Canada Life has added a bereavement counselling service and a probate helpline to its group life schemes.
The support services are available for unlimited use and can be used by employees' dependants and close relatives if they suffer a bereavement. Those that call the helpline can speak to a qualified counsellor 24 hours a day.
Practical advice and information on self-help support groups and charities is also provided. Employees can also have up to four face-to-face sessions with a professionally trained bereavement counsellor.
In addition, the helpline can provide guidance on financial matters, such as dealing with creditors, as well as legal advice on bereavement matters, such as the validity of wills and obtaining probate. It can also give an explanation of state benefits, as well as information on social services.
Paul Avis, sales and marketing director at Canada Life Group Insurance, said: "The inclusion of this combination of benefits is unique to Canada Life and reinforces our commitment to retaining our status as leader in this market.
"We recognise a life assurance product should not just be about paying a claim, as we have evidenced with both our group critical illness and income protection products. Employers want to offer employees reassurance that, should the worst happen, their loved ones will have practical and emotional support alongside the financial payment."
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