A cancer diagnosis, heart attack or other unforeseen health crisis could leave you unable to earn an income, adding financial stress to an already emotionally stressful situation. Unfortunately, your mortgage or rent payment and other monthly expenses will still need to be paid. On top of those obligations, medical bills can quickly pile up. If you aren't able to work, you may not have the means to pay those bills.

Critical illness insurance is a policy that will pay out a benefit as a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a critical illness or condition specified in the policy. This can relieve or lessen the financial strain that can come with critical illnesses, so you can focus on getting better.