Financial Support When Critical Illness Disrupts Your Income

A critical illness refers to a serious, potentially life‑threatening condition that may require long‑term treatment or recovery and can cause significant financial strain.

Critical illness plans typically cover a wide range of serious medical conditions, including cancer, heart attack, stroke and coronary bypass. Some plans provide coverage for up to 160 conditions. A lump sum payout is made once the condition is diagnosed, including certain terminal illnesses.

Common critical illnesses include cancer, heart attack and stroke.

Once you are diagnosed with a covered critical illness and meet policy requirements (such as the survival period), a lump sum payout is made. This can be used for medical costs, daily living expenses or other financial needs during recovery.

A survival period is the minimum number of days you must survive after diagnosis before a claim is payable (typically 7 days). A waiting period is the initial period after policy commencement during which certain claims are not covered. Both vary by policy and illness.

Critical illness insurance helps to:

• Cover treatment or recovery costs not paid by your medical plan
• Support daily living expenses if you are unable to work
• Cover related costs such as transportation, caregiving or home modifications

This allows you to focus on recovery without added financial stress.

Yes. While life insurance provides financial protection upon death, critical illnesses can also place a heavy financial burden on families while the insured is still alive. A critical illness payout helps replace lost income and manage expenses during recovery.

A general guideline is coverage of around 6 times your annual income, to support living expenses, treatment needs and potential loss of income.

Consider:

• The range of illnesses covered
• Your family’s medical history
• Affordability and financial needs
• Whether the plan is standalone or a rider

Choose a plan that is flexible and suitable for your long‑term needs.

The payout depends on the sum assured selected under your policy. Please refer to your policy documents for details.

Premiums depend on factors such as age, medical history, coverage amount and policy term. Speak to our Wealth Planners for a suitable option.

Yes. You may hold multiple critical illness policies from Prudential Malaysia or other insurers, provided:

• Premiums remain affordable
• Total coverage suits your needs
• You understand each policy’s terms and exclusions

Both serve different purposes. Critical illness insurance provides financial support upon diagnosis of a serious illness, while life insurance provides financial protection in the event of death. Many people choose to have both.

Critical illness insurance generally does not cover accidents directly. However, certain accident‑related critical conditions (e.g. traumatic brain injury or total blindness) may be covered, depending on policy terms.

Exclusions vary by policy but may include pre‑existing conditions, self‑inflicted injuries and non‑disclosure of material information. Always refer to your policy documents for full details.

Yes. Premiums for life and medical insurance, including critical illness plans, may qualify for tax relief, subject to LHDN limits and eligibility criteria.

If the policyholder passes away, the sum assured will be paid to the nominated beneficiary, subject to policy terms.

You may cancel your policy by giving written notice; however, premiums paid may not be refundable and future re‑application may require underwriting.