Whereas life insurance has been readily available for literally hundreds of years, critical illness insurance is a relatively recent development.

There are a wide range of Canadian insurance companies who offer a critical illness policy. The terms and conditions will vary from company to company, but the following ailments are insurable by virtually all insurers:

	Heart Attack		Stroke
	Coronary Bypass Surgery		Breast Cancer
	Prostate Cancer		Other life threatening cancer
	Multiple Sclerosis		Parkinson's Disease
	Major Organ Transplant		Other life threatening illnesses
	Kidney Failure		Paralysis/Paraplegia
In Addition, the following conditions are insured, depending on which insurance company is chosen:
	Aorta Graft Surgery		Balloon Angioplasty
	Benign Brain Tumour		Blindness in both eyes
	Coma		Coronary Artery Disease
	Heart Valve Surgery		HIV through Blood Transfusion
	HIV Emergency Services		HIV Medical Profession
	HIV Assault with Needle		Loss of Hearing
	Loss of Independent Existence		Loss of Limb
	Loss of Speech		Motor Neurone Disease
	Parkinson's Disease		Pre Senile Dementia (Alzheimer's)
	Severe Burns		Terminal Illness
	Permanent and Total Disability

As not all critical illness policies are the same, it is important to seek out professional advice and guidance in choosing your policy. Insurance Direct Canada can help.