Friends Life will now offer counselling and carer support services to customers taking out protection cover.
The 24 hour, 365 days a year service will be available to those taking out a Protect Plus critical illness, life or income protection policy from 1 September 2015.
It will offer support with all aspects of being a carer, such as general counselling, education and pre-screened qualified referrals, as well as offering resources to help carers cope more effectively.
Customers facing difficult times such as bereavement, work-related stress or the breakdown of a relationship are able to call a counselling service for support at any time during the term of their policy.
The service is also available to their partner and any children who are aged over 18.
Where appropriate, the service will provide access to qualified counsellors experienced in a wide range of mental well-being issues.
Customers will be able to choose a face-to-face or telephone-based appointment if their case manager refers them, with up to six 50 minute sessions available per circumstance.
Carers UK estimates that more than 10 million people will become carers for older, sick or disabled loved ones in the next five years and the challenges they experience can often affect their mental, physical and financial well-being.
Louise Colley, managing director of protection at Friends Life’s parent company Aviva, explained that over a third of income protection claims paid out last year by Friends Life were for mental health conditions.
“We are acutely aware of how prevalent mental health issues are and know that access to the right support early on is vital in helping to prevent longer term mental health issues.
“These enhancements are part of our on-going drive to provide important support frameworks for our protection customers.”
