In recent years, businesses have become much more aware of the positive impact that Employee Benefits can have on their workforce.
One of the most cost-effective and widely valued benefits is Group Life Assurance.
Many employers already have a policy in place, often providing a multiple of salary as cover. Even at modest levels, it can deliver significant value, offering peace of mind to employees and their families, while also supporting recruitment and retention.
However, what many businesses don’t realise is that Group Life Assurance often includes a wide range of additional benefits, available at no extra cost.
More than just life cover
When speaking with employers, we often find that while they are aware of the core life cover, they are less familiar with the additional support services available to their employees.
To help highlight this, we’ve outlined some of the most common benefits included within Group Life Assurance policies, and how they can support both your people and your business.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides employees with access to confidential support for a wide range of day-to-day challenges.
This typically includes 24/7 access to trained counsellors via phone, video or, in some cases, text-based services, allowing employees to choose the format they are most comfortable with.
Support often covers areas such as:
- Debt management
- Legal advice
- Financial concerns
- Personal and relationship issues
These services can play an important role in supporting employee wellbeing and helping individuals address issues early.
We’ve covered EAPs in more detail in our dedicated article:
Employee Assistance Programmes: Benefits Explained | Clear Insurance Management
Digital GP Services
Access to a GP can often involve long waiting times. To address this, most insurers now include Digital GP services as part of their Group Life offering.
This allows employees to book video consultations with a qualified GP, often at short notice and from the comfort of their own home.
Digital GP services can also provide:
- Private prescriptions (subject to charges)
- Referral letters where appropriate
- Choice of male or female GP
In many cases, this benefit extends to spouses and dependants at no additional cost.
For employers, this can help reduce absenteeism, while giving employees quicker access to medical advice and support.
Bereavement and Probate Support
At its core, Group Life Assurance is there to provide financial support when an employee passes away.
However, insurers also recognise the practical and emotional challenges families face during these times.
Many policies include access to bereavement and probate support services, helping families navigate what can often be a complex process.
This can include:
- Guidance on registering a death
- Support where no will is in place
- Help with closing accounts and managing the estate
- Access to grief counselling via phone or online
Having this support available can make a significant difference during an already difficult time.
Other benefits available
While EAPs, Digital GP services and bereavement support are commonly included, many insurers offer additional benefits beyond these core services.
Depending on the provider, this may include:
- Retail discounts and reward schemes
- Mental health helplines
- Support for HR teams managing employee wellbeing
- Online health checks and nutritional advice
- Second medical opinions
- Nurse-led support services
- Will writing services
- Travel risk support (such as Crisis24)
- ESG-focused initiatives such as tree planting
The exact range of benefits will vary between insurers, which is why it’s important to fully understand what your policy includes.
How we can help
At Clear Employee Benefits, we work closely with insurers to stay up to date with their latest offerings and ensure our clients are making the most of what’s available.
If you’re unsure what benefits are included within your current Group Life Assurance arrangement, or you’re considering putting cover in place, we’d be happy to help.
Feel free to get in touch with our team to review your options and make sure you and your employees are getting the full value from your benefits.
