing of surgery on the advice of a consultant medical specialist to remove an entire lung for disease or traumatic injury suffered by the person covered.
    For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • removal of a lobe of the lungs (lobectomy)
    • lung resection or incision.
  • Pre-senile dementia – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    Definite diagnosis of pre-senile dementia supported by evidence of progressive loss of ability to:
    • remember;
    • reason;
    • perceive, understand, express and give effect to ideas,
    which causes a significant reduction in mental and social functioning, requiring the continuous supervision of the person covered.
  • Primary pulmonary hypertension – of specified severity more

    A definite diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension by a consultant cardiologist or specialist in respiratory medicine. There must be clinical impairment of heart function resulting in the permanent loss of ability to perform physical activities to at least Class 3 of the New York Heart Association classification of functional capacity.

    For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • pulmonary hypertension secondary to any other cause i.e not primary.
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    A definite diagnosis by a consultant neurologist of progressive supranuclear palsy. There must be permanent clinical impairment of motor function.
  • Pulmonary artery graft surgery – with surgery to divide the breastbone more

    The undergoing of surgery requiring median sternotomy (surgery to divide the breastbone) on the advice of a consultant cardiologist for disease of the pulmonary artery to excise and replace the diseased pulmonary artery with a graft.
  • Stroke – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    Death of brain tissue due to inadequate blood supply or haemorrhage within the skull resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms.

    For the above definition, the following is not covered:
    • Transient ischaemic attack.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus – with severe complications more

    A definite diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus by a consultant rheumatologist where either of the following are present:

    Severe kidney involvement with systemic lupus erythematosus as evidenced by:
    • permanent impaired renal function with a glomerular filtration rate below 30ml/min/1.73m2, and
    • abnormal urinalysis showing proteinuria or haematuria
    In addition to the above criteria, the disease must have been unresponsive to disease modifying drugs for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

    Or

    Severe central nervous system involvement with systemic lupus erythematosus as evidenced by; Permanent deficit of the neurological system as evidenced by at least any one of the following symptoms, which must be present on clinical examination and expected to last for the remainder of the life of the person covered: –
    • paralysis
    • dysarthria (difficulty with speech)
    • aphasia (inability to speak)
    • dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
    • difficulty in walking
    • lack of coordination
    • severe dementia where the insured needs constant supervision, or
    • permanent coma.
    For the purposes of this definition - seizures, headaches, fatigue, lethargy or any symptoms of psychological or psychiatric origin will not be accepted as evidence of permanent deficit of the neurological system.
  • Third degree burns – covering 20% of the body’s surface area or 50% loss of surface area of the face more

    Burns that involve damage or destruction of the skin to its full depth through to the underlying tissue and covering at least 20% of the body’s surface area or 50% loss of surface area of the face which for the purposes of this definition includes the forehead and ears.
  • Traumatic head injury – resulting in permanent symptoms more

    Death of brain tissue due to traumatic injury resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms.

Total Permanent Disability

Bright Grey has 3 definitions of disability under Total Permanent Disability. These are:

  • Own occupation
  • Working tasks
  • Living tasks (for those claiming when they are over age 65).

The definition of disability we give your clients will depend on their health, whether they work and if so, their occupation.

You can download full details of these definitions in section D of our plan details booklet.

We automatically cover children for all the critical illnesses on our list if you choose Critical Illness Cover or Life or Critical Illness Cover.

We will cover any child your clients have now, or may have in the future, between the ages of 30 days and 18 years. This includes stepchildren, legally adopted and financially dependent children.

We will pay 50% of the main cover amount up to a maximum of £20,000. Any claims we pay will not affect the main cover.

You can download full details of this cover in section B of our plan details booklet.

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Bright Grey. More financial sense from Royal London

We are backed by the financial strength and stability that comes from being part of the Royal London Group, the UK’s largest mutual life and pensions company.

Bright Grey is a division of The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority No. 117672.
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