Critical Illness Insurance - Does Your Home Have Hidden Asbestos?

Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a defined critical illness during the term of the policy.

Taking out critical illness cover could be a beneficial thing to do for many people following the publication of a new report showing that many people could be living with asbestos without even knowing it.

People who like doing DIY in their home are particularly at risk of exposure to the lethal building material, according to the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians. It may also be wise for people undertaking maintenance and refurbishment work to consider covering themselves with this type of life insurance because they are likely to encounter the substance in their line of work.

Asbestos exposure can lead to incurable illnesses such as mesothelioma, which claims the lives of more than 2,000 people in the UK annually, underscoring the need for people likely to be exposed to the substance to take out insurance. "Thousands of householders' health is being put at risk because they do not know that asbestos is present in their home," said UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie.

"Workers should not be expected to play Russian roulette with their health," he added, saying new regulations governing the management of the substance are needed. People with critical illness insurance can take confidence in the fact that their families' bills will continue being taken care of financially should they become incapacitated.

Where can I find out more about critical illness insurance?
There are many different types of critical illness insurance from stand alone policies to life insurance policies with critical illness as a rider benefit. To find out more information on critical illness cover you can visit one of the many online life insurance comparison websites. Many of these have detailed information on the different types of policy available and will allow you to obtain online quotes for critical illness insurance. If you choose to do this yourself online it is important to check the providers key facts document to see what you are covered for as some polices may not cover you for the illness that most concerns you. An example of this is that some polices provide Childs benefit whereby they will pay out a lump sum should one of your children suffer a critical illness as part of your premium, but know all do.

Alternatively you can speak to an independent financial advisor you will be able to provide you detailed advice and recommendations. Many advisors these days offer phone and email based financial advice so you do not have to have them in your home and feel pressured to make a decision on the spot.