LV= - critical illness cover
A clear guide to Critical Illness Cover from LV=: how it works, how the standard plan differs from the Enhanced plan, and the full list of conditions covered in both. Prepared by your adviser - Albion Financial Advice.
This guide is a summary, not a binding document. Only the original LV= documents (Policy Summary, Policy Conditions, Guide to Critical Illnesses) and your Policy Schedule are binding.
Before you start - important information
This guide is a summary prepared by Albion Financial Advice to help you understand LV='s cover. It is not a contract or a legally binding document. In the event of any difference, doubt or claim, the original LV= documents always apply: the Policy Summary, the Policy Conditions and the Guide to Critical Illnesses, together with your Policy Schedule. The definitions, severity thresholds, payout percentages and exclusions set out there are decisive. Always check the originals, and contact us with any questions.
Message us on WhatsApp or leave your details and an FCA-regulated adviser will call you back. Friendly, independent advice with no obligation.
How LV='s cover works
LV= offers critical illness cover combined with life insurance. On diagnosis of one of the covered conditions (or on death or terminal illness), a lump sum is paid. The conditions fall into two groups:
Full payment
100% of the cover amount is paid and the policy ends. This applies to the most serious conditions (e.g. cancer, heart attack, stroke).
Additional payment (partial)
For less advanced conditions, part of the amount is paid. The policy continues and the amount isn't reduced - you can claim again later.
The benefit is also paid if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness and a doctor expects death within 12 months.
Two variants: standard and Enhanced
LV= offers two levels of critical illness cover. The Enhanced variant includes everything in the standard plan, plus considerably more conditions and higher partial payouts.
- 39 full payout conditions (including optional TPD),
- 2 conditions with a partial payout,
- partial payout: 25% of cover, max £30,000,
- children's cover, additional benefits and extras.
- 49 full payout conditions (10 more),
- 19 conditions with a partial payout,
- partial payout: 50% of cover, max £30,000,
- wider children's cover and higher additional benefits.
Additional payments and benefits
An LV= policy with Critical Illness cover includes a range of additional benefits. Payments from these benefits generally don't reduce the main cover amount.
Enhanced payments - a doubled payout
On the Enhanced plan, double the cover amount is paid (up to an extra £200,000) when: the illness results from an accident (10 selected conditions), you're under 55 at diagnosis (4 selected conditions), or you undergo an organ transplant, or suffer liver failure or severe lung disease. On the standard plan the top-up is +50% (max £200,000) where the illness results from an accident.
Cancer diagnosis costs benefit (£1,000)
Once a covered cancer diagnosis is confirmed, £1,000 is paid towards costs (e.g. hospital travel). This doesn't reduce the cover amount.
Children's cover - optional
An optional extra: a payout of 50% of cover, max £35,000 for a child's critical illness (up to £70,000 in total across multiple LV= policies). Children covered from birth to their 23rd birthday.
Child funeral payment
£5,000 towards funeral costs on the death of a covered child (with the wider children's cover, from the 24th week of pregnancy).
Pregnancy complication payments
A payment for specified pregnancy complications - with no impact on the main cover amount.
Junior option
The ability to convert a child's cover into the child's own policy in the future, with no further medical underwriting (on the terms in the policy conditions).
Guaranteed Increase Option (GIO)
The ability to increase the cover amount with no further medical underwriting at key life events (marriage, a new baby, a mortgage, and so on).
Accident hospitalisation (Enhanced)
On the Enhanced plan - a benefit for hospitalisation following an accident (one of the 50% partial payout conditions).
The standard plan - the full condition list (full payout)
Below are all the conditions covered by a full payout on the standard plan (Life & Critical Illness). Each is subject to the definitions and thresholds in LV='s conditions. Only the original definitions are binding.
Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia
A definite diagnosis by a Neurologist, Psychiatrist or Geriatrician, with a permanent loss of the ability to remember, to reason, and to perceive, understand and express ideas. Enhanced: on diagnosis before age 55, double the cover amount is paid (max +£200,000).
Aorta graft surgery
Surgery to the aorta for disease or trauma, with excision and the insertion of a graft in place of the affected portion (thoracic and abdominal aorta, not its branches).
Not covered:
- other procedures, e.g. the insertion of stents or endovascular repair.
Bacterial meningitis
A definite diagnosis by a Neurologist, resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting symptoms.
Not covered:
- forms of meningitis other than those caused by bacterial infection.
Benign brain tumour
A non-malignant brain tumour resulting in permanent neurological symptoms, or requiring specified treatment (surgery, radiosurgery).
Not covered:
- pituitary tumours, cysts, angiomas, granulomas and tumours of bone tissue.
Benign spinal cord tumour
A non-malignant tumour of the spinal cord or its structures, resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting symptoms.
Blindness - permanent and irreversible
Permanent and irreversible loss of sight in both eyes, even with visual aids, to the level specified in the conditions.
Brain injury due to trauma or anoxia
Death of brain tissue due to trauma, anoxia or hypoxia, resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting symptoms.
Cancer - including aplastic anaemia
A malignant tumour with invasion of tissue (including leukaemia, lymphoma and sarcoma), histologically confirmed - excluding less advanced cases. It also includes aplastic anaemia with permanent bone marrow failure.
Not covered:
- cancers in situ, pre-malignant tumours and those of low malignant potential;
- prostate cancer below Gleason 7; most skin cancers.
Cardiac arrest
A sudden interruption of the circulation with loss of consciousness, confirmed by a recording, with the implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Cardiomyopathy - of specified severity
A diagnosis by a Cardiologist, confirmed by echocardiography, of the severity specified in the conditions (including a reduced ejection fraction or NYHA class).
Not covered:
- milder forms (covered by a partial payout on Enhanced - non-severe cardiomyopathy).
Coma - with permanent symptoms
A state of deep unconsciousness requiring life support, resulting in permanent neurological deficit.
Not covered:
- a medically induced coma.
Coronary artery bypass grafts
Surgery to insert grafts bypassing narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, on the advice of a Cardiologist.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
A diagnosis of this rare, progressive brain disease leading to loss of cognitive function and muscle control.
Deafness - permanent and irreversible
Permanent and irreversible loss of hearing in both ears, above the decibel threshold specified in the conditions, even with hearing aids.
Encephalitis - with permanent symptoms
A diagnosis of encephalitis by a Neurologist, resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting symptoms.
Heart attack - of specified severity
A definite diagnosis of an acute myocardial infarction with death of tissue, confirmed by ECG/imaging changes and a rise in troponins or cardiac enzymes.
Not covered:
- angina, and heart muscle damage without infarction.
Heart valve replacement or repair
Surgery to replace or repair a damaged or diseased heart valve, on the advice of a Cardiologist.
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension of unknown cause, of specified severity (raised pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular dysfunction).
Kidney failure - requiring permanent dialysis
Chronic, end-stage failure of both kidneys, requiring permanent dialysis or a transplant.
Liver failure
Irreversible, end-stage liver failure with specified symptoms (jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy). Enhanced: covered by the doubled payout.
Not covered:
- liver disease secondary to self-inflicted harm (e.g. alcohol or drug misuse).
Loss of hand or foot
Permanent physical severance of a hand or foot at or above the wrist or ankle joint.
Loss of speech - permanent and irreversible
Total, permanent and irreversible loss of the ability to speak as a result of physical injury or disease.
Major organ transplant
Being the recipient of a transplant from another donor (heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, bone marrow) or placement on an NHS waiting list. Enhanced: covered by the doubled payout.
Not covered:
- being a donor; transplants of other organs, tissues or cells.
Motor neurone disease (MND)
A diagnosis by a Neurologist of one of the motor neurone diseases, with permanent impairment of motor function.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
A diagnosis by a Neurologist, with persisting clinical symptoms of impaired motor or sensory function.
Open heart surgery
Heart surgery with division of the breastbone (median sternotomy) to correct a structural abnormality of the heart.
Paralysis of limb - total and irreversible
Total and irreversible loss of muscle function to the whole of one limb, due to disease or injury.
Parkinson's disease - with permanent symptoms
A diagnosis by a Neurologist, with permanent impairment of motor function with tremor or muscle rigidity. Enhanced: on diagnosis before age 55, double the cover amount is paid.
Not covered:
- Parkinsonian syndromes / Parkinsonism (covered separately as Parkinson plus).
Parkinson plus syndromes - with permanent symptoms
A diagnosis by a Neurologist of one of the Parkinson plus syndromes, with permanent motor impairment, an eye movement disorder, or postural instability.
Pneumonectomy - removal of a complete lung
Surgical removal of an entire lung due to disease or injury.
Pulmonary artery surgery
Pulmonary artery graft surgery for disease only (replacement of the damaged portion with a graft).
Severe lung disease
Advanced, chronic lung disease with permanent impairment of lung function and a need for continuous oxygen therapy. Enhanced: covered by the doubled payout.
Spinal stroke - with permanent symptoms
Death of spinal cord tissue due to ischaemia or haemorrhage, resulting in permanent neurological deficit.
Stroke - of specified severity
Death of brain tissue due to ischaemia or haemorrhage, with neurological deficit persisting for more than 24 hours and confirmation on imaging.
Not covered:
- transient ischaemic attack (TIA);
- eye stroke (covered separately on Enhanced).
Surgical removal of an eyeball
Surgical removal of a complete eyeball as a result of disease or injury.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
A diagnosis of systemic lupus resulting in permanent neurological deficit or permanent impairment of kidney function of specified severity.
Terminal illness
An illness that is incurable, or has reached a stage at which a Consultant expects death within 12 months.
Third degree burns
Full-thickness skin burns covering at least 20% of the body's surface area, or 20% of the surface area of the face or head.
Total permanent disability (TPD) - optional
An optional extra (if shown on your Policy Schedule). Permanent inability to do your own occupation, or to perform specified tasks, with no prospect of improvement.
Not covered:
- partial or temporary disability; TPD doesn't apply to children's cover.
Ductal or lobular carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS/LCIS)
Carcinoma in situ of the breast (cancer cells confined to the ducts or lobules, without invasion), treated with specified treatment (surgery).
Prostate cancer - low grade
Early, less advanced prostate cancer not meeting the full payout threshold (below Gleason 7), requiring treatment.
Message us on WhatsApp or leave your details and an FCA-regulated adviser will call you back. Friendly, independent advice with no obligation.
The Enhanced plan - what it adds
The Enhanced plan includes all the standard plan's conditions plus those below. In total it gives 49 full payout conditions and 19 conditions with a partial payout (50% of cover, max £30,000).
Brain abscess - with specified treatment
A diagnosis of an intracerebral abscess, treated with a specified procedure (e.g. surgical drainage).
Crohn's disease
A severe form of Crohn's disease treated with two intestinal resections.
Heart failure - of specified severity
A diagnosis by a Cardiologist with permanent impairment of heart function of the severity specified in the conditions (NYHA class, reduced ejection fraction).
HIV infection
HIV infection acquired in specified countries as a result of a blood transfusion, a physical assault, or at work (e.g. occupational exposure).
Not covered:
- infection acquired by any means other than those listed.
Loss of independent existence
A permanent loss of the ability to look after yourself (an inability to perform specified activities of daily living) ever again.
Neuromyelitis optica (Devic's disease)
A diagnosis of Devic's disease with persisting symptoms (inflammation of the optic nerves and spinal cord).
Severe mental illness - of specified severity
A severe mental illness of the severity and duration specified in the conditions, with a significant, permanent impact on functioning.
Severe sepsis
Severe sepsis resulting in admission to an intensive care unit for at least 3 days.
Syringomyelia or syringobulbia - treated by surgery
A diagnosis of a syrinx in the spinal cord or brain stem, treated by surgery.
Ulcerative colitis
A severe form of ulcerative colitis treated with surgery to remove the entire large bowel (colectomy).
Accident hospitalisation
A benefit for a hospital stay following an accident, of the duration specified in the conditions.
Aortic aneurysm - with endovascular repair
An aortic aneurysm treated with endovascular repair.
Carotid artery stenosis
Narrowing of the carotid artery treated with endarterectomy or angioplasty.
Cauda equina syndrome - with permanent symptoms
Damage to the cauda equina nerve roots resulting in permanent neurological symptoms.
Cerebral or spinal arteriovenous malformation
An arteriovenous malformation of the brain or spine treated with surgery or radiotherapy.
Cerebral or spinal aneurysm
An aneurysm of the brain or spinal cord treated with surgery or radiotherapy.
Central retinal artery or vein occlusion
An eye stroke resulting in permanent loss of sight in the affected eye.
Coronary artery angioplasty
A procedure to widen narrowed coronary arteries (balloon/stent), on the criteria specified in the conditions.
Diabetes mellitus type 1
Type 1 diabetes requiring permanent insulin injections.
GIST or NET of low malignant potential
A gastro-intestinal stromal tumour (GIST) or neuroendocrine tumour (NET) of low malignant potential, treated by surgery.
Guillain-Barre syndrome
A diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome with persisting clinical symptoms.
Less advanced cancer
Less advanced cancers of specified sites and severity (not meeting the full payout threshold).
Non-severe cardiomyopathy
A diagnosis of cardiomyopathy not meeting the full payout threshold.
Other carcinomas in-situ - with surgery
Carcinomas in situ of many organs treated by surgery - including the cervix (with hysterectomy), colon/rectum, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, larynx, lung, urinary bladder, ovary (borderline), testicle, vulva, vagina and oral cavity.
Partial loss of hearing
Permanent partial loss of hearing of the severity specified in the conditions (below the full deafness threshold).
Partial loss of sight
Permanent and irreversible partial loss of sight (below the full blindness threshold).
Partial third degree burns
Full-thickness skin burns covering 10% of the body's surface area, or 10% of the face or head.
Pituitary tumour
A non-malignant pituitary tumour resulting in permanent symptoms or requiring surgery.
Removal of one or more lobes of the lung
Surgical removal of one or more lobes of the lung due to disease or injury.
Children's cover - child-specific conditions (Enhanced)
Children's cover is an optional extra. It covers the adult condition lists plus additional child-specific conditions (on the Combined plan these require the enhanced children's cover option). The payout for a child's illness is 50% of cover, max £35,000. Children are covered from birth to their 23rd birthday.
- Cerebral palsy
- Child diabetes type 1 - requiring permanent insulin injections
- Child intensive care - mechanical ventilation for 7 consecutive days
- Cystic fibrosis
- Down syndrome
- Edwards syndrome
- Hydrocephalus - treated with the insertion of a shunt
- Muscular dystrophy
- Patau syndrome
- Spina bifida
Children's cover also includes a £1,000 benefit towards the costs of a child's cancer diagnosis, and the child funeral payment (funeral costs) on the death of a child. A child's payout doesn't reduce your own cover amount.
Choosing the right cover
We'll help you decide whether the standard plan is enough or whether the Enhanced variant - with its wider condition list and higher benefits - is worth choosing. We'll match the amount, the term and the options to your family and financial situation.
LV= is covered by the FSCS. You may be entitled to compensation should the insurer be unable to meet its obligations. Details: www.fscs.org.uk, tel. 0800 678 1100.
We're with you for the whole life of your policy - especially when the hardest moments come.
If your policy was arranged with the help of Albion Financial Advice - with any of our advisers - we guarantee to help you with your claim and pursue the payout from the insurer for as long as that policy lasts. It doesn't matter which adviser helped you arrange it, or whether they still work with us. Your claim will always be handled by Albion Financial Advice Services Ltd. Whatever happens, you won't face it alone: we'll manage your claim from notification through to payout, at no extra charge.
Message us on WhatsApp or leave your details and an FCA-regulated adviser will call you back. Friendly, independent advice with no obligation.
Questions about your LV= cover? We'll help.
We'll explain the differences between the standard and Enhanced plans, help you choose the amount and options, and manage any claim with you. No obligation.
This document is a summary prepared by Albion Financial Advice for information purposes. It is not a binding document or a contract. Only the original LV= documents are binding: the Policy Summary, the Policy Conditions and the Guide to Critical Illnesses, together with your Policy Schedule, which prevail in the event of any discrepancy. Condition counts and amounts relate to the LV= Life & Critical Illness and Combined Life & Enhanced Critical Illness products; check your own documents.
Tax residence. Tax treatment of benefits depends on your country of tax residence. For tax implications in Poland or another country, please consult a tax adviser in your country of residence.
The insurer is Liverpool Victoria Financial Services Limited (LV=); Albion Financial Advice is an independent adviser and is not part of LV=.
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