Zurich has launched an optional, paid-for add-on service for its individual protection products to cover investigation and treatment for major conditions and includes care abroad.
The Zurich Accelerate can be added to any new life, critical illness or income protection policy at the point of sale or at any point during the life of the policy and can also be cancelled at any time.
It covers cancer, heart, and neurological conditions and is supported by Further.
Customers who access the service will be guided through the entire process by a dedicated, clinically trained case manager. Policyholder’s children will also be automatically covered from birth up to their 22nd birthday.
It costs £9.50 per month per policyholder and automatically includes all eligible children.
Zurich said the flexibility to add or remove it at any time would allow advisers to meet the ongoing and changing needs of their customers.
Accelerate can also help customers access the latest precision cancer medicine and cancer clinical trials.
It provides access to experts from around the world to offer wider choice, with fast access to consultations, diagnostics, and second medical opinions, the insurer said.
Customers also have flexibility when it comes to using any of the six services Zurich Accelerate offers and can choose which services to use and when – with the option to combine them with public or private healthcare, offering them greater control over their healthcare decisions.
Zurich said the service is complimentary to public and private healthcare and is not intended to replace either and should be taken up in consultation with a GP.
Advertising advisers
Zurich will also launch a radio advert in June encouraging people to contact their financial advisers to discuss Zurich Accelerate. Customers can also find an adviser through it’s website if they do not already have one.
Sam Wells, head of proposition innovation, said: “From my own personal experience, I have seen the challenges that you face when dealing with a cancer diagnosis and how important it is to be supported through a complex journey that can last years, spanning investigations, diagnosis, and treatment.
“Each service available with Accelerate has been designed around the experience my family had to provide our customers with fast access, choice, and control, through a complete service rather than a piecemeal solution.”
Louise Colley, director of retail protection at Zurich Insurance, said: “Serious illnesses have been on the rise over the last decade with a 50% increase in heart disease and one in two people receiving a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.
“Accelerate provides a suite of options to those suffering symptoms by allowing them access to fast diagnoses and giving them access to leading treatment as quickly as possible.
“We’re incredibly proud that this new offering fills a gap in the market with a comprehensive solution covering investigation, diagnosis, and treatment.”
Commenting on Zurich’s move, Alan Lakey, director at CIExpert said: “CIExpert’s Critical Thinking 2024 survey highlighted the value that consumers accord to health services, so it is no surprise that Zurich has elected to provide a range of discretionary, superior health services.
“Currently, Zurich offers non-contractual rehabilitation, counselling, bereavement and work life support services which are built into each policy. By offering optional paid-for services Zurich is continuing its process of deconstructing their plans into optional contractual components.
“By enabling access to some of the leading experts in oncology, cardiology, and neurology from across the globe Zurich’s new services will provide invaluable support for clients during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
“We’ve taken the opportunity to further enhance our InsightZones, to include greater details across the health & wellbeing benefits available, allowing advisers to see those that are optional and those which are integral.”