I've been told my illness is terminal—does my policy help?
It may. Many life insurance policies include terminal illness benefit, which pays the life cover early if you are diagnosed with an illness expected to lead to death within a set period, commonly 12 months. Critical illness cover may also apply. Contact your insurer to check, and ask someone you trust to help if you need it.
What the insurer needs
Usually confirmation from your specialist of the diagnosis and prognosis. The insurer can request it with your consent.
Final months of the term
Terminal illness benefit is often not payable in the last year or so of a term policy. Check your terms.
Trusts
If the policy is in trust, the payout may go to the trustees. Ask how this works for your policy.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026