Group Critical Illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum directly to an employee should they suffer any of a list of defined medical conditions or surgical procedures, classified as critical illnesses. The lump sum can be used however a member wants, for example to:
- Take time off work without being financially worse off
- Fund private health treatment
- Make adaptations to their home
- Take time off to care for a loved one (if cover includes a benefit payment should their child or spouse get critically ill)
Policies can be written so the benefit paid is either a multiple of salary (typically between 1 to 5 times salary) or a fixed amount. Schemes typically need a minimum of three members.
Many schemes will include Employee/ Employer Assistance Programme offering employees access to additional support services at no extra cost.