From 3rd March, the insurer is launching what it calls 'the market’s first severity-based accident and fracture cover' which will reflect the impact of an accident, both physical and financial, when paying out. It will offer payouts of up to £10,000 depending on where the fracture is and how badly the bone is broken, plus an emergency hospitalisation benefit with up to £2,000 paid for emergency hospital stays of over 48 hours which result from an accident or require emergency surgery. Claimants can also benefit from up to six physiotherapy sessions after each valid claim.
Vitality has also announced that it will extend and further enhance the support offered through its Recovery Benefit for income protection customers with the introduction of neuro-rehabilitation services for members. Where members take up the benefit - which will also be available from March - within their deferred period, their premiums will also be waived for up to three months.
Additionally, the insurer has announced it will now advance £2,000 of its £10,000 funeral pledge funds directly to the funeral director on evidence of death, with no need to wait for further medical evidence. This will be available on new business from 3 March 2025, and existing business where cause of death is the result of accidental causes.
Justin Taurog, CEO of VitalityLife said: “Today’s protection market has changed significantly in recent years, with clients, rightfully, expecting more than ever before from their insurer, and actively looking for support to get back to work as quickly as possible where they are injured or ill.
“The enhancements announced today, reflect this, with a further evolution to the health and wellbeing support offered to members to them back to full health as quickly as possible, while at the same time, ensuring we are offering market leading, relevant and comprehensive cover, providing members with financial security and support, at a time when they need it most.”
Adam Higgs, Head of Protection at SJP, said: “Being hospitalised can have a huge impact on a person and their families finances. Vitality’s new Accident and Fracture cover will help ease this financial burden and not only provide support if a client suffers a fracture, but also if they have an accident leading to an A&E admission or require one of a list of emergency surgeries following admission to A&E. The addition of physiotherapy support will also help clients get back on their feet and back to work quicker once they are discharged from hospital.”
