Skip to content 
Table of Contents
Getting a serious diagnosis, like cancer, heart disease, or a rare condition, is scary. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what comes next. That’s why getting a second medical opinion can be so valuable.
A recent survey found that 80% of Irish respondents worried they, or a family member, might have been misdiagnosed, mainly due to concerns about staffing levels and strained resources within the HSE.
Most people don’t know that with a protection policy from Aviva, they already have access to world-leading medical experts at no extra cost. This free second opinion benefit could confirm a diagnosis, recommend alternative treatments, or even save a life.
In this post, we’ll explain how it works, who can use it, and why it’s one of the most valuable (but often overlooked) parts of your policy.
Why Would You Need a Second Opinion?
When it comes to your health or a loved one’s, there’s no room for doubt. A serious diagnosis can turn your world upside down, and it’s completely natural to want reassurance before starting treatment.
A second opinion gives you the chance to:
- Double-check the diagnosis to make sure it’s accurate
- Explore all your treatment options, including ones your doctor might not have mentioned
- Avoid unnecessary procedures or medications
- Feel more in control during a stressful time
Having access to this kind of expert review can be such a powerful benefit, especially when it’s included with your protection policy at no extra cost.
How This Free Benefit Works with Aviva
When you take out a protection policy with Aviva, you automatically get access to a free second medical opinion service. You get access to over 50,000 top medical experts across 450 specialities who work alongside your doctors to help guide the best treatment plan for you.
You can also use it for medical conditions that were diagnosed before you took out your Aviva policy.
Here’s what happens:
- You or a family member gets a diagnosis.
- You send your medical records through a secure process.
- A world-leading specialist reviews your case.
- You receive a detailed report with expert advice, treatment options, and clear next steps.
Who Can Benefit from It?
This benefit isn’t just for you. It also covers:
- Your partner or spouse
- Your children
- Your parents and your partner’s parents
It’s one of the few policy benefits that extends to your wider family.
Get Covered and Access Extra Benefits for You and Your Family
What Policies Include This Free Second Opinion Benefit?
You don’t need to pay extra to access this expert medical service, it’s automatically included with many of Aviva’s protection policies.
Here’s where it comes as part of your cover:
- Term Life Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Mortgage Protection
- Specified Illness Cover
- Personal Income Protection
- Executive Income Protection
- Group Income Protection
- Pension Term Insurance
If you have any of the above with Aviva, you’re already covered. Not sure what you have? Please review your policy documents or consult with your advisor.
Additional Free Benefits from Aviva Care
When you take out a protection policy with Aviva, you don’t just get financial protection; you also get free access to a range of health and wellbeing services through Aviva Care.
Aviva Care is included with all new Aviva protection policies at no extra cost. Alongside the Second Medical Opinion service, here’s what else is available to you and your immediate family:
Aviva Digital GP
With the Aviva Digital GP service, you and your immediate family have access to clinical advice and guidance in non-emergency situations.
Sometimes, finding a General Practitioner (GP) can be difficult or inconvenient. With Aviva Digital GP, you are able to get an online appointment with a doctor without having to wait for a face-to-face appointment.
Whether you’re at home or on holidays, you’re able to speak to a qualified doctor about any health concerns you might have. You can also get prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy.
You can access this service Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 12 pm.
Aviva Bereavement Support
It’s not easy to lose a loved one, so if you or your spouse/partner needs someone to talk to, Aviva’s team of counsellors and psychologists are ready to help you develop ways to cope.
Access to the Bereavement Support service is easy and completely confidential.
All clinical, counselling and health psychologists are registered with the Irish Psychological Society.
Aviva Family Care Mental Health Support
Aviva Family Care is a counselling and psychotherapy service provided free of charge with every Aviva protection policy. This service is also completely confidential and offers rapid access to tailored mental health advice.
Aviva Family Care gives you access to a wide variety of specialised forms of therapy, including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, and it can help if you are:
- Struggling to deal with a bereavement.
- Stressed, anxious or overwhelmed.
- Depressed, down or lonely.
- Need assistance managing the emotional impact of recent life events.
- Developing coping/behavioural skills.
Aviva Family Care can be accessed by you, your spouse or partner or your children up to the age of 18 or 23 in full-time education.
These additional services are designed to support your health and peace of mind, as absolute protection extends beyond just financial security.
Why is protection an essential part of a financial plan?
Protection, such as income protection, serious illness insurance, and life insurance, is not just an add‑on. It’s the foundation of a solid financial plan. While savings and investments help you grow wealth, protection ensures stability and peace of mind when unexpected illness or loss strikes.
You can read more about it here: Why We Recommend Protection in Financial Plans for the Year Ahead
Have a Protection Package in place and boost your Financial Plan in every stage of your life!
Gain immediate access to our comprehensive Protection Package Guide, designed to enhance your financial plan and help you achieve your goals. This guide offers vital tips, step-by-step instructions, and essential strategies for securing your financial future. Don’t wait, download now and start building a stronger financial foundation!
Your journey towards financial freedom starts here!
After you download your guide, one of our expert Financial Advisors will be in touch shortly to provide you with guidance and further relevant information to build you a customised financial plan.
Protection That Comes With Extra Support—At No Extra Cost
Get a Life Insurance Quote
A serious illness can turn your life upside down, but knowing you have access to world-class medical experts at no extra cost can bring real peace of mind. With a life insurance policy, you’re not only protecting your family financially if the worst happens, but you’re also gaining valuable benefits you and your loved ones can use while you’re still living.
We provide various financial services, such as life insurance, income protection, mortgages, serious illness cover, pensions, financial planning, health insurance, and savings & investments.
Share this post
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.
