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Did you know some protection policies include free bereavement counselling?
When most people think about life insurance, they picture a lump sum paid out after someone passes away. And while that’s the main purpose, many don’t realise that some protection policies come with valuable support you can use while you’re still alive, especially during life’s most difficult moments.
One of the most meaningful of these is free bereavement support. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one or supporting someone who is, having access to professional counselling can make a world of difference.
In this blog, we’ll explore how protection policies can offer more than financial peace of mind—they can provide emotional support when it’s needed most
What Is Bereavement Support?
Bereavement support is a confidential counselling service that gives you emotional support after the death of a loved one. It can help you manage grief, process emotions, and find ways to cope with loss.
And here’s the important part: If you have a protection policy with providers like Aviva or Royal London, this support is already included; you don’t need to pay extra.
Aviva Care: Bereavement Counselling
If you’re taking out a new protection policy today, there’s good news: Aviva Care is automatically included for free. Anyone with an Aviva protection policy issued on or after January 11th, 2023, has access to this bundle of support services, which includes free bereavement counselling provided by Teladoc Health.
Who can use the service?
- You (the policyholder), or
- Your spouse or partner (after a bereavement)
- Available for up to 12 months after the loss of a loved one
Which policies are eligible?
- Personal & Executive Income Protection
- Wage Protector
- Personal Pension Term Assurance
- Mortgage Protection (including convertible options)
- Family Protection (Decreasing and Convertible)
- Term Assurance & Specified Illness
What’s included?
- Up to 5 one-hour sessions
- Confidential support from qualified psychologists
- Counsellors are registered with the Irish Psychological Society
- Easy access via aviva.ie/avivacare
- Response within 24–48 hours from the Teladoc team
Whether you’re going through a personal loss or supporting someone else who is, Aviva Care can provide empathy, understanding, and coping strategies—all from a registered professional, at no cost to you.
Other Benefits of Aviva Care
In addition to bereavement support, Aviva Care also includes:
Best Doctors – Second Medical Opinion: Access expert reviews of diagnoses or treatment plans from world-leading specialists.
Digital GP: 24/7 access to Irish-registered GPs by phone or video—no waiting rooms, no fuss.
Family Care – Mental Health Support: Confidential mental health support for you and your family, including counselling with qualified professionals.
Be smart with your money. Get a personalised quote today!
Royal London’s Helping Hand
Royal London takes a similar approach with their Helping Hand service, recognising that money alone can’t ease the emotional strain that comes with life’s toughest moments.
That’s why Helping Hand offers access to a dedicated personal nurse, who provides tailored, one-to-one support whenever you need it, for as long as you need it.
If the worst happens, your nurse will be there to guide you or your family through the most challenging times, offering emotional support, practical advice, and help arranging specialist services if needed. It’s about giving you more than financial peace of mind—it’s about real, compassionate support when it matters most.
Who can use Helping Hand?
- The policyholder
- Their partner and children
What’s included?
Depending on your nurse’s assessment, you may be offered one of the following specialist therapies:
- Bereavement counselling or
- Speech and language therapy or
- Face-to-face second medical opinion or
- Complementary therapies or
- Physiotherapy for specific serious health conditions or
- Other supports based on individual needs
Helping Hand is all about personal, human support. Whether you’re facing loss, illness or emotional exhaustion, you’ll have someone on your side to guide you.
Managing the Money Side of Loss
Emotional support is essential—but so is practical guidance, especially when it comes to finances after a bereavement.
If you’re unsure what to do with bank accounts, bills, or insurance policies after someone passes away, we’ve put together a helpful guide.
Be smart with your money. Get a personalised quote today!
Get a Life Insurance Quote
Protection policies aren’t just about the payout, they’re about people. They’re about making sure your loved ones have the support they need, not only for life’s big financial moments but also for the deeply human ones: grief, stress, overwhelm, and recovery.
If you already have cover, take a moment to check if these added benefits—like counselling or second medical opinions—are included in your policy. And if you’re considering protection, speak with one of our expert advisers about the real-life support that comes with life insurance, serious illness cover, mortgage protection, or income protection.
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All our content has been written or overseen by a qualified financial advisor. However, you should always seek individual financial advice for your unique circumstances.
