There are multiple ways to help first responders cope with the stressors of their job. Additionally, your clients frequently have to deal with the aftermath of car accidents, fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies. As an insurance agent, you can help first responders cope by providing them with resources and appropriate support.
Here are the many ways you can help your first responder clients deal with the pressures of their jobs:
Explain the Benefits of Assistance Programs
One way to help first responders is to provide information about appropriate insurance. Some first responders may not be familiar with the specifics of insurance coverage, so it is essential to ensure that they know what particular policies include. Thus, you can help them by reviewing how the plan works and their options.
Knowledge about assistance programs can help first responders if they ever need financial support, as it provides them a safety net to fall back on. It could give them peace of mind knowing that these programs will take care of their family if something happens to them.
Provident Insurance Services’ First Responder Assistance Program (FRAP) was developed specifically for first responders and their families. It provides helpful resources and support for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as grief and loss. The program also offers financial or legal assistance.
Provide Follow-Up Support
It is always good to check on your clients regularly. Let them know you are there to provide professional advice and support if they need it, especially concerning their policies.
As insurance agents, your role often exceeds ensuring that your clients are adequately covered. From time to time, you may have to encourage them that they are doing the right thing by signing up for an insurance policy. And if you are aware of any changes to their professional roles and responsibilities, find out what other assistance you can provide.
In many cases, simply being available to discuss the policy and how it affects their well-being can be a big help. Also, some first responders may be reluctant to discuss potential issues with their coworkers and superiors, so knowing that they can count on you could make a difference.
Recommend Counseling
First responders often witness traumatic events firsthand and up-close. Some individuals can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Insurance agents can help clients deal with these issues by informing them of ways by which they can get help for these issues.
One option is the First Responder Assistance Program (FRAP). Likewise, this program is part of Provident Insurance Services’ Accident & Health Insurance coverage. The comprehensive program offers extensive support, resources, and referrals to first responders and their families.
Among the services offered by the program are:
● Stress management
● Depression
● Child/elderly care
● Family conflict
● Relationships
● Financial/Legal
● Substance and gambling addiction
● Anxiety
● Grief and loss
These services are intended specifically for first responders such as firefighters and emergency medical services personnel and are available by phone day and night. All calls are strictly confidential.
Acknowledge their Other Needs
Finally, you can help your first responder clients by acknowledging their other needs. As an insurance agent, you can provide professional advice that pertains to benefits they may be able to obtain from specific policies.
However, you can recommend that your clients avail of insurance plans that provide access to counseling and therapy-based help, such as the First Responder Assistance Program (FRAP). It could enable them to get assistance and support that goes beyond what standard insurance policies provide.
Takeaway
First responders go through a tremendous amount of stress. They see things that most people never have to see, putting their lives on the line to protect others. It’s no wonder many struggles with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Help your clients cope by providing them with the necessary resources and support. Explain to them how insurance can give them peace of mind. Then, be there to discuss details of their policies.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.