Health insurance pays hospital bills. Critical illness cover pays YOU — a lump sum on diagnosis of cancer, heart attack, stroke and more. Here's when you need it and how much.
2-minute assessment on WhatsApp: your age, family history and existing cover → honest answer.
📅 Book a Free Call 💬 WhatsApp UsOn diagnosis of a listed critical illness (typically 30–40 conditions: cancer, heart attack, stroke, organ transplant, etc.), the insurer pays the full sum assured as a lump sum — no bills needed. Use it for treatment anywhere, loan EMIs, or income replacement during recovery.
This fills the gap health insurance leaves: non-medical costs — lost income, travel for treatment, lifestyle changes.
| Rider on term plan | Standalone CI plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheaper | Higher, but richer |
| Conditions covered | 10–15 usually | 30–40+ |
| Survival period | Varies | Often 0–30 days |
| Best for | Budget top-up to term cover | Family history / comprehensive protection |
If you have family history of cancer/heart disease, are the sole earner, or lack 2–3 years of expenses saved — yes. It pays a lump sum your health policy won't, covering income loss and non-medical costs.
Health insurance reimburses hospital bills. Critical illness pays a fixed lump sum on diagnosis, no bills required — you can use it for anything, including EMIs and living costs during recovery.
2–3× annual income is the minimum sensible amount; ₹50L–1Cr suits most urban earners with family history risks.
As early as possible — premiums are lowest in your late 20s/early 30s, and buying before any diagnosis avoids exclusions.
Try it yourself: open the matching calculator →