What are value-added services?

Value-added services are benefits included in an insurance policy that you might not be aware of – but could help improve your overall health and wellbeing.

When you take out an insurance plan like life insurance, critical illness, or income protection, you get the financial protection in the form of a payout, but there are also other services available to you as parts of those plans.

These ‘value-added services’ or ‘wellbeing services’ are designed to provide customers with a range of emotional and practical support services throughout the life of the plan, not just when you may need to claim. Most services are included within the price of the plan and can often be accessed by family members too.

It’s a good idea to check your policy first (and contact your provider to see if any of their services carry a charge) but you may find some of the following value-added services are part of your policy:

Annual health check
A range of tests to check various health markers such as cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This may be followed by a consultation with a nurse or GP to discuss the results, depending on how your policy works.

Bereavement counselling
Giving you access to emotional and practical support at a difficult time, if you have been affected by bereavement.

Mental health support
Being mindful of mental health is more important than ever. These value-added services help those facing mental health challenges, with counselling through various health providers.

GP services
Ability to see or speak to a medical professional from your home or face-to-face, without facing long waiting times, and at a time that suits you.

Second medical opinions
Second medical opinion services give you the chance to check with a second medical professional about the course of treatment or a diagnosis you’ve received.

Nutritional support
Gives you access to a nutritionist to help improve your diet, which could boost your overall health.

Fitness services
These services give you access to fitness services to enhance your overall health and wellbeing.

These are just some of the extra-value services that your insurance plan could offer, covering a wide range of needs.

If you’re unsure about how to find out more information from your policy, our advisers are here to look at the small print and help you make the most of any value-added benefits available to you.

Key takeaways

• Value-added services are benefits that come with insurance policies like life insurance, income protection and critical illness.
• These services can offer help such as mental health support, bereavement support, nutritional services and GP appointments.
• Value-added services are included in your overall insurance policy but always check with your provider about the details around yours.