Zurich has launched group spouse/partner life insurance cover for its corporate risk customers.
Zurich said the new proposition is designed to address a "significant gap in employee" protection and the "the increasing need of workers to ensure they are more financially secure in the event of the death of a spouse or partner.
Many people are currently financially vulnerable if they lose their spouse or partner - their employer may offer a generous life assurance benefit to provide for their family in the event of the employee's own death, but there is no similar provision to protect them if they are the ones left alone, the insurer said.
The Spouse/partner cover is a voluntary group life arrangement that has been designed to be simple and cost-friendly.
Its features include the flexibility for the employer to set the value and number of benefit steps, up to a maximum benefit of £250k, a short application form and cover to age 75.
The new cover is an addition to the Group Risk product range that Zurich offers to corporate customers.
Nick Homer, group protection manager at Zurich, said:"Often the focus of people's financial planning is around the family's main bread winner. But in today's society there is an increasing need for additional financial support if a spouse or partner were to die, particularly when the employee has young children or financial dependants.
"The new product has been developed to be simple and cost effective, enabling employees with families to take advantage of this important benefit."
The spouse/partner voluntary group life arrangement is a commercial contract that operates under a discretionary trust. It is available to Zurich's Group Life customers.
