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Critical illness cover
A lump sum on diagnosis — so you can focus on getting better.
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How we help
Critical illness cover could pay off your mortgage if you were diagnosed with a serious health condition — easing the financial pressure so you can focus on recovery and family.
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Steven Hargreaves explains all about critical illness cover.
Critical illness cover
An insurance policy that pays out on diagnosis of a defined illness — such as cancer, heart attack, stroke or renal failure. Some policies cover a handful of conditions; others up to 100.
It pays on diagnosis, not death. With today’s treatments and much better survival rates, you may well recover — and you don’t pay the money back. It could even clear your mortgage.
Life assurance is usually cheaper, because most people live into their late 70s or 80s. Critical illness is more expensive because serious illness can strike at any age — before older age you’re more likely to develop a serious condition than die.
But you get what you pay for. If the policy pays out, it makes a tremendous difference.
I’m a big advocate because I’ve seen it first-hand. Years ago my first wife was diagnosed with breast cancer when our twin boys were a year old and we’d just moved house. Within seven or eight weeks of diagnosis our claim paid out and cleared our mortgage.
It meant I could spend time with my wife and boys instead of working all hours to pay the mortgage. That’s why I talk to every client about it — insurance is there for peace of mind.
Yes — it works well as a combined policy. We work out the cover, term and monthly budget. Ideally, the mortgage is paid off if either of you dies or becomes critically ill; if that doesn’t fit the budget, the policy can cover a proportion instead.
Speak to an expert
Our advisers are experienced in a wide range of clients, needs and property types — so you can be confident of quality service and sound advice.
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Why Energise Mortgages?
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It varies massively. A non-smoker in their 20s might pay £15–£25 a month for combined life and critical illness cover. Smoking and age increase costs significantly — in my 50s, I pay around £200 a month, and it would be one of the last payments I’d cancel.
Cost depends on the amount of cover, your age, health and pastimes.
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With critical illness cover, cheapest isn’t best. Quality matters: how many illnesses are covered and how they’re defined. We look for the policy with the most benefits for you, not just the lowest premium.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Keep exploring
An overview of life, illness and income cover — and how they fit together.
Keep your home safe if illness, redundancy or the unthinkable happens.
Clear the mortgage and replace the income your family relies on.
Meet the adviser
There’s more to me than just mortgages. I also have a love for the countryside and a unique venture — my alpaca farm. Nestled in the countryside near York, my alpacas are not just my furry friends, but also a testament to my dedication to diverse interests.
Alpacas, much like mortgages, require careful attention, understanding and a keen eye for detail. Just as I meticulously evaluate mortgage options, I apply the same diligence to caring for my herd — a blend of financial acumen and agricultural expertise that sets me apart.
As seen in
Google reviews
“I had a fantastic experience with Steven as my mortgage broker. He was professional, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful throughout the whole process.”
Arnaldo KB
Google review · August 2026
“Steven gets it. He’s been round the block and knows all the things you hire a mortgage adviser for. It’s a no-brainer — save yourself time, money and effort.”
Matt Chappell
Google review · August 2026
“Working with Steven was easily the best decision we made during our home-buying journey. As first-time buyers, he made the process feel simple.”
Kirsty
Google review · August 2026
Talk through critical illness cover with a qualified adviser. Free, no-obligation and in plain English.
