Your protection policy may be worth more than you think

You probably bought protection for the big things.

Death.

A serious illness.

Being unable to work.

But your policy may also help with everyday life — and you could be missing out.

More than just a payout

Many protection providers now include additional benefits alongside their policies.

Depending on your provider and cover, you may have access to things such as:

• Virtual GP appointments
• Second medical opinions
• Mental health support
• Physiotherapy
• Nutritionists
• Fitness support
• Health checks
• Discounts and rewards

Some benefits are completely free. Others are available at a reduced cost.

And you may be able to use them without making a claim.

The value can really add up

Think about how much it might cost to arrange private GP appointments, counselling, physiotherapy or nutritional advice yourself.

If you regularly use the benefits available through your policy, their value could sometimes be greater than the premiums you are paying.

Your cover is still there for the serious moments.

But it may also save you money, help you access support more quickly and make living a healthier life that little bit easier.

That is a lot of value hiding inside a policy you may barely think about.

Why would providers offer all this?

Protection providers want you to live a long and healthy life.

Is there a slightly selfish reason for that?

Of course!

Put simply, helping you stay healthier may also reduce the chance of them having to pay a claim.

But honestly — who cares?

If they are offering you useful services that could improve your health, save you money or give you reassurance, use them!

Everyone can benefit.

Have you checked what you already have?

Most people arrange their protection, file the paperwork away and forget about it.

They may not realise that new benefits have been added or that existing services are available to their partner or children too.

It is worth checking each of your policies — including any cover provided through work — and asking:

• What additional benefits are included?
• Who in my family can use them?
• Do I need to register before I can access them?
• Is there an app I should download?
• Are there any limits or charges?
• Have the benefits changed since I took out the policy?

A few minutes of checking could uncover support you have been paying for but never using.

Good advice is about more than choosing a payout

When I help someone arrange protection, I do not just compare the amount of cover and the monthly premium.

I also look at the wider value.

A slightly cheaper policy is not necessarily better if another provider offers benefits you are genuinely likely to use.

That is why having someone guide you through your protection options can be more valuable than you think.

The best policy is not always the cheapest one.

It is the one that properly protects you — and gives you value while you are living too.

So, have you looked at all your protection policies recently?

You may be surprised by what you are missing.

Please note that protection plans do not have a cash-in value and will stop

if payments to them cease.

Although the content of the article was correct at the time of writing, the accuracy of the information should not be relied upon, as it may have been subject to subsequent tax, legislative or event changes.