Which of the following is an example of a benefit trigger for coverage under a critical illness policy?

• A. Stroke
• B. Hives
• C. Common cold
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (A)

In critical illness coverage, a benefit trigger is the diagnosed condition on the policy’s specified list that qualifies for a lump-sum payout once the diagnosis meets any required severity criteria. Stroke fits this trigger because it is a severe, well-defined event that many policies explicitly cover, often with criteria such as a confirmed diagnosis and resulting neurological impairment or hospitalization. This makes stroke a clear example of a covered trigger.

Hives, the common cold, and hair loss are not typical benefit triggers because they are common, mild, or not independently disabling in the way a critical illness policy requires. They usually do not meet the policy’s severity criteria or the list of defined illnesses that would trigger a payout.