Canada Life has announced it is adding a bereavement counselling service and dedicated probate helpline to all its group life assurance schemes with immediate effect.
The availability of the support services are on an unlimited use basis and are accessible to a member's dependants, the member themselves and close relatives. The insurer says the bereavement counselling service includes practical advice and details of self help support groups and charities and up to four face-to-face sessions with a professionally trained bereavement counsellor.
The 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 and information on social services.
Paul Avis, sales and marketing director at Canada Life group insurance, said: "We recognise that a life assurance product shouldn't just be about paying a claim, as we have evidenced with both our group critical illness and income protection products. 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."




