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Critical illness insurance

Keep your focus on getting well, not paying bills, with critical illness insurance paying cash benefits for qualifying serious illnesses and conditions.

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Apply for critical illness insurance today

Focus on your recovery, not your costs, with the help of a plan paying a lump sum payment for a covered critical illness. Choose a UnitedHealthcare-branded critical illness plan today.

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What is critical illness insurance?

Critical illness insurance, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, pays a lump sum cash benefit in the event of a qualifying serious illness. You can use the money as you see fit, including paying everyday living expenses while out of work and more.

Critical illness insurance, also known as critical care insurance or critical illness coverage, may help shift the focus more to your recovery and less on your expenses.

Is critical illness insurance right for me?

Unfortunately, a serious illness often causes financial strain, too. Health insurance may cover some medical costs, but often, not all. That's where a critical illness plan can help.

Choice of lump sum amounts

Choice of amounts up to $100,000, paid if a qualified critical illness occurs.^B31 You pick the level that fits your budget.

Flexible funds

Use them where you need them

Pays regardless of other insurance

Qualified critical illness benefits pay even if your major medical coverage pays, too

Simple application

Questions with “yes” or “no” answers

A sensible precaution

If you're the primary source of income for your family or have a family history of critical illness, a plan may make sense

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Coverage that works well with critical illness insurance

Add any of these plans to build a health care solution that works for you

Short term health insurance

Because you need quick and flexible temporary health coverage

Learn more

Fixed benefit health insurance

Because you’d like a little extra help with out-of-pocket costs

Learn more

Dental insurance

Because you know staying healthy includes your dental health

Learn more

Accident insurance

Because you’d like some help when the unexpected happens

Learn more

Are you covered after you turn 65?

Yes. UnitedHealthcare-branded CriticalGuard critical illness plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, are guaranteed renewable for life in most states as outlined in the policy.

Why critical illness insurance?

A critical illness can happen to anyone — and at any time, without warning. But the straightforward benefits of critical Illness insurance can help make it easier to focus on recovery instead of finances.

Qualifying illnesses covered after 30-day waiting period in most states

Cash benefit in lump sum payment

Use the money the way you want

Benefit payment typically isn't taxable^B32

Let us help you find a critical illness insurance plan to fit your needs

Applying for a critical illness plan might be helpful in planning ahead for a serious illness or medical condition.

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Critical illness FAQs

Critical Illness insurance is supplemental insurance that pays a lump sum benefit if you are diagnosed with a covered illness. It is designed to help with the costs of treating and recovering from serious illness. For example, if a person chooses a critical illness policy with a $30,000 Maximum Lifetime Benefit, here’s how it would work. (The person and event depicted here is fictional and does not represent an actual case.)

1. A covered person receives a first diagnosis of a stroke. (The policy must be in place for 30 days or more.)
2. Critical illness insurance pays $30,000 benefit.
3. The $30,000 benefit can be used any way they choose.

Most American households are savings limited. That means they can replace less than one month of their income through liquid savings. Critical illness coverage can give families financial help in hard times.

Ultimately, that decision is yours and unique to your situation. You can’t predict the future, but critical illness benefits may help you prepare. Critical illness insurance can help with out-of-pocket expenses if you are diagnosed with a covered critical illness.

With critical illness insurance, a lump sum is paid by your plan, up to the maximum lifetime benefit. Depending on the plan you select, this benefit payment is paid for expenses related to:^F42

Life-threatening cancer
Cancer In Situ
Benign brain tumor
Skin cancer
Heart attack
Stroke
Heart illness
Major organ transplant
End-Stage Renal Failure
Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Loss of independent living^B33

Benefit amounts, availability and limitations may vary by state. See brochure for more details and coverage information.

Good candidates for a critical illness plan include:

Primary financial provider of the household
Someone insured but with a health insurance plan that has a high deductible
Person with limited savings for an unexpected illness

That’s ultimately up to you, depending on your needs and situation. In 2023, according to a General Re Life Corporation market research survey, the average benefit amount per new critical illness insurance policy was just over $28,600.^F41

Yes, there is a 30-day waiting period on critical illness benefits in most states. First diagnosis must be made at least 30 days AFTER your effective date.

UHOCRITILLA3

Critical illness insurance

Is critical illness insurance right for me?

Choice of lump sum amounts

Flexible funds

Pays regardless of other insurance

Simple application

A sensible precaution

Why critical illness insurance?

Let us help you find a critical illness insurance plan to fit your needs

How does critical illness insurance work?

Is critical illness insurance worth it?

What critical illness are covered?

Do I need critical illness insurance?

How much critical illness coverage do I need?

Is there a waiting period for coverage?

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