A survival payout is the tax-free lump sum you receive from critical illness cover if you’re diagnosed with a listed illness and survive a specified period - typically 10 or 14 days in the UK - after diagnosis. In 2023, £255 million was paid in critical illness claims, often after this period Legal & General, 2025. Spirit Cover includes this as a standard feature, subject to policy conditions.
How It Works
- Survival Period: You must live at least 10-14 days post-diagnosis - Spirit aligns with industry standards (e.g., Aviva’s 10-day rule Aviva, 2022).
- Payout Trigger: If you survive and the illness meets the policy’s definition, the lump sum is paid to help with costs like bills or treatment.
- No Payout on Death: If you pass away within the period, the critical illness benefit doesn’t apply - life insurance would be relevant instead.
Spirit’s Policy
Spirit Cover requires survival for the designated period - exact days are in your policy documents. If conditions are met, the payout comes with a trust option (potentially tax-free HMRC, 2023) and benefits like Physio Support, all standard features.
Why It Exists
Survival periods ensure claims reflect ongoing need - 97.6% of 2023 claims paid were for survivors ABI, 2023. Combining with life insurance can cover all outcomes.
Know the Details
Uncertain about your policy’s survival period? Ask your Spirit adviser - we’ll clarify the terms for you.