Critical illness cover

[jdurrands]

Hi,

My husband has just been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy due to atrial fibrillation. Would anyone know if it needs to be permanent to make a claim?

Cardiomyopathy - of specified severity

A definite diagnosis of cardiomyopathy by a consultant cardiologist. There must be clinical impairment of heart function resulting in the permanent loss of ability to perform physical activities to at least Class 3 of the New York Heart Association classification of functional capacity (marked limitation of physical activities where less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation, breathlessness or chest pain). The diagnosis must be supported by echocardiogram.

Thanks

Jackie

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Jackie. I don’t know the answer generally but from the definition you’ve provided the impairment needs to lead to a ‘permanent loss of ability to perform physical activities’. My experience of claiming critical illness cover (for heart attack) was that they followed the letter of the policy - as you’d expect, I guess. I suppose the question you need answering from your medical team is, ‘is the disability permanent?’ Good luck.

[jdurrands in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Thanks for the response. It may be 6 to 12 months before we know if its permanent. Concerned if we contact the insurers too soon the may not renew our policy. Just a waiting game I suppose.