Bacterial meningitis

Here you'll find our current definition of the critical illness, additional condition or child specific condition we cover. We've also listed any previous definitions we may have had. With each new definition we've highlighted what's changed from the previous definition.

Current definition

March 2022

Bacterial meningitis

A definite diagnosis of bacterial meningitis by a consultant neurologist supported by cerebrospinal fluid changes consistent with bacterial meningitis.

For the above definition, the following is not covered:

  • all other forms of meningitis other than those caused by bacterial infection.

Changes from the previous definition

We've removed "resulting in permanent symptoms".

Previous definitions

Bacterial meningitis – resulting in permanent symptoms

A definite diagnosis of bacterial meningitis by a consultant neurologist resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms.

For the above definition, the following is not covered:

  • all other forms of meningitis other than those caused by bacterial infection.