Roof over your head

I didn't know there is a difference between critical illness and terminal illness. I thought you will get paid for what you are insured immediately. That was just my wishful thinking. I'm totally overwhelm and confused by the different companies policies and their terms and conditions. I have never been so careful and detailed into an insurance policy. Guess as a mother of two kids who still could not provide for themselves, I need to make sure they will have that piece of roof over their heads, without much worries.