Canada Life is adding a bereavement counselling service and dedicated probate helpline to all its group life schemes with immediate effect.
The support services are available for unlimited use and are accessible to a member's dependants and close relatives, or for the member themselves if they suffer a bereavement.
The provider says the probate service is the first such offering in the UK group life market.
Features of the Bereavement Counselling service include:
• unlimited access to a 24/7 telephone bereavement counselling helpline where callers are able to speak with qualified counsellors;
• practical advice and details of self help support groups and charities;
• up to four face-to-face sessions with a professionally trained bereavement counsellor.
Features of the new Probate Helpline include:
• guidance on financial matters, such as dealing with creditors;
• legal advice on bereavement matters, such as the validity of wills and obtaining probate;
• explanation of state benefits;
• information on social services.
Paul Avis, sales and marketing director at Canada Life Group Insurance, believes these services can be very valuable in distressing times.
"We recognise that a life assurance product shouldn't just be about paying a claim," he said.
"Employers want to offer their employees reassurance that, should the worst happen, their loved ones will have practical and emotional support alongside the financial payment," he added.
