National Protection Sales Manager at Mortgage Intelligence Bernie Buron picks five policy options and benefits that appointed representative and directly authorised advisers can use to offer their clients that little bit extra on their protection policy.

In an unprotected nation, providers are working hard to deliver benefits and extras as part of their policies, to not just reward via discounts and premium reductions, but in some cases incentivise consumers to live a healthier lifestyle. I have picked five policy extras in 2015 that really add value to protection and can help you encourage clients to fully embrace their protection needs:

Friends Life Global Treatment

One of the more unique and bold policy extras, Friends Life Global Treatment sees the provider teaming up with Best Doctors, offering policyholders the chance to access the best diagnosis, advice and treatment in the world. As an additional option on any Protect+ cover, your client or their children can have access to “top medical minds and leading overseas treatment”, if diagnosed with one of many serious illnesses.

Aviva provides access to Grief Encounter

A great example of protection extending beyond simply financial cover, children of anyone covered by an Aviva life insurance policy will receive access to Grief Encounter. This support service helps bereaved children affected by the death of a parent or loved one, deal with emotional issues such as grief, fear and confusion.

Bright Grey’s Helping Hand

Bright Grey believes that to stand out from the crowd, a provider needs value-added benefits at its heart. That’s why they have included Helping Hand to all their menu and relevant life plans. This comprehensive package of third party suppliers (such as oncology nurses, speech and language therapists, bereavement counsellors and physiotherapists), is designed to deliver practical and emotional support exactly when your client needs it.

Vitality Optimiser

An optional extra available to add to all protection plans, Vitality Optimiser offers policyholders rewards and discounts that can, in some cases, reduce their premiums through living a healthier lifestyle. Policyholders can enjoy upfront premium discounts, which drop even further if they actively improve their health over the policy term. This is not including the other discounts and rewards on gym memberships, cinema tickets and travel.

Free Children’s Critical Illness cover with Legal and General

If your client gets critical illness cover with their life insurance policy, then Legal and General will automatically include children’s critical illness cover. Although not unique among providers, Legal and General will also include Child Accident Hospitalisation Benefits, Child Funeral Benefit, Childcare Benefit and Family Accommodation Benefit as part of the cover, making it a comprehensive offering.

If you are interested in joining our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative or becoming a member of our Mortgage Club, contact our Broker Support Team on 0845 130 7446, option 1.