What does critical illness insurance cover?
A serious illness can lead to all sorts of unexpected expenses. Critical illness insurance pays benefits that can help you focus on your recovery, not your finances.
Last updated July 18, 2025
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You have a medical issue
Symptoms may appear suddenly or over time, but at some point, you seek medical attention.
You receive a diagnosis
After going to a doctor or hospital1, you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness.
You get a lump sum¹ benefit payment
Simply, submit a claim and get a direct payment based on your diagnosis to help cover costs as you see fit.1
1 Lump sum payments, health screening benefits, and hospitalization benefit are optional plan choices determined by your employer.
In New York, Critical Illness is referred to as Specified Disease.
Guardian's Critical Illness Insurance is underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Products are not available in all states. Policy limitations and exclusions apply. Optional riders and/or features may incur additional costs. This is a limited plan of supplemental health insurance that provides the specified financial support, as a lump sum or indemnity payment, following the diagnosis of a critical illness. This is not minimum essential coverage as defined by federal law. This coverage will not reimburse for hospital or medical expenses. Generic Policy Form # GP-1-CI-14. The state approved form is the governing document.
This information is not intended for residents of Arizona and New Mexico.
