Did you know that critical illness insurance can provide an extra security net?
Waiting times for elective surgery within the NHS have significantly worsened in recent years. COVID-19 had a deep and lasting impact on access to care. NHS England alone recorded over 7.5 million people on waiting lists as of late 2024.
Traditionally, critical illness policies in the UK are paid out once a covered surgery or diagnosis has been completed. We are seeing insurers adapting their products to provide support earlier in the process as the NHS backlog grows. Policies now include waiting list clauses. This will trigger a payout as soon as the insured is placed on an NHS waiting list for a surgical procedure.
This change reflects the clinical reality. Once a condition is severe enough to warrant major surgery, the patient’s health, livelihood or quality of life is at risk. A waiting list payout can allow you to fund private treatment if desired. Or provide financial stability while waiting for care.
Additionally, there is a genuine risk that a policy may lapse before surgery takes place. Particularly given the current prolonged delays. Early payouts have become especially valuable. These clauses are linked to high-severity surgical interventions, particularly those involving the heart, brain, or major organs.
For patients living with serious, surgery-dependent conditions, waiting list-based policy clauses now provide a valuable financial lifeline.
Things to reflect on:
- Which providers offer good coverage for those on an NHS waiting list or with PMI?
- What are the current wait times for surgery in your area?
Let’s catch up today to make sure your critical illness and protection policies are in place with the current expectations. Do you have any questions? Hit ‘reply’ to this email and simply type “I need protection help”. We’ll reply to organise a call or send information today!
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