Online life insurance provider Beagle Street has announced the launch of a new practical and emotional support service for its customers. ‘Our Companions Service’, provided by RedArc Nurses, will see all customers who have been diagnosed with a critical or terminal illness, or child critical illness, offered the opportunity to access comprehensive and compassionate support from a dedicated personal registered nurse.
RedArc’s experience shows that a lot of support is required to deal with the physical aspect of critical and terminal illnesses such as cancer, heart conditions and stroke. However, these conditions often also trigger mental health problems which are not immediately evident and can often go undiagnosed by medical professionals focusing on the primary illness. Therefore the support which will be offered to Beagle Street’s customers when they find themselves facing a critical or terminal illness will also extend to mental health conditions as well as trauma, bereavement, help to find a second medical opinion, and assistance to help the policyholder support other family members.
Those who choose to take up the Our Companions Service when they make a claim will be able to access the following support:
- Practical advice: such as being given information about the health condition and its consequences, resources (factsheets, books, literature, apps, etc.) relevant to a condition, how to find self-help groups and local charities, through to providing additional therapies and sourcing medical equipment.
- Emotional support: providing an expert medical ear to help understand a diagnosis and treatment, how to deal with family and friends, how to deal with change and come to terms with a ‘new normal’, and potentially prepare for a return to work.
Through their regular phone calls, a dedicated nurse will provide unlimited practical advice and emotional support tailored to the needs and circumstances of each individual.
Any existing customers who have a Beagle Street life insurance policy will automatically be offered this additional service free of charge.
Matthew Gledhill, Managing Director, Beagle Street, said:
“At Beagle Street we have always felt that it’s important to take care of our customers beyond the core financial benefit included in their policy. We already do this in a number of ways – for example by providing a free will-writing service to all customers, giving them the option to place their policy in trust and searching official records to ensure we pay out on policies, even if loved ones haven’t notified us.
“A diagnosis of critical or terminal illness can leave people reeling, and we felt very strongly that we wanted to do something extra to support our customers, both emotionally and practically, when they find themselves in this situation. We know that a payout will give some immediate relief from financial worry, but a personal nurse adviser will help to pick up the pieces over the longer term.
“Individuals are just that – unique in terms of their circumstances, health, family, work and financial situation; and ultimately they need support services that adapt to their own situation. We’re delighted that this new addition to our cover will deliver exactly that.”
Christine Husbands, managing director, RedArc, said:
“Expert third-party support is hugely valued for a number of reasons, but for many individuals, having someone independent, outside their immediate support network is of greatest importance: many recently diagnosed individuals feel they have to put on a brave face for partners or their children, which can mean they bottle up their own emotions. This dedicated Our Companions Service means the individual can be listened to, supported and put themselves first.
“Secondly, medical conditions can be complex, and in the shock of a diagnosis it is easy for a patient to not fully comprehend their specific illness, treatment, prognosis or next steps. Having a medical professional who can provide advice and help to understand all of these issues gives a real peace of mind.”