How to gain value from your life insurance policy before you pass away

Article written by Kellands Hale, our preferred independent advice firm.

This article is not intended to be financial advice to any individual. The views expressed are those of the author and Moneyfactscompare.co.uk does not endorse the content.

When you take out life insurance, you do this to benefit your family, not yourself.

After all, your family could receive a tax-efficient life insurance payout upon your death, which may enable them to keep enjoying their lifestyle without financial worries being compounded with grief.

Once you signed the dotted line on your life cover, you may have put the documents away and forgotten about them entirely. However, many life insurance policies carry additional benefits that could bring value to your life over the years to come.

Crucially, these benefits can often be used without the policy holder ever having to make a claim; they can act as ongoing perks that begin the day you sign up to a new agreement.

Some life insurance packages include rolling medical benefits. These might cover:

• Private GP appointments once or twice a year
• Second opinions on medical diagnoses from private practitioners.

As you progress into your later years, you might take your health more seriously – and using these value-added benefits could cost you nothing.

Knowing about these benefits could motivate you to see a doctor regularly, even if it just offers an overview of your health situation.

If you often feel overwhelmed by your mental health, counselling can be an amazing step to take.

Unfortunately, many people may avoid counselling because it could be considered a “non-essential” expense, with the average private therapy session costing between £10 and £70 an hour, according to the NHS.

You may not be aware that some life insurance policies carry counselling benefits – meaning you could make use of free therapy sessions and improve your mental health as the years go by.

One common feature included in some life insurance agreements is a terminal illness benefit.

Of course, life insurance claims are normally made after a person has passed away. Yet with a terminal illness benefit, you could claim on your policy before your death in order to help make arrangements with your family.

Usually, a terminal illness benefit specifies that you are given a medical prognosis of 12 months or less.

While this unthinkable situation will hopefully never become your reality, it could be comforting to know that your life cover may help pay for essentials, such as your funeral, well in advance of your death.

No matter if you have an existing package of protection or are looking to put one together, talking through your agreements with a Kellands financial planner can help you get more from your cover.

In any case, reviewing your protection circumstances with a professional can not only help ensure your wealth is shielded from emergencies where possible, but can also add value to your life today. That way, you can move forward with secure peace of mind, knowing you’re making the most of the protection you hold.

To discuss your protection circumstances with a qualified professional, email us at hale@kelland.co.uk, or call 0161 929 8838.

Please note

This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

Note that life insurance plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.