Medical advances have dramatically improved the survival rates of people who suffer critical illnesses such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. Recovery may come with a significant financial cost that impacts both you and the people close to you.

Critical illness insurance offers the financial help to pay the costs associated with life-altering illnesses. If you become sick with an illness covered by your policy and survive the waiting period, you’ll receive a lump-sum cash payment. And, unlike reimbursed health insurance benefits, you decide how to spend the money.