10-second summary:
There is no single “best” serious illness provider in Ireland. The right insurer depends on your health history, how key illnesses are defined, and what features matter most to you. Below we compare Zurich, Royal London, Irish Life, New Ireland and Aviva using the criteria that actually affect real claims.
What Actually Drives Serious Illness Claims
Most serious illness claims in Ireland come from a small number of conditions.
- Approximately 60–65% cancer
- 15–20% heart-related conditions
- 5–10% stroke
- Smaller percentages for neurological illnesses such as multiple sclerosis
That means when comparing insurers, the key question is not how many illnesses are listed.
It’s how those illnesses are defined and how easy or difficult it is to satisfy the claim criteria in real life.
If you want a full breakdown of how serious illness cover works, you can read our main guide here:
Serious Illness Cover Explained.
How the Main Irish Providers Compare
All five main insurers cover the core illnesses. The differences are in the details.
| Provider | Definition Approach | Partial Payment Cap | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich | Modern, broadly worded definitions | €15,000 or 50% | Booster Serious Illness Benefit |
| Royal London | Strong, clear definitions | €15,000 or 50% | Comprehensive core illness list |
| Irish Life | Competitive, well-established definitions | €15,000 or 50% | Strong claims experience |
| New Ireland | Solid, balanced wording | €25,000 or 50% | Higher partial cap |
| Aviva | Generally stricter wording in certain areas | €20,000 or 50% | Access to AvivaCare (free GP, second medical opinion) |
Where Definitions Make a Real Difference
All serious illness policies cover the big conditions such as cancer, heart attack, stroke and multiple sclerosis.
But they do not all define them in exactly the same way.
A claim is paid because the diagnosis matches the policy wording. Small differences in wording can determine whether a claim qualifies.
Most insurers have improved their wording over the years. But small differences still exist, and those differences can matter at claim stage.
However, differences still exist.
Some insurers use broader wording for certain key illnesses. Others apply slightly more restrictive criteria.
These details don’t show up in glossy brochures. They sit inside the policy conditions.
That’s why comparing serious illness cover isn’t about counting 70 conditions versus 80.
It’s about understanding how the core illnesses are defined and how those definitions may apply to you.
What Most People Get Wrong
Most people compare serious illness cover by:
- Looking at price first
- Counting how many illnesses are listed
- Assuming all policies are broadly similar
That’s understandable.
But the bigger risk is applying to the wrong insurer first.
If your medical history or family history is even slightly complex, different insurers can assess the same information differently.
Once an application is declined or heavily loaded, that information does not simply disappear.
That’s why insurer choice matters more than brochure comparisons.
And that’s the part most comparison websites can’t help with.
Partial Payments Explained
Most serious illness policies include partial payments for less severe conditions.
These typically pay the lower of a fixed euro amount or 50% of your serious illness cover.
If you have €30,000 of cover, a partial payment could be limited to €15,000.
That’s one reason small cover amounts can sometimes feel underwhelming at claim stage.
If income protection is already in place, €30,000 can be a sensible starting point. Without income protection, a higher figure may be appropriate.
Where Each Insurer Stands Out
Best for Strong Core Definitions
Zurich and Royal London are generally regarded as having strong, modern definitions for the main claim conditions.
Best for Added Enhancements
Zurich includes an enhanced serious illness benefit that can increase payout for certain severe or life-changing conditions.
Solid All-Round Cover
Irish Life and New Ireland provide competitive protection with balanced wording and strong claims experience.
Price-Sensitive Cases
Aviva offers access to AvivaCare, although wording may be stricter in some areas.
So Who Is Best?
There isn’t a universal winner, and anyone claiming there is probably isn’t looking at the full picture.
Because we deal with all five major providers, we’re not tied to one set of definitions or one underwriting approach.
In some cases, two insurers can look identical on a comparison table but assess medical history differently.
Choosing the right insurer before you apply can protect you from unnecessary exclusions, loadings or declines.
That sequencing decision is often more important than the brochure features.
The strongest provider on paper isn’t always the right one for your medical profile.
The best serious illness cover for:
- A healthy 28-year-old
- A 45-year-old with elevated BMI
- Someone with a family history of cancer or MS
- A parent prioritising child cover
…may not be the same insurer.
Getting the insurer choice right at application stage matters more than any single feature on a comparison table.
Should You Consider Income Protection First?
Serious illness pays once.
Income protection pays monthly if you cannot work due to any illness or injury.
For most working people, income protection forms the foundation, with serious illness acting as a lump-sum buffer on top.
Read more here:
Income Protection or Serious Illness Cover.
Next Step
We work with all five providers listed above. The premium through us is the same as going direct and sometimes lower due to negotiated discounts.
Before any application is submitted, we’ll tell you clearly how an insurer is likely to assess your medical history.
If you want a proper recommendation based on your health, income and family setup:
Complete our financial questionnaire
Or
Schedule a call
If you’re healthy and straightforward, this process is simple.
If you’ve had previous medical issues, family history concerns or elevated BMI, insurer choice becomes more important.
That’s where proper advice makes the difference.
Thanks for reading
Nick
Editor’s Note: This guide was originally published in 2019 and has been fully reviewed and updated for 2026 to reflect current Irish insurer definitions, partial payment limits and claims data.
Written by Nick McGowan, QFA RPA APA
Nick is a qualified financial advisor and founder of Lion.ie, an Irish life insurance and income protection brokerage based in Tullamore.
He’s been helping people get fair, transparent cover for over 15 years and was named Protection Broker of the Year 2022.
If you’d like straight answers (without the sales pitch), learn more about Nick here.