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Glossary

Critical illness insurance in Singapore: the 37 standard definitions, and what they mean for a claim

Critical illness insurance, often shortened to CI, pays a lump sum when the insured person is diagnosed with, or has surgery for, an illness the policy covers, as long as the diagnosis meets the policy's definition of that illness.

How it works

It pays a lump sum, not the bills. MoneySense says the amount doesn't depend on medical expenses, and a policy that pays once ends when it has paid.

The definition decides the claim. In Singapore, LIA sets standard definitions for 37 critical illnesses at the severe stage, among them major cancers, heart attack of specified severity, stroke and kidney failure. A policy pays only if the diagnosis or surgery meets its wording.

LIA last revised the definitions in its CI Framework 2024. New CI products launched from 1 October 2025 use the 2024 wording. A policy bought earlier keeps the definitions it was sold with, and can't be moved to the new ones.

Other terms to read in the policy:

  • The waiting period. LIA says it's typically 90 days from the start of cover for some illnesses, such as major cancers and heart attack. A diagnosis inside it pays nothing.
  • Which illnesses. Insurers can cover more than the 37, and plans differ in number and type.
  • Stages. The standard definitions cover the severe stage only. Earlier stages are the insurer's own wording (see early critical illness).
  • Standalone or rider. CI can be its own policy or a rider on life, health or PA cover, and an accelerated rider reduces the base policy when it pays.

Worked example, with a made-up client: she's diagnosed with cancer 60 days after a new CI policy starts. That's inside a 90-day waiting period, so nothing is paid. Diagnosed at 120 days, at a stage that meets the definition, the policy pays its lump sum.

Where it shows up in your week

Clients hold CI as its own policy, as riders, or both. The CRM keeps your notes on each client's page, so what you wrote about their cover is there before the question comes.

Questions advisors ask

Sources

The claim turns on one definition.

Know which version your client's policy uses.

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