Critical Illness Insurance: Protection Against Common Health Risks
Critical Illness Insurance
Serious health conditions like cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer’s Disease impact millions of individuals and families every year.
For the millions of people who receive a serious health condition diagnosis, the costs associated with treatments, medications, and time away from work can add up quickly. Understanding the risks and potential costs of these conditions — and how Critical Illness insurance may help— is an important step.
Supplemental Health Insurance to Help Bridge Coverage Gaps
Explore Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity plans.
Cancer
In the U.S., nearly 40% of us will develop cancer during our lifetime.1 Limiting exposure to common risk factors such as poor diet may lower the risk of developing certain types of cancers; however some factors, like ageing, cannot be avoided.2 The costs of cancer care and medications can vary significantly depending on the type of care and treatment. The average cost of cancer care in the first year after diagnosis can range from $8,000 to over $100,000.3 The costs associated with initial care and continued care can have a substantial impact on patients and families.
Stroke
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, which is the leading cause of serious long term disability.4 Like cancer, there are risk factors you can impact to lower stroke risk, such as keeping physically active and lowering your cholesterol.
However, there are certain risks factors you can’t control such as your increasing age, or your familial history.6 The financial impact of a stroke can be unpredictable.
Alzheimer’s Disease
The impact of Alzheimer’s Disease can be a tremendous burden on patients and families. In addition to direct medical costs from doctors’ visits, medications, and testing, there are non-medical costs including caregiver costs and potential loss of income by the patient or family caregivers (or both). While age and familial history are risk factors we have no control over, research shows a healthy lifestyle may reduce your risks.7
How Critical Illness Insurance Can Help
Critical Illness insurance covers 13 common, but serious, conditions, including invasive cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Upon diagnosis, this coverage pays cash benefits that can be used for whatever purpose you choose, whether paying for medical costs not covered by health insurance or covering lost income. Anyone can qualify for a $10,000 benefit, and coverage can continue to age 80.
Learn more about Critical Illness insurance.
1Cancer Stat Facts: Cancer of Any Site. The National Cancer Institute. seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/all.html, 2025.
2Risk Factors for Cancer. National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk, Retrieved December 23, 2025.
3Financial Burden of Cancer Care. National Cancer Institute. progressreport.cancer.gov/after/economic_burden, Last reviewed April 2025.
4 Stroke Facts. Centers for Disease Control. www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm, October 24, 2024.
5Finances After Stroke. American Stroke Association. www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/recovery/managing-your-stroke/finances-insurance-and-assistance/finances-after-stroke, January 30, 2025.
6Let’s Talk About Risk Factors for Stroke. American Stroke Association. www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library/lets-talk-about-stroke/risk-factors, May 20, 2025.
7What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias? Alzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors, Retrieved December 23, 2025.
Group Critical Illness Insurance coverage is a limited benefit policy issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a Prudential Financial company, Newark, NJ. Prudential’s Critical Illness Insurance is not a substitute for medical coverage that provides benefits for medical treatment, including hospital, surgical, and medical expenses, and it does not provide reimbursement for such expenses. The Booklet-Certificate contains all details, including any policy exclusions, limitations, and restrictions, which may apply. If there is a discrepancy between this document and the Booklet-Certificate/Group Contract issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, the Group Contract will govern. In Washington, the controlling document is the Certificate, not the Contract. A more detailed description of the benefits, limitations, and exclusions applicable are contained in the Outline of Coverage provided at time of enrollment. Please contact Prudential for more information. Contract provisions may vary by state. Contract Series: 114774.
Not for residents of New Mexico, Washington and Arizona
Not for use in New Mexico, Washington and Arizona
1089736-00001-00
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