Aegon UK has launched a new health and wellbeing support service for protection customers.
The service, available throughout the lifetime of the policy, not just at point of claim, is provided by Aegon's partner organisation, Health Assured.
Support for policyholders and their families when it's needed most is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is not restricted to the type of cover held by the client.
There's a wide range of support available with everything from bereavement counselling to help with concerns about health, work-related stress or even family issues such as marital differences or children's behaviour.
Dougy Grant, protection director at Aegon UK, said: "While financial pay outs are essential to help families make ends meet, they're often only part of the story. The need for practical and emotional support can be a more immediate priority.
"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.
"The range of support offered by Health Assured adds value for clients and having access to it throughout the lifetime of the policy is a real bonus."