Pays out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a range of specified critical illnesses during the term of the cover. In some cases, Children's Critical Illness cover is also included at no extra cost.

Generally, the core conditions are as follows: Cancer, Coronary artery bypass surgery, heart attack, kidney failure, major organ transplant, multiple sclerosis.
The additional conditions that most insurers cover are: aorta graft surgery, benign brain tumour, blindness, coma, deafness, heart valve replacement or repair, loss of limbs, loss of speech, motor neurone disease, paralysis/paraplegia, Parkinson's disease, terminal illness, third degree burns.

There are various versions, such as reducing, or fixed amounts. Orstand alone or combined with Life Insurance. What is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances  and specific advise will be needed.