Nearly two out of five adults have suffered life-threatening experiences with the average person cheating death at least once, new research from MetLife shows.
Its nationwide study found 39% of adults have nearly died in accidents with the biggest risks faced on the roads although one in 10 have come close to death at home. The average number of life-threatening experiences during adult life is one – but an unlucky 19% have faced death twice with 8% saying they have suffered three or more life-threatening experiences.
The research found people are most at risk on the road with 49% saying they’ve been involved in life-threatening accidents. Around 35% have been involved in potentially fatal car crashes while 11% have nearly died riding bikes or motorbikes.
Adults may be most at risk travelling but one in 10 has been involved in dangerous accidents while at home or at work. Around 2% have nearly died doing DIY while 5% have suffered near-fatal falls at work.
MetLife believes the research underlines the importance for employees and employers of providing life insurance for staff through employee benefits schemes.
Stephanie Baillie, Employee Benefits Director of MetLife UK said: “Risk is something we all live with day to day and life-threatening experiences are unfortunately relatively common.
“It is reassuring to know that in many cases people survive them. Sadly it is not always the case and insurance cover that protects against life’s uncertainties is absolutely essential and valuable if it is part of a well-designed employee benefits package.”
MetLife has expanded its Group Life Protection product with the introduction of a bereavement and probate service as it continues the transformation of its fast-growing Employee Benefits business.
The new services add further value to the Group Life product, which was re-launched in March, as well as providing support for employees and their families affected by any loss.
Through a telephone helpline, employees who are members of group life schemes and their families will be able to access legal and financial guidance including help with the complicated issues of probate, grants of representation and even family disputes following bereavement, while the service offers unlimited 24-hour bereavement telephone counselling.
The new services build on enhancements to the Group Life product including the availability of registered and excepted policies, increasing maximum ages for cover to 75 from 70 and providing early retirement cover to all retirees as well as increasing the maximum temporary cover above the free cover limit from £1.25 million to £3 million.
Additional product launches are planned in 2013 with MetLife also focusing on further developing customer service and distribution to enhance support for customers and intermediaries.
MetLife is one of the fastest-growing life and pensions groups in the UK and has its UK Employee Benefits division in Brighton. Employing around 150 people, it is the UK hub for the sales and administration of its employee benefits and individual protection businesses.
