What's the point of having it then?
Serious illness cover provides a lump sum to pay off outstanding debts allowing you to focus on recovery without worrying how your loans are going to be paid.
If you're worried about long term income replacement the you should try income protection as advised by another poster.
Income protection is a much better policy, it pays you an income if you are out of work due to ANY sickness, injury or disability. It will continue to pay as long as you are out of work.
The first thing you should do is speak to your employers. You might be covered through work already.
Regarding hello.ie, a quick look at their terms of business reveals they only deal with 5 major life insurance companies.
They don't have an agency with Friends First or Irish Life which is very surprising.
Irish Life are the leading life insurance company in Ireland.
Friends First offer some unique products.
Both Friends First and Irish Life are market leaders in income protection so if you are interested, speak to a broker who deals with all 7 major life insurance companies not just a handful.
Finally on your friends Parkinson's Claim - the illness does not have to be critical for a successful claim so that's not a reason for his claim being rejected.
Here is a common definition:
A definite diagnosis of Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease by a Consultant Neurologist. There must be permanent clinical impairment of motor function with associated tremor, muscle rigidity and postural instability.
It might be worth looking at your friends policy terms and conditions.
When purchasing life insurance, claims experience of the insurance company is the most important factor. Some people pat themselves on the back for saving €5 a month but end up with an insurer that is brutal at paying claims.