Income Protection (IP) and Critical Illness Cover (CIC) are two types of insurance that serve different purposes. IP is designed to provide you with a regular income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, regardless of the specific condition. This can help you cover your mortgage payments and other essential expenses while you focus on your recovery. IP typically provides a percentage of your pre-illness income until you are able to return to work or reach retirement age. On the other hand, CIC is designed to pay out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a defined serious illness or injury, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This lump-sum payment can be used to cover your mortgage balance, medical expenses, or any other financial needs that may arise due to your illness.