ProtectionApr 25 2016

Aegon launches protection customer support service

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Aegon launches protection customer support service

Aegon UK has launched a new health and wellbeing support service for protection customers, in a bid to offer wide-ranging help to policyholders and their families at times of need.

The service, available throughout the lifetime of the policy and not just at point of claim, is provided by Aegon’s partner organisation, Health Assured.

Support for policyholders and their families is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is not restricted to the type of cover held by the client.

A range of support will be available, from bereavement counselling to help with concerns about health, work-related stress, or even family issues such as marital differences and children’s behaviour.

Dougy Grant, Aegon UK’s protection director, said while financial pay outs are essential to help families make ends meet, they are often only part of the story.

“The need for practical and emotional support can be a more immediate priority,” he said.

“The service comes into its own when a client is diagnosed with a critical illness or they’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, but is equally valuable with more day-to-day issues that create undue stress.

“Having someone outside the normal circle of friends or family to turn to is a great option in helping release a pressure valve,” he added.

Tom Conner, director at Drewberry, commented that added services as part of a protection policy can be very useful.

“We know clients and their families don’t want to worry about a complex claims process when they’re ill or bereaved and that’s where advisers can help, but they also value additional help with health advice and counselling too.

“While a paid claim is the most important area, extra assistance that a client can receive to help them through a tough period can make a huge difference to them.”