Scottish Widows says it has more than halved the time it takes to process a cancer critical illness claim after working with Macmillan Cancer Support.
The insurer noted its work with Macmillan has in some cases reduced the time it takes to process a critical illness cancer claim from more than 60 days to approximately 17 days.
As part of the ongoing partnership betwenn the pair, all Scottish Widows life, pensions and investments policyholders will also be able to access emotional, practical and financial support and guidance.
And Macmillan is training the insurer’s line managers to help colleagues affected by cancer.
Through the partnership, Scottish Widows customers affected by cancer can be referred to Macmillan’s support line, enabling them to access a range of specialist help.
Rose St Louis, protection director at Scottish Widows, (pictured) said: “If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, the focus should be on your health and getting the treatment that you need.
“However the reality of life means that people also often have to worry about money, and the time taken to access the medical care that they need.
“Our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support aims to address these issues in a very real way, to help policyholders prioritise their health. The training we’re giving to line managers also means colleagues are provided with the help and support they need during what can be a very difficult time.”
Julia Featherstone, financial guide on the Macmillan Support Line, added: “We receive calls every day from people who are extremely concerned about how they’re going to cope financially after their cancer diagnosis.
“Not being able to earn in the same way, or rising costs on things like heating bills, can put a huge amount of additional stress on people at a time when they should be able to focus on their health and treatment.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Scottish Widows so that more people can access support at a time when they need it most.
“Our financial guidance team understand that cancer impacts each person differently and we’re here to provide specialist, tailored guidance to suit everyone’s personal set of circumstances – meaning people can get back to concentrating on their health and living as well as possible with cancer.”