Critical illness cover

[DiabeC]

Hi, I've had Lupus for about 12 years and have recently been diagnosed with Diffuse interstitial lung disease. I start treatment next week so decided to put in a claim against my critical illness insurance, has anyone had any success with this? Thanks

[MargaretGail]

My critical illness insurance paid out for my inability to work due to Lupus.

[Nickymck in reply to MargaretGail]

Hi. I am increasingly taking time off due to lupus related illness and may have to give up work I fear sometime in the near future. How long did your critical.illness insurance cover you for?

[MargaretGail in reply to Nickymck]

I didn't have cover for being off for sickness, they paid out because I couldn't carry out the day to day duties of my role and had to give up work.

[Nickymck in reply to MargaretGail]

Thanks Margaret. Yes that is what will happen to me I fear. I will have to go off sick and then be dismissed before I can apply to use my critical illness insurance. I use annual leave when ill at the moment as I don't have sick time left. Thanks again. 😊

[MargaretGail in reply to Nickymck]

Have you looked at the Lupus UK publication 'I want to work' ? At the bottom of page 12 it talks about disability leave rather than sick leave because under the disability act your employer has to make reasonable adjustments to help you stay in work. Disability leave would come under reasonable adjustment.

[DiabeC in reply to MargaretGail]

My work isn't the problem, I had Scleroderma and Lupus when I joined, this is the mortgage related insurance, I get very good sickness cover and they've always ensured I have everything I need.

[Nickymck in reply to MargaretGail]

Thank you Margaret I will have a look at that. My boss is pretty good but I think he is getting a bit fed up of me now.

I am not registered disabled nor do I receive pip but I think the time has come to go down these routes.

[DiabeC]

My critical illness cover is actually part of my endowment but it sounds like it won't pay out unless I have to completely give up work. If I was having chemotherapy for cancer and could work they'd pay out but not for Diffuse interstitial lung disease

[Nickymck in reply to DiabeC]

I will have to look at my policy. It is purely Critical Illness insurance not connected to anything else. i took it out as I have no spouse or family to help if I cannot work. Hopefully it will cover SLE , but I have my doubts.