Illustrative example. This story is a composite based on real adviser experience with cases of this type. Names, locations and specific figures have been changed or generalised — it does not represent a single identifiable client. General lender criteria referenced are indicative only and change frequently. For a case tailored to your own circumstances, speak to an adviser.
The Turner Family
When their 7-year-old son was diagnosed with leukaemia, the Turners received a £25,000 tax-free payout from their children's critical illness cover — included free with their existing policy.
"We didn't even know our critical illness policy covered the children. When our son was diagnosed, our advisor called to remind us — that £25,000 meant I could take 6 months off work to be by his side."
— The Turner Family, Nottingham
£25,000
Children's Claim
3 weeks
Claim Paid In
22 months
Mortgage Covered
£0 extra
Cost of Cover
The Situation
James and Claire Turner had a £220,000 mortgage on their family home in Nottingham, with two children aged 7 and 4. When they originally arranged their mortgage through The Mortgage Genie, their advisor recommended combining life insurance with critical illness cover. The policy included free children's cover — a detail James admits he'd completely forgotten about.
The Challenge
In November 2025, their 7-year-old son Alfie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after a series of unexplained bruises and fatigue. The diagnosis was devastating. Claire, a part-time teaching assistant, needed to stop working immediately to be at the hospital. James, an electrician, had to reduce his hours to manage school runs for their younger daughter. With mortgage payments of £1,100/month, the financial pressure was immediate.
How We Helped
Their The Mortgage Genie advisor contacted them within days of hearing the news. He reminded them that their Aviva critical illness policy included children's cover, which would pay a £25,000 tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of childhood cancer. The advisor helped them gather the medical evidence and submit the claim. Aviva processed and paid the claim within 3 weeks.
The Outcome
The £25,000 payout covered 22 months of mortgage payments, giving the Turners breathing room to focus entirely on Alfie's treatment. Claire took 6 months off work, and James was able to reduce his hours without worrying about losing their home. Crucially, James's own £220,000 critical illness cover remained fully intact — the children's claim was completely separate. Alfie responded well to treatment and is now in remission.
Their Journey Timeline
Initial Diagnosis
Alfie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November 2025.
Advisor Contact
Their The Mortgage Genie advisor reached out within days to discuss the children's cover benefit.
Claim Submitted
Medical evidence gathered and claim submitted to Aviva with advisor support.
Claim Paid
£25,000 tax-free lump sum paid within 3 weeks of claim submission.
Financial Breathing Room
Mortgage covered for 22 months. Claire took unpaid leave. No financial stress during treatment.
Recovery
Alfie responded well to treatment and is now in remission. The family's own cover remains fully intact.
"When your child is diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you should be worrying about is money. But that's exactly what happens — one of you has to stop working, the bills keep coming, and the mortgage doesn't care about your situation. That £25,000 from a benefit we didn't even realise we had meant everything. It meant Claire could be at Alfie's bedside every single day. It meant I could do the school run for our daughter instead of working weekends. Our advisor at The Mortgage Genie didn't just help us with our mortgage — he genuinely changed our family's life by recommending that critical illness policy with children's cover. If you have children and a mortgage, please, please check that your policy includes children's cover. It costs nothing extra and it could be the most important thing you ever do."
The Turner Family — Nottingham
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