Serious illness pays a lump sum should you contract one of the specified serious illnesses as defined in your policy.
Income protection pays an ongoing income as long as you are unable to work.
They are two different types of policy.
You may already know this.
For serious illness cover, New Ireland now cover the lsargest amount of serious illnesses.
They are pretty good for income protection too so you could try them.
Both serious illness cover and income protection can be quite complicated
so it is advisable to speak to an independent broker if you need guidance.