You might have been led to believe that your life insurance, Critical Illness and/or Income Protection (whether personal or purchased through a business) is just that – an insurance policy that provides money to those left behind when you pass away, or provides funds during periods of ill-health.
I’m here to tell you a secret – 9 of them, in fact – about your current policy that could save you £000’s, a long wait on an NHS waiting list, and untold amounts of stress. These benefits are likely to be included in the insurance cover you already have.
(And if you don’t already have any, you know what to do).
It’s not unusual for someone to think that they’re about to have a sales pitch launched at them when I ask ‘have you got life insurance?’ after hearing of a challenge they’re facing. However, I don’t ask to sell. Firstly, I help people and I love doing it. Secondly, people don’t realise that with the life insurance they already have in place, their problems could vanish and their desires could be met without any additional cost. And finally, I’ve read Legal and General’s Deadline to Breadline report and it doesn’t make for good reading.
I’m going to talk you through the benefits of life insurance, and I’ll bet you didn’t know about them. Numbers 1 and 7 are my personal favourites; let me know your thoughts.
- 24/7 GP Access
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that NHS waiting times are at an all-time high, and trying to get an appointment with a GP can be as easy as tickling a fly’s back.
But you needn’t worry if you have good life protection in place; remote GP services are available with several providers, including AIG, British Friendly, The Exeter, and Legal & General, to name a few.
- Counseling
Despite increasing rates of depression, diagnoses by GPs fell by almost a quarter, suggesting access to mental health care is in decline (ONS, health.org.uk). Events over recent years and the rising cost of living have put a strain on our already overstretched mental health services.
I’m here to shout from the rooftops about the counseling and mental health support that you might already have on your life insurance policy, and didn’t know about. This is something I have personally used to help deal with the impact of aging parents and bereavement.
This could be in the form of telephone or online support, or a set number of telephone and/or face-to-face sessions (CBT or just a listening ear) to get you, or keep you, on the right track mentally.
- Physiotherapy
With NHS waiting times of up to 18 weeks for physio, you’ll be pleased to hear about the private physiotherapy sessions you can access as part of your protection insurance. Depending on the insurer, this could be remote or face to face and will be for a set number of sessions per year. There’ll be no additional charge and your body will thank you for getting some help quickly!
- Second Medical Opinion
It’s easy to think the worst when you discover a potential issue with your health. And that’s why it’s so reassuring to know that if you’re not satisfied with your GP’s response to a problem, you can get a second opinion, free of charge, from your life protection policy.
Almost all insurers provide this service. If you need to put your mind at rest, give your life protection provider a call.
- Exercise Plans
Access to AIG’s Smart Health via your life protection policy means you can get tailored fitness plans to reduce your risk of major illness. This can also support you if you are training for a challenging fitness event such as a full or half marathon or triathlon – which can be supported by a diet plan too.
Vitality also has a phenomenal approach to fitness, rewarding you with treats for the exercise you do! Be warned though; this can become very competitive between colleagues, family and/or friends!
- Dieticians
If you’ve been meaning to eat more healthily and your new year’s resolution failed by 10th January, it might be time to get some support. Some life protection policies provide access to an expert in nutrition, who can help you to give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.
- Health Checks
Like an MOT, sometimes we just want the reassurance that our bodies are thriving and safe. AIG, British Friendly, The Exeter, and Vitality provide this and so much more!
- Gym Discounts
Hands up if you don’t like a discount?
*Tumbleweed*
Aviva, Cirencester Friendly, and Vitality all have policies that provide discounted gym membership. You might be missing out if you already have a policy with them and haven’t made use of this.
- Prescription Services
Need a prescription delivering to your door? That’s no problem with AIG! The remote GP’s provided by The Exeter’s cover can also issue prescriptions, ensuring you get the medicine you need, when you need it.
‘Can my life insurance help with this?’
I hope this has given you some idea of the hidden benefits of life insurance and that you can make use of them now or when you most need it.
Next time you’d like a little reassurance, are fed up of trying to get an appointment with the GP, or just want to be the healthiest version of you that you can, think ‘can my life insurance help with this?’. Chances are, it can!