Most people think of life insurance as protection only in the event of death — but what happens if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness and can no longer provide for your family? In this episode, we explore how couples life insurance works alongside critical illness cover, and why many families benefit from combining the two.

We’ll start by explaining the difference:

• Couples life insurance – pays a lump sum or income if one partner dies during the policy term.
  
• Critical illness cover – pays out if you’re diagnosed with a specified serious illness, such as cancer, stroke, or heart attack.
  

For couples, having both can provide a more complete safety net. For example, if one partner is diagnosed with a critical illness, a payout could cover mortgage repayments, replace lost income, or fund medical treatment — even while they are still alive.

We’ll cover:

• How critical illness cover is added to life insurance policies.
  
• Whether joint critical illness cover or two single add-ons make more sense.
  
• How insurers assess applications and what conditions are typically covered.
  
• The impact on premiums and how to balance affordability with protection.
  

Listeners will also learn about common pitfalls, such as assuming NHS support will cover everything, or underestimating how long recovery might take. Real-world examples will show how couples in Northern Ireland and across the UK have used both policies together to keep their families financially stable during difficult times.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why life insurance for couples and critical illness cover aren’t either/or decisions. Together, they can provide the security that ensures your partner and children are supported through life’s most challenging moments.