- 1 in 2 individuals are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime*
- Over 24,000 invasive cancer are diagnosed each year*
- Approximately 10,000 Irish people have a stroke each year**
- Approximately 30,000 people live in Ireland with disabilities following a stroke**
- 65% of people diagnosed with cancer in 2014 were still alive 5 years later – as per National Cancer Registry Annual Report
- You are 3 times more likely to survive a serious illness diagnosis than to die before the age of 65
- Almost 5,000 cardiac arrests happen each year**
- An estimated 137,000 people are living with heart failure**
- Approximately 7,500 strokes are had in Ireland each year**
* Statistics correct as of 28/08/2026 as per ncri.ie
** Figures correct as of 2026 as per The Irish Heart Foundation
If you are diagnosed with a serious illness, you will likely face a period of recuperation, uninsured medical costs and perhaps even the need to modify your home to your needs. Your mortgage or rent and other day to day bills also need to be paid, so you need to ensure that the financial impact of such an illness is dealt with.
Specified illness insurance pays out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of almost 90 different illnesses and conditions. Most claims come from cancer, heart-related problems and stroke.
Key Facts
Statistics from Irish Life, one of Ireland’s leading providers of serious illness cover show that:
- 1 in 3 specified illness claims were from people under 50
- Breast cancer was the main type of cancer for specified illness cover claims
- Women claim earlier than men (age 51 compared to 55 for men), yet only 1 in 10 women say they have specified illness cover
Our advisors can explain Specified Illness Insurance to you in detail – get in touch through the Quick Enquiry, by phone on 01 669 1040 or through our Contact Page.