Critical Illness  is usually available as an addition to all term assurance plans but can be bought  on a stand alone basis. Critical illness generally allows for the lump sum benefit to be paid also in the  event of diagnosis of certain critical illnesses, such as Heart Attack, Stroke,  Transplant, Blindness, Total & Permanent Disability and so on.   Most providers conform to the Association of British  Insurers standards for qualifying illnesses and it is  important that you fully understand the terms of each  illness.   Family protection Income protection Critical illness Business protection Protection