Life Insurance

Life Added Value Benefits

Your Home Finance Team
12 min read
8 November 2024

Added Value Benefits in Life Insurance Explained

Modern life insurance policies offer far more than just a cash payout. Added value benefits provide crucial support services at no extra cost, helping you and your family navigate difficult times.

What Are Added Value Benefits?

Added value benefits (also called value-added services) are complementary services included with your life insurance policy at no additional premium. These services are designed to provide practical and emotional support to policyholders and their families.

Common Added Value Benefits Include:

Medical Services:

  • Second medical opinion services
  • 24/7 GP helpline access
  • Mental health support and counselling
  • Virtual GP consultations
  • Medical information helplines
  • Health screening programmes

Bereavement Support:

  • Bereavement counselling (typically 6-12 sessions)
  • Probate and estate administration helplines
  • Funeral planning advice
  • Grief support for children
  • Memorial planning guidance

Legal and Financial Advice:

  • Legal helpline (typically 30 mins free consultation)
  • Will writing services (often free or discounted)
  • Tax and inheritance planning advice
  • Debt counselling services
  • Financial planning guidance

Lifestyle Services:

  • Physiotherapy referrals
  • Nutritional advice
  • Fitness and wellness programmes
  • Smoking cessation support
  • Stress management resources

Provider Comparison

Legal & General Added Value Benefits

LifeChanger:

  • Virtual GP service (24/7)
  • Mental health support
  • Best Doctors® second medical opinion
  • Bereavement counselling
  • Legal and tax helpline
  • Will writing service

Aviva Added Value Benefits

DigiCare+ Workplace:

  • Mental health support
  • Virtual GP consultations
  • Physiotherapy video consultations
  • Health MOT and nutrition advice
  • Bereavement support
  • Legal helpline

Vitality Added Value Benefits

Vitality Programme:

  • Rewards for healthy living
  • Gym membership discounts
  • Apple Watch programmes
  • Health assessments
  • Nutrition consultations
  • Mental wellbeing support

Real-World Value Examples

Example 1: Second Medical Opinion

Situation: Client diagnosed with serious condition, uncertain about treatment options.

Benefit Used: Best Doctors® service provided:

  • Review of all medical records
  • Second opinion from specialist
  • Alternative treatment recommendations
  • Peace of mind on diagnosis

Value: Private specialist consultation would cost £300-£500. Provided free.

Example 2: Bereavement Counselling

Situation: Family facing unexpected loss, children struggling emotionally.

Benefit Used: Policy included:

  • 10 bereavement counselling sessions
  • Specialised child grief support
  • Probate helpline assistance
  • Funeral planning guidance

Value: Private counselling costs £60-120 per session. Total value: £600-£1,200. Provided free.

Example 3: Virtual GP Service

Situation: Policyholder experiencing health concerns, unable to get GP appointment for 2 weeks.

Benefit Used: 24/7 virtual GP service:

  • Same-day video consultation
  • Prescription issued electronically
  • Medical advice and reassurance
  • No waiting time

Value: Private GP consultation costs £60-£100. Unlimited use provided free.

Accessing Your Benefits

Step 1: Understand What's Available

Review your policy documents for your provider's specific added value benefits. Most insurers provide a dedicated booklet or online portal explaining all services.

Step 2: Register for Services

Many benefits require one-time registration:

  • Create online account with provider
  • Register for specific services (e.g., virtual GP app)
  • Save helpline numbers in your phone
  • Download any relevant apps

Step 3: Use When Needed

For Emergency/Urgent Needs:

  • Call 24/7 helplines directly
  • Use virtual GP services immediately
  • Access mental health crisis support

For Non-Urgent Needs:

  • Book appointments through online portals
  • Request call-backs from specialists
  • Schedule counselling sessions in advance

Maximising Your Benefits

Regular Use

Don't wait for emergencies:

  • Use virtual GP for minor ailments
  • Access nutritional advice for lifestyle changes
  • Utilise legal helpline for everyday queries
  • Take advantage of health screenings

Family Coverage

Many benefits extend to household members:

  • Spouse/partner can access GP helpline
  • Children can use health information services
  • Entire household covered for legal advice

Preventative Health

Use benefits proactively:

  • Annual health checks
  • Fitness programme participation
  • Smoking cessation support
  • Mental health check-ins

Why Added Value Benefits Matter

Financial Impact

Annual potential value:

  • Virtual GP visits (4x yearly): £320
  • Legal helpline (2x yearly): £200
  • Nutritional consultation: £150
  • Mental health support: £240
  • Total potential annual value: £910+

All included at no extra premium cost.

Practical Impact

Real-world benefits:

  • Faster access to healthcare
  • Expert guidance when needed
  • Professional support during difficult times
  • Peace of mind for entire family

Quality of Life

Long-term advantages:

  • Better health outcomes
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Informed decision-making
  • Comprehensive family protection

Provider Innovations

Digital-First Benefits

Modern insurers increasingly offer:

  • Mobile health apps
  • AI-powered symptom checkers
  • Wearable device integration
  • Instant chat with health professionals

Wellbeing Focus

Progressive benefits include:

  • Mental resilience programmes
  • Financial wellbeing courses
  • Workplace stress management
  • Lifestyle coaching

Important Considerations

Terms and Limitations

Understand the boundaries:

  • Some benefits have usage limits (e.g., counselling sessions)
  • Waiting periods may apply to certain services
  • UK-only availability for some benefits
  • Age restrictions on specific services

Not a Replacement:

  • Added value benefits supplement, don't replace NHS
  • Always seek emergency medical help when needed
  • Serious conditions require proper medical treatment
  • Benefits provide guidance, not diagnosis

Policy Continuation

Benefits typically require:

  • Policy to be in force (premiums paid)
  • Within policy term (before maturity)
  • Policyholder or covered family member

Questions to Ask Your Insurer

Before purchasing life insurance, ask about:

  1. What added value benefits are included?
  2. Do benefits extend to family members?
  3. Are there usage limits on any services?
  4. How do I register and access benefits?
  5. What support is available 24/7?
  6. Are there any age restrictions?
  7. Do benefits continue throughout policy term?

Comparing Policies

When choosing between policies at similar premiums:

Prioritise insurers offering:

  • Comprehensive medical support
  • Mental health services
  • Family coverage
  • 24/7 access to services
  • Proven track record of benefit quality

Consider your specific needs:

  • Young families may value bereavement and child support
  • Self-employed might prioritise legal and financial helplines
  • Health-conscious may prefer wellness programmes

Next Steps

Want life insurance with comprehensive added value benefits? We can help you:

Compare Providers:

  • Review benefits across multiple insurers
  • Match benefits to your family's needs
  • Identify best value policies

Expert Guidance:

  • Explain each benefit in detail
  • Show how to maximise value
  • Ensure you understand access procedures

Ongoing Support:

  • Help register for services
  • Guide you through benefit usage
  • Provide contact details for all helplines

Get expert advice on life insurance with added value benefits - we'll ensure you get comprehensive coverage with maximum support services included.

Summary

Added value benefits transform life insurance from simple death cover into comprehensive family protection and support:

Healthcare access: Virtual GPs, second opinions, mental health support ✓ Bereavement help: Counselling, probate guidance, grief support ✓ Legal and financial: Expert advice, will writing, financial planning ✓ Wellness support: Nutrition, fitness, health screening ✓ No extra cost: All included in your premium

Modern life insurance is about protecting your family's wellbeing today, not just providing financial security tomorrow. Added value benefits ensure you and your loved ones have expert support whenever you need it.

Need Specialist Help?

This guide provides general information. For personalised advice on your specific situation, speak to one of our specialist mortgage advisers.

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