Added value benefit · Zurich
Zurich Accelerate explained
Zurich Accelerate is an optional add-on to a Zurich protection policy. If you face cancer, a heart condition or a neurological condition, it gets you to a UK consultant faster and can arrange treatment abroad.
In short
Accelerate is a medical support service, not a cash payout. With a GP referral, it gets you a fast virtual appointment with a UK consultant. It can then fund private tests, a second opinion, and treatment abroad, up to a £2 million lifetime limit.
Watch: Zurich explains Accelerate
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What Zurich Accelerate is
A diagnosis of cancer or a heart condition often starts with a wait. Waiting for a specialist, then for scans, then for a treatment plan.
Accelerate is built to shorten that wait. Zurich runs it with its partner Further Group, on a platform called Trustedoctor.
You can add it when your Zurich policy starts or later. It works alongside the NHS, not instead of it.
The six services
Zurich lists six services in Accelerate. Which ones you use depends on your diagnosis.
Virtual Consultant
Virtual appointments with UK specialists at a time to suit you, with a written report and recommendations.
Private Diagnostics Plus
Private tests such as blood tests, endoscopy and biopsy, so a diagnosis is not held up.
Second Medical Opinion
An opinion from a specialist cancer, heart or neurological consultant.
Precision Cancer Medicine
Genetic profiling of the cancer, an expert report, family testing and counselling, and access to experimental treatments.
Cancer Clinical Trial Support
Help finding suitable cancer trials, and support with the application.
Global Treatment Plus
Treatment at leading hospitals outside the UK, with travel, accommodation and daily expenses covered.
The conditions it covers
Cancer
Faster access to cancer specialists to confirm a diagnosis and plan treatment.
Heart conditions
Quicker referral to heart specialists for diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Neurological conditions
Access to consultants for conditions of the brain, spine and nervous system.
Treatment abroad through Global Treatment Plus covers cancer, heart surgery, neurosurgery, bone marrow transplants and live-donor organ transplants.
What Zurich will pay for
You can add Accelerate between the ages of 18 and 68, and the cover stops at 69. Your children are included until their 22nd birthday, at no extra cost.
Zurich will pay up to £2 million in claims for each person over their lifetime. If you still need medicine after your treatment ends, Zurich pays for it up to £100,000.
If you are treated abroad, up to two people can travel with you, or three if the patient is a child. Each of them gets an allowance of £50 for every night away.
Accelerate is an additional fee on top of your premium, and Zurich can review it.
The small print
- You need a GP referral before you can use the consultant service.
- If you had neurological symptoms before cover started, there is a 12‑month wait for those.
- Claims are made online through Trustedoctor, so each person covered needs their own email address.
- Accelerate is an additional fee, and Zurich can review it. It is not fixed for the life of the policy.
- Accelerate does not replace the lump sum or income your policy pays. It is a separate service.
Zurich’s own documents
These are Zurich’s customer documents, checked as the latest versions in October 2026. They are the final word on what is and is not covered.
Questions people ask about Zurich Accelerate
What is Zurich Accelerate?
An optional add-on to a Zurich protection policy. It gives faster access to UK consultants, private tests, second opinions and treatment abroad for cancer, heart conditions and neurological conditions.
Which policies can it be added to?
Zurich Personal Protection or Zurich Income Protection. You can add it when the policy starts or later.
Does it cost extra?
Yes. Accelerate is an additional fee on top of your Zurich premium, and Zurich can review it. Ask us for a quote with and without it.
Are my children covered?
Yes. Children are covered to their 22nd birthday at no extra cost.
Is there a limit?
Yes. There is a £2 million lifetime claim limit per person, and continuing medication is capped at £100,000.
Do I still need my GP?
Yes. You need a GP referral before you can use the consultant service.
Does Accelerate replace the NHS?
No. It works alongside NHS care. It speeds up access to consultants, tests and treatment options.
Other added value benefits
Each insurer adds different extras. They can tip the choice between two policies that cost about the same.
Aviva Global TreatmentTreatment abroad for six serious conditions, with travel arranged.Read the guide
Vitality rewardsPoints for staying active, with rewards and a premium linked to them.Read the guide
Royal London Helping HandVirtual GP, mental health and physio apps, plus a nurse when life gets hard.Read the guide
L&G Wellbeing SupportNurse-led support included with Legal & General protection plans.Read the guide
Want to know if Accelerate is worth adding?
We price Zurich with and without Accelerate, and against other insurers. Then you decide with the real numbers in front of you.
We are not Zurich. This page is based on Zurich’s published policy wording and adviser material. Always check Zurich’s own documents for current details, limits and exclusions.