Added Value Benefits in Critical Illness Cover

Modern critical illness insurance has evolved far beyond simple cash payouts. Today's policies include extensive added value benefits that provide practical support during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Understanding these benefits ensures you choose cover that truly protects you and your family.

What Are Added Value Benefits?

Added value benefits (also called value-added services or wellness benefits) are additional support services included with your critical illness policy at no extra cost. These services complement your cash payout and provide practical help during one of life's most challenging periods.

Evolution of Critical Illness Cover

Traditional critical illness insurance (pre-2010):

Cash lump sum only
Pay out on diagnosis
No ongoing support
Limited provider involvement post-claim

Modern critical illness insurance (2010+):

Cash lump sum plus extensive support services
Medical second opinions
Rehabilitation support
Mental health counselling
Nutritional advice
Virtual GP access
Health monitoring apps

Why the change? Insurers recognised that financial support alone isn't enough. Practical help during diagnosis, treatment and recovery significantly improves outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Comprehensive Provider Comparison

Different insurers offer varying levels of added value benefits. Here's what the major providers include:

Legal & General (Defender Critical Illness)

Medical Support:

Best Doctors® - Second medical opinions from leading specialists worldwide
Remote GP service - 24/7 access to qualified GPs via video or telephone
Specialist consultations - Fast-track to UK specialists for diagnosed conditions
Treatment coordination - Help arranging treatment at top UK facilities

Rehabilitation & Recovery:

Tailored rehabilitation - Customised plans after critical illness diagnosis
Physiotherapy referrals - Access to qualified physiotherapists
Occupational therapy - Support returning to work
Speech therapy - For stroke or neurological conditions

Mental Health:

Counselling service - Up to 8 sessions per issue per year
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - For anxiety and depression
Stress management - Techniques and coping strategies
Family support - Counselling for family members affected by your diagnosis

Practical Support:

Nurse helpline - 24/7 qualified nurses for health questions
Medication reminders - App-based medication tracking
Health information - Evidence-based resources for diagnosed conditions

Health & Wellbeing:

Health Tracker app - Monitor fitness, nutrition, sleep
Discount gym membership - Reduced rates at major UK gym chains
Annual health check - Comprehensive health MOT
Nutritional advice - Qualified dietitians and nutritionists

Aviva (Life Cover Plus)

Medical Excellence:

Global treatment search - Access to innovative treatments worldwide
Medical case management - Dedicated case manager coordinates your care
Treatment navigation - Help understanding treatment options
Medication management - Ensure optimal medication regimes

Rehabilitation:

Cancer rehabilitation - Specialist oncology rehabilitation programmes
Cardiac rehabilitation - Structured recovery after heart attack or heart surgery
Neurological rehabilitation - Specialist support after stroke or MS diagnosis
Return to work programmes - Gradual return plans with occupational health support

Support Services:

24/7 Virtual GP - Unlimited GP consultations via app
Mental health support - Up to 6 counselling sessions per year
Physiotherapy - Up to 6 sessions following critical illness
Second medical opinions - Expert review of diagnosis and treatment plans

Wellness:

Health assessments - Annual or biennial health checks
Lifestyle coaching - One-to-one health coaching
Fitness discounts - Reduced gym and fitness class rates
Nutrition programmes - Personalised nutrition plans

Vitality (Optimiser)

Integrated Rewards Programme:

Vitality programme - Earn rewards for healthy behaviours
Apple Watch benefit - Earn new Apple Watch by completing activity goals
Gym subsidy - Monthly gym membership reimbursement (up to 100%)
Healthy food discounts - Up to 25% off healthy food at major supermarkets
Travel insurance - Free or discounted based on Vitality status
Partner discounts - Discounts on hundreds of brands and services

Medical Services:

Best Doctors® - World-leading second medical opinion service
Online GP - Unlimited 24/7 GP video consultations
Private consultations - Discounted private specialist consultations
Health screenings - Regular comprehensive health assessments

Mental Wellbeing:

Mental health app - Access to Headspace or similar apps
Telephone counselling - Immediate access to qualified counsellors
CBT programmes - Online and face-to-face CBT
Stress management - Tools and techniques via app

Cancer Support:

Cancer care UK access - Specialist cancer support and guidance
Treatment navigation - Expert help understanding cancer treatment options
Rehabilitation - Tailored post-treatment rehabilitation
Ongoing monitoring - Long-term health monitoring post-cancer

Royal London (Protect)

Practical Support:

Health Tracker - App-based health monitoring
Virtual doctor - 24/7 GP access via telephone or video
Second opinions - Expert medical second opinions
Rehabilitation support - Tailored programmes following diagnosis

Family Support:

Family counselling - Support for partners and children
Legal advice helpline - Free legal advice (general and health-related)
Bereavement counselling - If policy pays terminal illness benefit
Will writing service - Free will writing

Day-to-Day Wellness:

Gym discounts - Reduced membership fees
Health checks - Annual health assessments
Nutritional guidance - Access to qualified nutritionists
Fitness tracking - Integrated with popular fitness apps

Zurich (Life Cover)

Comprehensive Medical Support:

Best Doctors® - Leading global second opinion service
Virtual GP - 24/7 access to UK GPs
Mental health support - Counselling and CBT
Rehabilitation programmes - Condition-specific recovery plans

Wellness & Prevention:

Health assessments - Regular comprehensive checks
Fitness rewards - Incentives for maintaining activity levels
Nutrition advice - Qualified dietitians
Smoking cessation - Support to quit smoking

Deep Dive: Key Added Value Benefits

1. Second Medical Opinions

What Is It?

Second medical opinion services connect you with world-leading specialists who review your diagnosis, test results, and treatment plan. This provides:

Diagnostic confirmation - Ensures your condition correctly diagnosed
Treatment options - Full range of available treatments, including newest therapies
Expert insights - Perspective from specialists seeing hundreds of similar cases
Peace of mind - Confidence you're pursuing optimal treatment path

How It Works (Best Doctors® Example):

Initial contact - Call helpline or submit online request
Medical records submission - Provide scans, test results, medical reports
Specialist matching - Matched with globally recognised expert in your condition
Comprehensive review - Specialist reviews all materials (typically 2-3 weeks)
Detailed report - Written report with findings, alternative diagnoses, treatment recommendations
Follow-up consultation - Opportunity to discuss report with specialist

Real Example:

Case: Sarah, 42, breast cancer diagnosis

Initial UK diagnosis: Stage 2 breast cancer, recommendation for mastectomy
Second opinion via Best Doctors®: Reviewed by leading oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering (USA)
Finding: Pathology review suggested Stage 1, not Stage 2
Recommendation: Lumpectomy with radiation instead of mastectomy
Outcome: Sarah pursued less invasive treatment, excellent prognosis, kept breast
Value: Life-changing clarity on treatment options

When to Use:

✓ Serious diagnosis with major treatment implications
✓ Rare condition where local expertise may be limited
✓ Considering aggressive treatment with significant side effects
✓ Conflicting opinions from different doctors
✓ Treatment plan unclear or multiple options available

Cost If Purchased Independently: £5,000-£15,000 for comprehensive second opinion from leading international specialist

2. Virtual GP Services

24/7 Access to Qualified GPs

Virtual GP services provide unlimited access to UK-registered doctors via video consultation or telephone, typically within minutes.

What's Covered:

General medical advice - Non-emergency health concerns
Prescription services - Issue private prescriptions where appropriate
Referral letters - Referrals to specialists if needed
Sick notes - Issue fit notes for employers
Test result interpretation - Help understanding medical test results
Symptom checking - Professional assessment of concerning symptoms

Practical Benefits:

Time saving:

No GP surgery appointments (average wait: 2 weeks for routine NHS appointment)
Consultations available within minutes or hours
No travel to surgery
Ideal for busy professionals or parents

Convenience:

Evenings and weekends
When travelling or away from home
For minor concerns not warranting emergency care
Quick prescription renewal

Real Example:

Case: David, 38, works long hours in London

Sunday evening, develops symptoms of urine infection
NHS 111 advises A&E wait (6+ hours) or wait until Monday for GP
Uses Legal & General virtual GP service
Video consultation within 20 minutes
Diagnosis: Urinary tract infection
Private prescription issued, collected same evening
Back to work Monday, infection treated
Saved: 6+ hours in A&E or 1-2 days waiting for GP appointment

Usage Statistics:

Most common uses of virtual GP services:

Skin conditions (25%) - Rashes, moles, suspicious lesions
Respiratory issues (20%) - Coughs, breathing difficulties
Infections (18%) - UTIs, throat infections, ear infections
Mental health (12%) - Anxiety, depression, stress
Prescription renewals (10%) - Ongoing medications
Other (15%) - Digestive issues, pain, general concerns

Annual Usage: Average policyholder uses virtual GP 3-4 times per year, saving 15-20 hours compared to traditional GP visits.

3. Rehabilitation Support

Tailored Recovery Programmes

Rehabilitation support following critical illness diagnosis helps you recover faster and more completely than without professional guidance.

Types of Rehabilitation:

Cancer Rehabilitation

What's Included:

Exercise programmes - Tailored to treatment stage and fitness level
Fatigue management - Strategies to cope with cancer-related exhaustion
Nutritional support - Optimised nutrition during and after treatment
Psychological support - Managing fear of recurrence, body image
Return to work planning - Gradual return schedules

Example Programme (Post-Chemotherapy):

Weeks 1-4:

Assessment by oncology physiotherapist
Gentle exercise programme (walking, stretching)
Nutritional consultation
Energy management strategies
Weekly check-ins

Weeks 5-12:

Progressive strength training
Cardiovascular fitness building
Psychological counselling sessions
Return to normal activities planning
Fortnightly monitoring

Weeks 13-26:

Return to work (gradual)
Maintenance exercise programme
Long-term nutrition plan
Ongoing support as needed

Outcome: Patients completing structured rehabilitation programmes report:

40% improvement in fatigue levels
50% faster return to previous activity levels
60% report better psychological wellbeing
35% return to work sooner

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Post Heart Attack or Bypass Surgery:

Phase 1 (Hospital):

Assessment and stabilisation
Initial mobility support
Education on condition

Phase 2 (Early Recovery - Weeks 1-6):

Home-based exercises
Telephone support
Medication management
Lifestyle advice (diet, smoking cessation)

Phase 3 (Rehabilitation - Weeks 6-12):

Supervised exercise sessions (2-3× weekly)
Progressive intensity increase
Group education sessions
Psychological support

Phase 4 (Long-term - 3+ months):

Self-managed exercise programme
Ongoing monitoring
Annual reviews
Maintenance support

Statistics:

Patients completing cardiac rehab have 25% lower mortality in following 5 years
30% reduction in hospital readmissions
45% improvement in exercise capacity
50% reduction in anxiety and depression

Neurological Rehabilitation (Stroke)

Comprehensive Stroke Recovery:

Immediate (First 3 months):

Physiotherapy - Mobility, strength, balance (daily initially)
Occupational therapy - Activities of daily living, home adaptations
Speech therapy - If communication affected (aphasia common)
Psychological support - Managing post-stroke depression (affects 30-50%)

Ongoing (3-12 months):

Continued therapies - Reducing frequency as improvement stabilises
Cognitive rehabilitation - Memory, attention, executive function
Return to work assessment - Capability evaluation and adjustments
Long-term planning - Preventing secondary stroke

Real Example:

Case: Michael, 55, stroke affecting right side and speech

Without rehabilitation support:

6 weeks NHS physiotherapy (limited availability)
Limited speech therapy due to waiting lists
6 months to return to desk job
Persistent mobility issues
High anxiety about recurrence

With critical illness policy rehabilitation:

Immediate private physiotherapy (5× weekly for 12 weeks)
Intensive speech therapy (3× weekly for 16 weeks)
Occupational therapy for home and work adaptations
Psychological counselling (weekly for 6 months)
Return to work in 3 months (part-time initially)
Near-complete recovery of speech and mobility
Value of services provided: £18,000+

4. Mental Health Support

Why Mental Health Support Matters

Critical illness diagnosis and treatment profoundly affects mental health:

Statistics:

40% of cancer patients experience clinical depression or anxiety
45% of heart attack survivors develop depression within 1 year
50% of stroke patients experience post-stroke depression
30% of serious illness patients develop PTSD symptoms

What's Typically Included:

Counselling Services

Face-to-Face or Virtual Counselling:

Number of sessions: Usually 6-8 per issue per year
Types of issues covered:
- Depression following diagnosis
- Anxiety about treatment or prognosis
- Fear of recurrence
- Relationship strain
- Body image concerns
- Grief and loss
- Adjusting to new physical limitations

Accessing Service:

Self-referral - No GP referral needed
Rapid access - First appointment typically within 1 week
Qualified counsellors - BACP or UKCP registered
Confidential - Separate from medical records

Example:

Case: Emma, 39, diagnosed with breast cancer

Timeline of mental health support:

Month 1 (Diagnosis):

Shock and disbelief
Accessed counsellor within 3 days of diagnosis
Processing emotions, understanding treatment path

Months 2-6 (Treatment):

Anxiety about chemotherapy side effects
Fear of mortality
Body image concerns (hair loss, mastectomy)
Weekly counselling sessions
Learned coping strategies

Months 7-12 (Recovery):

Fear of recurrence
Difficulty returning to normal life
Fortnightly counselling reducing to monthly
Support adjusting to "new normal"

Outcome:

Successfully managed anxiety without medication
Maintained relationships and work throughout treatment
Strong psychological recovery alongside physical recovery

Value:

8 counselling sessions at £80/session = £640 (would be £1,280 for 16 sessions many use)
Prevented development of clinical depression
Maintained quality of life throughout treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

What Is CBT?

Evidence-based therapy that helps change negative thought patterns and behaviours. Particularly effective for:

Health anxiety following diagnosis
Fear of recurrence
Managing chronic pain
Insomnia related to illness
Depression and anxiety

Delivery Methods:

Face-to-face sessions - Traditional one-to-one therapy
Online CBT programmes - Self-guided with therapist support
Group CBT - Sessions with others facing similar challenges
Telephone CBT - For those unable to attend in person

Typical Programme:

Duration: 8-12 weeks
Sessions: Weekly 50-minute sessions
Homework: Exercises and thought records between sessions
Outcome monitoring: Track progress with validated measures

Effectiveness:

70% of participants show significant improvement
50% achieve full recovery from depression/anxiety
Benefits sustained in 75% of cases 12 months later

Mindfulness and Stress Management

App-Based Support:

Many insurers now include subscriptions to mental health apps:

Headspace:

Guided meditation
Mindfulness courses
Sleep support
Anxiety and stress management

Calm:

Meditation programmes
Sleep stories
Breathing exercises
Music for focus and relaxation

Value: £60-90/year subscription included

5. Nurse Helpline Services

24/7 Expert Health Advice

Qualified nurses available any time to answer health questions, provide guidance, and triage concerns.

How It Works:

Call dedicated number (included in policy documents)
Speak with registered nurse (within 5 minutes typically)
Discuss health concern - symptoms, treatment questions, medication queries
Receive guidance - Next steps, when to see doctor, self-care advice
Follow-up if needed - Nurse may call back to check on you

Common Uses:

For critical illness policyholders specifically:

Post-diagnosis questions - Understanding condition and prognosis
Treatment side effects - Is this normal? Should I contact my doctor?
Medication concerns - Drug interactions, missed doses, side effects
Between appointments - New symptoms or questions arising
Reassurance - Professional opinion when worried

For general policyholders:

Child health concerns - Very common use for parents
Minor injuries - Do I need A&E or can I manage at home?
Symptom checking - Should I see doctor or is this normal?
Travel health - Illness while abroad
Medication advice - Over-the-counter recommendations

Real Example:

Case: James, 50, recovering from bowel cancer surgery

Situation:

2 weeks post-surgery
Experiencing severe abdominal pain
Friday evening, GP surgery closed
Unsure if emergency or normal recovery pain

Action:

Called nurse helpline
Described symptoms to registered nurse
Nurse assessed: Symptoms concerning for potential complication
Advised to go to A&E
Provided advice on what to tell A&E staff

Outcome:

Early-stage bowel obstruction identified
Treated with conservative management (didn't require surgery)
Without helpline, may have waited until Monday (serious complications possible)
James credits helpline with preventing serious complication

Statistics:

Average call duration: 12 minutes
Calls triaged to emergency care: 5-8%
Calls resolved with self-care advice: 60-65%
Calls advised to see GP: 25-30%
User satisfaction: 92% report helpline very or extremely helpful

6. Health Checks and Screenings

Comprehensive Annual Assessments

Many insurers include annual or biennial comprehensive health checks to detect problems early.

What's Included:

Full Health Assessment

Basic Measurements:

Height, weight, BMI calculation
Blood pressure
Waist circumference (cardiovascular risk indicator)
Body fat percentage

Blood Tests:

Full blood count - Detecting anaemia, infection, blood disorders
Cholesterol - Total, LDL, HDL, triglycerides
Blood glucose - Diabetes screening
Liver function - Liver health indicators
Kidney function - eGFR, creatinine
HbA1c - Average blood sugar over 3 months

Cardiovascular Assessment:

Resting ECG - Heart rhythm and electrical activity
Blood pressure - Hypertension screening
Heart rate - Resting and recovery
10-year cardiovascular risk - Calculated using QRisk3

Additional Tests (Age/Risk Dependent):

PSA - Prostate cancer screening (men 50+)
Vitamin D - Deficiency very common in UK
Thyroid function - Often undiagnosed condition

Consultation:

30-45 minute review with doctor or nurse
Results interpretation - What they mean for you
Lifestyle advice - Tailored recommendations
Onward referral - If abnormalities detected

Real Example:

Case: Helen, 45, no symptoms, routine health check

Results:

Blood pressure: 145/95 (high normal / stage 1 hypertension)
Cholesterol: Total 6.8mmol/L (high risk)
Blood glucose: 6.4mmol/L (pre-diabetic range)
BMI: 29 (overweight)
Otherwise healthy

Without health check:

These issues would likely remain undiagnosed for years
Significant cardiovascular risk
Possible progression to diabetes

With health check:

Immediately referred to GP for confirmation
Started on blood pressure medication
Cholesterol management (statin)
Lifestyle modification programme (diet, exercise)
Prevented potential heart attack or stroke

10-year cardiovascular risk:

Before intervention: 15% (high risk)
After 6 months intervention: 6% (average risk)

Value of early detection: Potentially life-saving

7. Return to Work Support

Occupational Health and Rehabilitation

For those who want to return to work after critical illness, specialised support makes the transition easier and more successful.

Services Include:

Occupational Health Assessment

What It Involves:

Capability assessment - What you can and can't currently do
Workplace evaluation - Is your role still suitable?
Adjustments needed - Physical or scheduling modifications
Phased return planning - Gradual increase in hours/duties
Ongoing monitoring - Regular reviews of progress

Employer Liaison:

Occupational health reports for employer
Recommended adjustments (legally required under Equality Act 2010)
Return to work plans
Trigger point reviews

Vocational Rehabilitation

For Those Unable to Return to Previous Role:

Services:

Skills assessment - Transferable skills identification
Retraining options - Suitable alternative careers
CV and application support - Returning to job market
Interview preparation - Addressing gaps and health concerns
Confidence building - Overcoming anxiety about return to work

Real Example:

Case: Robert, 52, heart attack, previously warehouse manager (physically demanding)

Challenge:

Heavy lifting no longer advisable
Standing for long periods difficult
Previous role unsuitable

Support Provided:

Occupational health assessment
Skills analysis (management, logistics, team leadership)
Identified suitable roles in same company (office-based logistics)
Retraining in inventory management software
CV update highlighting transferable skills
Interview coaching
Gradual return (3 days/week initially)

Outcome:

New role as logistics coordinator (office-based)
Better hours, less physical strain
10% pay increase due to specialisation
Maintained employment with same company
Return to full-time after 3 months

Without support:

Likely medical retirement
Loss of income and career
Psychological impact of forced retirement at 52

With support:

Successful career transition
Financial security maintained
Positive psychological outcome

Value Comparison: With vs Without Added Benefits

Scenario: Sarah, 44, diagnosed with breast cancer

Treatment journey without added value benefits:

Service	Cost If Self-Funded	Notes
Second medical opinion	£8,000	International specialist review
Private physiotherapy	£960	12 sessions at £80/session
Psychological counselling	£800	10 sessions at £80/session
Nutritional consultation	£300	3 sessions with oncology dietitian
Virtual GP (10 consultations)	£400	For treatment side effects
Return to work assessment	£600	Occupational health
Total	£11,060	Out-of-pocket costs

Treatment journey with comprehensive critical illness policy:

Service	Cost to Sarah	Included In Policy
Second medical opinion	£0	✓ Best Doctors® service
Private physiotherapy	£0	✓ Rehabilitation programme
Psychological counselling	£0	✓ 8 sessions included
Nutritional consultation	£0	✓ Included in cancer support
Virtual GP (10 consultations)	£0	✓ Unlimited access
Return to work assessment	£0	✓ Occupational health service
Total	£0	All included

Additional support received:

Nurse helpline (used 15 times) - would cost £600 if purchased
Medication management app - £60/year value
Mental health app (Headspace) - £70/year value
Family counselling for partner - £480 (6 sessions)

Total value of added benefits used: £12,270

Sarah's policy cost: £42/month (£504/year)

Even without a critical illness claim, Sarah accessed over £12,000 in support services during her treatment and recovery. This is in addition to the £100,000 lump sum her policy paid out on diagnosis.

How to Maximise Added Value Benefits

1. Know What's Included

Read your policy documents:

Many policyholders don't realise these benefits exist
Bookmark helpline numbers in your phone
Understand access processes before you need them

Create a benefit summary:

List all services included
Note contact numbers
Include in household emergency information

2. Don't Wait for Diagnosis

Use preventive services now:

Annual health checks can detect problems early
Virtual GP for minor ailments saves time
Mental health support for everyday stress
Gym discounts to maintain fitness

Example: John, 38, uses his policy's health check service annually. At age 43, check detected elevated blood pressure and cholesterol. Lifestyle changes and medication prevented likely heart attack in next 5-10 years. He's never claimed on the critical illness insurance, but the health check has probably saved his life.

3. Ask Questions

If unsure whether something's covered:

Call the helpline
Email customer service
Worst case: They say it's not included
Best case: You access valuable service you didn't know about

4. Use Services Preventively

Common mistake: Waiting until crisis to access support

Better approach: Use services to stay healthy and manage minor issues before they become major

Examples:

Nutritionist - Before health issues arise, not after
Mental health app - For everyday stress, not just crisis
Virtual GP - For minor concerns, preventing escalation
Health tracker - Monitor trends, catch issues early

5. Share Benefits with Family

Many services extend to family members:

Virtual GP often covers all household
Mental health support may include family counselling
Nurse helpline advice for children

Example: Emma's critical illness policy includes virtual GP for whole family. She uses it primarily for her children's minor ailments, saving countless hours in GP waiting rooms. Her 6-year-old's ear infection treated same day via virtual consultation and private prescription.

Tax Treatment of Added Value Benefits

Good news: Added value benefits are not taxable as benefits in kind.

HMRC position:

Services are considered part of insurance policy
Not treated as separate benefit
No tax implications for using services
No reporting required on tax return

This contrasts with some employer-provided benefits which may create tax liability.

Provider Selection: Which Insurer for Best Benefits?

If Second Medical Opinion Is Priority:

Best choice: Legal & General or Zurich

Both offer Best Doctors® service
Global network of specialists
Comprehensive review process
Excellent reputation

If Integrated Wellness Important:

Best choice: Vitality

Most comprehensive wellness programme
Genuine rewards for healthy behavior
Apple Watch and gym benefits valuable
Discount programme extensive

Trade-off:

Vitality premiums typically 15-20% higher initially
Rewards can reduce premium significantly
Best for those who will actively engage with wellness programme

If Mental Health Support Priority:

Best choice: Legal & General or Aviva

8 sessions per issue (most generous)
CBT included
Family member support
App-based ongoing tools

If Rehabilitation Focus:

Best choice: Aviva

Most comprehensive rehab programmes
Condition-specific pathways
Integration with NHS and private providers
Long-term support plans

If Budget Conscious:

Best choice: Royal London

Competitive premiums
Solid core benefits
Good rehabilitation support
Fewer "extras" but covers essentials well

Claiming Added Value Benefits

Process Is Usually Simple:

Identify service needed
Contact provider (via phone number in policy docs or customer portal)
Explain situation
Service arranged (often within 24-48 hours)
Access service

No claim forms typically needed - these are services, not financial claims.

No impact on premiums - using added value services doesn't affect your policy cost or future claims.

Can use multiple services simultaneously - no restriction on concurrent use.

Example Process: Accessing Second Medical Opinion

Legal & General Best Doctors® process:

Day 1:

Call dedicated Best Doctors® number (in policy documents)
Explain diagnosis and circumstances
Provide policy details

Days 2-3:

Submit medical records (scans, test results, reports)
Upload via secure portal or post copies

Day 4-7:

Best Doctors® reviews and matches with appropriate specialist
You're informed which specialist reviewing (credentials provided)

Days 8-21:

Specialist conducts comprehensive review
May request additional information
Analysis completed

Day 22:

Detailed written report provided
Covers diagnosis confirmation, treatment options, recommendations
Telephone consultation offered to discuss

Days 23+:

Armed with second opinion, discuss with your UK doctors
Make informed decision on treatment

Total cost to you: £0
Value if purchased independently: £5,000-£15,000

Future of Added Value Benefits

Trends we're seeing:

1. Genetic Testing

Emerging benefit: Some insurers beginning to offer genetic screening

BRCA1/2 testing for cancer risk
Cardiovascular risk genes
Pharmacogenomics (medication effectiveness)

Current status:

Not yet standard
Available from Vitality with certain plans
Expect wider adoption by 2025-2026

Privacy concerns:

Insurers cannot use genetic information against you
UK law (Concordat and Moratorium) protects consumers
Testing is optional

2. Wearable Device Integration

Increasing adoption:

Fitness tracking via smartwatch
Health metrics monitoring
Early warning of health changes
Reward programmes linked to activity

Benefits:

Early detection of irregularities (e.g., atrial fibrillation)
Motivation to maintain healthy behaviors
Premium discounts for meeting targets

3. AI-Driven Health Coaching

Next generation:

Personalised health advice via AI
Predictive health risk assessment
Automated lifestyle recommendations
Virtual health coaches

Timeline:

Early implementations now (2024)
Widespread by 2026-2027

4. Virtual Reality Rehabilitation

Innovative rehab:

VR-based physiotherapy
Pain management through VR
Cognitive rehabilitation post-stroke
Psychological therapy in VR environments

Current status:

Pilot programmes only
Expect mainstream by 2027-2028

Frequently Asked Questions

Do added value benefits cost extra?

No. Added value benefits are included in your standard critical illness insurance premium. You're already paying for them whether you use them or not.

Can I use benefits before making a claim?

Yes. Most added value services (health checks, virtual GP, mental health support, gym discounts) are available from day one, regardless of whether you've made a critical illness claim.

Do benefits continue after a claim?

Usually yes. Most insurers continue providing added value services even after a critical illness claim has been paid. Check your specific policy terms.

Can family members use the services?

Depends on the benefit. Virtual GP services often cover household members. Mental health support may include family counselling. Check your specific policy.

Do I need GP referral to access services?

No. Added value services are typically self-referral. Call the helpline directly when you need support.

Are there limits on usage?

Some benefits have limits:

Counselling: typically 6-8 sessions per issue per year
Physiotherapy: often 6-10 sessions per year
Health checks: usually annual or biennial

Others are unlimited:

Virtual GP: typically unlimited consultations
Nurse helpline: unlimited calls
Second opinion: typically one per diagnosed condition

What if I don't use any benefits?

Consider it insurance:

You hope not to need them
But they're invaluable when required
Preventive services (health checks) worth using even if healthy

Can I get benefits without the insurance?

No. These services are package-with the critical illness insurance. They're not sold separately. Even if they were, costs would be prohibitive (£10,000+ annually for comprehensive suite).

Summary: Maximising Your Protection

Added value benefits transform critical illness insurance from simple financial protection into comprehensive support system for you and your family.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Modern policies include extensive support services beyond cash payouts
✓ Services cover medical, psychological, and practical needs
✓ Value can exceed £10,000 per year if fully utilized
✓ Many benefits available immediately, not just after diagnosis
✓ Services are included in standard premium - no extra cost
✓ Tax-free benefits - no tax implications for using services

Action Points:

Review your policy documents - understand what's included
Save helpline numbers - in phone and household information
Use preventive services now - health checks, virtual GP
Tell family members - many services extend to household
Don't hesitate to use - you've paid for these benefits

Choosing a Policy:

When comparing critical illness insurance, look beyond premium cost:

What added value services included?
Which align with your priorities?
What's the quality of service providers?
How easy is access to benefits?

Best policy isn't always cheapest - it's the one providing most comprehensive support when you need it most.

Get Expert Advice on Critical Illness Cover

Choosing the right critical illness insurance with optimal added value benefits requires understanding your specific needs and priorities.

We Can Help:

✓ Compare providers - which offers best benefits for your circumstances
✓ Explain services - what each benefit really means in practice
✓ Match to needs - your health, family, work situation
✓ Maximise value - ensure you get most comprehensive protection
✓ Ongoing support - help accessing benefits when needed

Get personalised critical illness insurance advice - we'll ensure you get the right cover with benefits that truly support you and your family.

Note: Added value benefits vary by insurer and policy. Always check your specific policy documents for details of included services. Services described are typical of major UK providers as of 2024 but are subject to change.