Does critical illness cover pay out for mental health conditions?
Usually not. Most critical illness policies focus on specific physical conditions such as cancer, heart attack and stroke, and do not cover mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Income protection is more likely to pay if a mental health condition stops you working. Many policies do include counselling support as an extra benefit.
Check your list
A small number of policies include specific severe mental illnesses. Check your conditions list.
Support services
Counselling or mental health helplines are often included and can be used without claiming.
Income protection
Check any mental health exclusions on your income protection 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