Protection · Ireland
Serious and Critical Illness Cover
Protection your finances with serious and critical illness cover.
Last reviewed by Debbie Cheevers, QFA, RPA · 30 June 2026
The basics
What is serious and critical illness cover?
Serious illness cover — also called critical illness cover — pays you a cash lump sum if you’re diagnosed with one of the specific illnesses listed in your policy, such as cancer, a heart attack or a stroke. It’s designed to take the financial pressure off at exactly the moment life gets harder, so you can focus on getting better rather than worrying about money.
Unlike life insurance, which pays out when you die, serious illness cover pays out while you’re still here and dealing with a diagnosis. And unlike income protection, which replaces part of your income month by month, it gives you a single lump sum you can use however you need — clearing the mortgage, paying for treatment, adapting your home, or simply giving yourself time to recover.
You can take serious illness cover as a standalone policy or add it to your life cover. The right choice depends on your age, health, budget and the people who rely on you — which is exactly where clear, impartial advice makes the difference.
Why Greenway
Why choose Greenway for serious illness cover
Regulated advice that puts your understanding first — here’s what you get when you plan your cover with us.
Expert, impartial advice
Years of experience matching clients to the right cover, and we stay up to date with the latest products and provider terms.
Comprehensive, well-priced options
We compare critical illness, multi-claim and specialist products like cancer cover across the market — quality cover at a price that suits your budget.
A personalised plan
We take time to understand your health, finances and goals, then recommend the cover that genuinely suits you.
Support at claim time
If the worst happens, we help you and the provider through the claim so it’s as smooth as possible.
What’s covered
Illnesses our cover can protect against
Every policy is different. These are the main conditions providers cover — and we’ll walk you through the detail before you decide.
Cancer
Cover for many cancers — including breast, prostate and lung — with full or partial payments depending on type and stage.
Heart attack & stroke
Heart attacks and serious strokes that leave permanent symptoms are covered, with full or partial payments for a range of cardiac conditions.
Major organ transplant
Financial support if you undergo a life-saving transplant, such as heart, liver or kidney.
And more conditions
Each provider’s list of conditions differs. We explain exactly what’s included before you choose.
How it works
How serious illness cover works with life insurance
Serious illness cover can stand alone or sit alongside your life insurance. Here’s how the options compare.
Standalone or accelerated
Standalone cover pays separately. Accelerated cover is built into your life policy and reduces it if you claim.
Lump-sum payout
On diagnosis of a covered illness you receive a cash lump sum to use however you need — bills, treatment or time off work.
Impact on life cover
With accelerated cover, an illness claim reduces the life cover that remains. We help you weigh this up.
Combine and simplify
Bundling life and critical illness in one policy can be simpler to manage, and often more cost-effective.
Before you choose
What to think about before you take out cover
A few questions worth weighing up — we’ll talk through all of them with you.
How much cover you need
Think about what a lump sum would have to do — clear the mortgage, replace income for a while, or fund treatment and care. We help you put a realistic figure on it.
Standalone or accelerated
Decide whether you want cover that’s separate from your life insurance, or built into it. Each has trade-offs we’ll explain in plain English.
Your age and health
Your medical history and age affect what’s available and what it costs. Applying sooner usually means lower premiums and fewer exclusions.
Cover you already have
Already covered through work or an older policy? We’ll review it so you don’t pay twice — or leave a gap.
Why it matters
What serious illness cover does for you
More than a policy — it’s a financial safety net for you and the people who depend on you.
Financial security
A lump sum on diagnosis helps cover medical costs, ongoing care and household bills, so you can focus on recovery.
Less to worry about
Knowing your finances are protected means a diagnosis doesn’t have to become a money worry too.
Protection against lost income
Cover gives you an initial lump sum. For ongoing income while you can’t work, ask us about ${A ? “” : “”}income protection.
Tailored to you
We shape the policy around your needs and goals, so your wider financial plan stays on track.
Related cover
Protection that works alongside serious illness cover
Serious illness cover is one piece of the puzzle. These often work hand in hand — explore each to build the right mix.
Income protection
A regular replacement income if illness or injury stops you working.
Life insurance
A lump sum for the people who depend on you if you pass away.
Mortgage protection
Cover that clears your mortgage — usually required by your lender.
All protection cover
See how the different types of protection fit together.
Getting started
How to arrange serious illness cover with Greenway
Arranging cover with Greenway is straightforward. Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we’ll talk through your situation, compare serious illness cover from Ireland’s leading insurers, and explain your options in plain English — no pressure, no jargon.
Once you’ve chosen, we handle the paperwork and underwriting with the provider, and we stay on hand for the life of the policy — including helping you and your family through a claim if you ever need to make one. Get in touch to start the conversation, or call us on 01 853 2727.
Protect what matters most
Free, impartial guidance tailored to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Serious Illness cover?
Serious illness cover, also known as critical illness cover, provides a lump sum payout if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This financial support can be used to cover medical expenses, mortgage payments, and other living costs during recovery.
How does Serious Illness cover through Greenway Financial Advisors differ from Income Protection?
Serious Illness cover pays a one-time lump sum upon diagnosis of a specified illness, while Income Protection provides a regular income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Income Protection can be claimed under a broader range of conditions, including accidents and mental health issues.
What Illnesses are typically covered under Serious Illness cover?
Common illnesses covered by our providers’ policies include cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and major organ transplants. Each policy varies, so it’s important to check the specific illnesses covered by your insurer.
Can I add serious illness cover to my life insurance policy application through Greenway Financial Advisors?
Yes, you have the option to add serious illness cover to your life insurance policy when you apply, either as accelerated or stand-alone cover. Accelerated cover reduces the life insurance payout by the amount claimed, while stand-alone cover does not affect the life insurance payout.
How much does Serious Illness cover cost?
The cost of serious illness cover through Greenway Financial Advisors depends on several factors, including the amount of cover, your age, health, lifestyle, and the term of the policy. Generally, it is more expensive than life insurance, because there’s a higher chance of you claiming against this policy.
Are children covered under Serious Illness policies?
Yes, children can be covered under their parent’s Serious Illness policy. Coverage typically includes illnesses such as meningitis and may offer up to 50% of the parent’s cover amount, with a maximum limit specified by the insurer. Speak to your Greenway Financial Advisors expert about your needs.