Zurich Accelerate sounds exciting . What is it ?
It ’ s something we ’ re really excited about . Zurich Accelerate provides access to experts from around the world to offer a package of medical care services for cancer , heart and neurological conditions . Customers who add Zurich Accelerate to their personal and income protection policies with Zurich will have fast access to consultations and diagnostics . Zurich Accelerate can help them access the latest precision cancer medicine and cancer clinical trials ; as well as treatment abroad at some of the leading hospitals in the world .
When and why did you decide to launch such a product ?
We ’ ve been developing Zurich Accelerate in partnership with Further Group , a specialist in this area , for almost two years . It stemmed from our desire to offer a protection solution that not only pays out when a customer dies , is diagnosed with a terminal or critical illness , or is unable to work due to illness , but aims to give them greater choice when it comes to their healthcare options .
Can you tell me more about the six services of Zurich Accelerate ?
Virtual Consultant allows customers to have a video consultation with a UK consultant specialising in cancer , heart or neurological conditions following a referral from a GP to investigate symptoms related to those conditions .
The second service is Private Diagnostics Plus . The consultant may suggest specific investigations or tests and a case manager will help customers to book an appointment at the most appropriate UK diagnostic centre for their needs , to get the right tests done quickly . This will be followed by a virtual appointment with the consultant to discuss the results .
If your customer is unsure about their diagnosis or treatment plan for a cancer , heart or neurological condition , bone marrow transplant or live organ donor transplant , they can ask for a Second Medical Opinion . A consultant will carry out a comprehensive review of the current medical evidence , diagnosis and treatment plan and , if appropriate , will suggest other investigations or treatment options .
The next two services relate to cancer . Precision Cancer Medicine uses the latest tumour profiling technology to provide a personalised treatment plan . Customers can use this service if their cancer is stage 3 or 4 , isn ’ t responding to first-line treatment , is a rare form of cancer or where the primary source of their cancer is unknown .
Last but not least , Global Treatment Plus gives customers access to some of the leading hospitals in the world . The cost of treatment , travel , accommodation and daily expenses for your client and up to two companions are covered ( three if the patient is a child ). And we cover post-procedure medications too .
All of the services can be dipped in and out of at any stage of the illness and are a powerful complement to the strengths and resources that exist in public healthcare and private care .
Who is Zurich Accelerate available to ?
It ’ s available as an optional benefit to customers aged between 16 and 69 taking out a Zurich personal or income protection policy through an intermediary . It can be taken out at the same time as the protection policy or added at a later date . Zurich Accelerate is underwritten , so if they have any pre-existing health conditions this may impact their access to cover . Cover ends when your customers turn 70 .
The cover also extends to the children up to the age of 22 of any Accelerate customer taking out the cover .
It sounds great ! What excites you most about Accelerate ?
In my opinion , Zurich Accelerate could be considered a first for the UK insurance market because it provides a package of services from diagnosis to treatment and also some specific cancer services , with the aim to help our customers when faced with a potentially serious condition .
And it seems our intermediary partners agree . Our research among a cross-section of over 40 advisers shows the product has appeal for 93 % of advisers . As well as providing a greater level of protection to customers , they see innovations like this as further enhancing their customer relationships and strengthening their business . Some 89 % of them are likely to recommend Zurich Accelerate to their customers and 83 % of them recognise its uniqueness – that ’ s a great endorsement .
To hear why Zurich have built Accelerate , including the inspiration and driving force behind the product , watch the latest episode of ‘ On Air with …’ which can be found in the Protection Solutions Hub under the Mortgages Protection & GI menu on your member site .
If they have tried most conventional treatments and their cancer hasn ’ t responded , Cancer Clinical Trial Support can help customers find and apply for a suitable clinical trial in the UK or abroad . If they are accepted on to a trial , Zurich Accelerate will also cover the costs of travel and accommodation , as well as a daily allowance for them and their travel companions .
Zurich Assurance Ltd , authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority . Registered in England and Wales under company number 02456671 . Registered office : Unity Place , 1 Carfax Close , Swindon SN1 1AP
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