Aegon to offer second medical opinion

The second medical opinion service enables customers to get a confidential face-to-face consultation with a local specialist to confirm their diagnosis and consider other treatment options.

RedArc, which provides this service, allocates a dedicated personal nurse adviser to gather the customer's medical history – their diagnosis, current treatment plan, and other important information.

If a second medical opinion is considered to be the right way to go, the nurse adviser will arrange an appointment with a local specialist.

This service compliments the existing support services provided to Aegon protection customers, which include a 24-hour health and wellbeing service, a key person replacement service and a funeral payment pledge to help families pay funeral costs in advance of the life protection claim payment due to delays with probate.

Simon Jacobs, head of claims and underwriting at Aegon UK, said: "There's more to consider than financial security when taking out a protection policy. The availability of a range of support services during the life of a policy can provide customers with peace of mind and reassurance when they need it most.

"The second medical opinion service from RedArc is a welcome addition to the range of support services we provide to our protection customers.  

"People shouldn't underestimate the value of the additional support and guidance available with their policy. It might be just what they need when they're going through difficult times."

Alan Lakey, director of CI Expert, said added benefits were becoming the new battleground for insurers and having access to a second medical opinion service was essential if competing on quality.

Mr Lakey said: "RedArc is a valued and proven additional service provider and this addition will add value to Aegon's proposition.

"It also highlights how the 'simple product' format has gained little traction because quality and value will always prove to be the best option."