SOME POLICIES OFFER HELP EVEN IF YOU DON’T CLAIM

ANYONE buying protection insurance should look beyond price. Many policies offer services that are available to use irrespective of whether a claim is made.

For example, Royal London policies sold through advisers come with an extra called Helping Hand. It provides access to counselling and physiotherapy and is available to family as well as the customer. Scottish Widows protection policies offer access to Red Arc, an independent advice service provided by nurses.

Insurer AIG offers Best Doctors, enabling customers to get a second opinion from a doctor who is a specialist in their chosen field.

Most critical illness policies also cover children. According to Royal London, a claim for a child is the fifth most likely reason for a payout to be triggered – behind cancer, heart attack, stroke and multiple sclerosis.

Jennifer Gilchrist, Royal London’s protection insurance specialist, says: ‘The number of illnesses specific to children that have been added to the list of those covered by critical illness policies has grown. It is a good development. It is heartwrenching for children so young to face health issues when their life has not truly started.

‘A critical illness policy will pay out a lump sum so families can take time off to be with their child in hospital.’

Protection insurance advisers such as LifeSearch, Drewberry and Highclere Financial Services can help find a keenly priced policy with important extras.