Critical Illness Cover is not an investment - you're buying protection - so if you stop paying your premiums then you forfeit your right to receive a lump sum in the event of you falling seriously ill.
Whilst some insurers will allow holiday periods on premiums, this can increase your future premiums and it's best to check the situation with your particular provider.
Generally the rule is: you don't pay your premium - you don't have the cover you need in force.
If you've already missed premium payments then you should get in touch with your provider, as soon as possible.
To research your critical illness position further you can use our exclusive interactive research tool, the critical illness finance navigator.