A nursing service available to holders of group critical illness policies with Canada Life has been highly rated by its users.
According to a survey of 39 RedArc users carried out in March, 94 per cent felt that the support offered by their personal nurse adviser enhanced their view of their group critical illness policy.
RedArc provides practical and emotional support to scheme members for as long as it is required, and nurses may refer individuals to specialist therapy or counselling if necessary.
Policyholders and their family members are automatically offered free access to RedArc services when a critical illness claim is submitted - whatever the cause of the claim and irrespective of whether or not it is accepted.
Some 96 per cent of Canada Life Group Insurance RedArc users rated the service provided as good or excellent, with 100 per cent finding their nurse empathetic and respectful.
Moreover, 100 per cent of users were satisfied that they were able to express and discuss the problems that were most important to them.
In addition, 97 per cent felt that they were being listened to and rated the information and/or guidance given as good or excellent, while 98 per cent said that the ongoing contact and support was good or excellent.
Since the launch of the service alongside Canada Life’s Group critical illness protection in 2011, usage has increased eight-fold.
In the same period, the number of people RedArc nurse advisers have provided additional support to has risen by the same amount.
Paul Avis, marketing director of Canada Life Group Insurance, said: “We strongly believe that our responsibility to the employees of our policyholders should go beyond the provision of a financial benefit.
“The service that RedArc provides is not just a nice-to-have; it’s an integral part of our proposition that provides highly valued support to people at a time when they most need it.”
Roy McLoughlin, associate director at London-based Cavendish Ware Wealth Management and Financial Planning, said: “This is incredibly positive. It is only when you have claims that you realise how important rehabilitation and support services are.
“When a critical illness occurs, it is not just the claimant that it is affected, it is the family as well, and RedArc is a good example of a service that offers help to loved ones around the recipient as well. It is fully understandable why appreciation rates are so high.”
simon.allin@ft.com
