Group Risk Insurance

Let your employees know that you care by providing them with cover.

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What is Group Risk Insurance?

Group Risk Insurance refers to policies purchased by an employer to cover a group of employees, providing benefits in cases such as death, disability, and critical illness. This insurance typically includes:

  • Group Life Insurance: Also known as death-in-service insurance, it pays a lump sum to the beneficiary of the employee if they die while employed by the company.
  • Group Income Protection: Offers a replacement income if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury.
  • Group Critical Illness Cover: Provides a lump sum if an employee is diagnosed with one of the predefined serious conditions.

How does it work?

Employers choose the level of cover and pay the premiums. The policy is held in trust, meaning benefits can be paid quickly and efficiently without being subject to inheritance tax.

Choosing the Right Provider

At Cover Direct, we collaborate with top insurers to offer a range of Group Risk Insurance solutions tailored to diverse business needs. Our advisors are committed to finding the best fit for your company, emphasising quality advice over sales tactics.

Benefits of Group Risk Insurance for Employers

  • Attract and Retain Talent: Enhances the employer’s package, making it attractive to potential and current employees.
  • Supports Employee Well-being: Demonstrates a commitment to employees’ health and financial security.
  • Financial Efficiency: Often more cost-effective compared to individual insurance policies.
Benefits to employees
  • Peace of mind
  • Doesn’t usually require a medical
  • Access to additional support services (Like a private GP)

Common questions about Group Risk Insurance

Eligibility varies by employer and the specific policy terms. Generally, all permanent employees are eligible, but some employers may set specific criteria such as a minimum age or a minimum period of service.

Group Income Protection provides a regular income to an employee if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The benefit usually starts after a waiting period and can continue until the employee returns to work, retires, or the policy term ends.

Group Critical Illness Cover provides a lump sum if an employee is diagnosed with one of the specified critical illnesses, which commonly include cancer, heart attack, and stroke. The specific conditions covered can vary between policies.

Benefits paid from life insurance and critical illness cover are generally tax-free. Income protection benefits are subject to income tax since they replace salary. Employers can usually claim premiums as a business expense, but tax treatment can vary, so it's advisable to consult a tax expert.

In the event of a claim, the process usually involves submitting a claim form along with required documentation, such as a death certificate or medical reports. The insurer will review the claim and, if approved, will issue payment directly to the beneficiary or employee.

In most group schemes, the level of cover is determined by the employer. However, some policies offer employees the option to increase their cover by paying additional premiums.

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Every day people are making life changing decisions.

A young customer, in her early twenties, living with her mother and without children, faced the reality of minimal sick pay from her job as a marketing manager earning £30k annually.

Aware of the need to safeguard her earnings and savings, especially for future life events like homeownership, she opted for Income Protection. Understanding that being signed off work due to illness could jeopardise her financial plans, she embraced the policy.

Just six days after activating her income protection, she experienced an unexpected fainting incident on the London underground, resulting in hospitalisation and a diagnosis of fatigue, exhaustion, and vitamin D deficiency. Despite the distressing news, knowing she had the right cover in place provided a sense of reassurance.

Every day people are making life changing decisions.

A customer, aged 58, suffered a stroke four years ago, leaving him with residual effects such as loss of function in his right arm and leg.

Additionally, he was diagnosed as borderline diabetic with elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, and a high BMI. His family history, including his sister’s stroke at 58 and his brother’s benign brain tumour at 54, made it challenging to secure insurance from the broader market.

Despite numerous attempts by brokers over the years, only The Exeter was willing to consider his case. Finally, he obtained life insurance, bringing him immense relief. We plan to review his coverage annually to seek better rates.

Every day people are making life changing decisions.

A client faced challenges securing insurance due to his occupation as a pilot, limiting options to only three providers, one of which offered coverage at a high cost and required further medical underwriting due to his extensive flying hours.

However, as a whole-of-market provider, we successfully obtained coverage for him without additional underwriting, and at a significantly lower cost than previously quoted by other brokers.

Every day people are making life changing decisions.

In April 2024, Sam, the wife of our founder’s oldest friend Greg, contacted us after being diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer. This diagnosis was particularly hard-hitting for us, as we had set up Sam’s Scottish Widows critical illness policy.

Throughout 2024, Sam faced intensive treatment and weeks of isolation from her two-year-old daughter. However, the financial burden was eased when her policy paid out within two weeks of her claim. Sam expressed her gratitude: “This lump sum isn’t for a holiday; it will literally pay the mortgage while I am on SSP during my treatment.”

Sam’s story underscores the importance of having the right protection in place, turning abstract statistics into a personal reality.

Every day people are making life changing decisions.

Carlo, one of our dedicated advisors at Cover Direct, recently assisted a client who needed to reassess his life insurance. The client believed he required more coverage due to changing circumstances. Carlo thoroughly reviewed his existing policy and advised an extension rather than purchasing a new, more expensive one, adding only £3 per month.

Carlo went further, recommending placing the policies in trusts for the client’s children to ensure they wouldn’t be included in his estate. He guided the client through all the paperwork, providing exceptional service. Thanks to Carlo, the client now has the right coverage at a reasonable cost and plans to return to us for future insurance needs.

Every day people are making life changing decisions.

As a business owner realised they lacked coverage for key personnel, they found Cover Direct online. Our thorough approach resonated with them. We took the time to educate them on various protection products, helping them choose Key Person Insurance to safeguard vital employees.

Our reasonable pricing also allowed them to opt for Relevant Life Cover, benefiting their employees and families. The peace of mind provided was invaluable, and the gratitude from their staff was unexpected. Our commitment to understanding and meeting their needs made all the difference.