It is important to note that both AEIs and placement providers, should carefully risk assess students to ensure that those at higher risk are properly protected. Nursing students need to feel protected when going onto clinical placements during COVID-19. Therefore, it is important that all nursing students have access to life assurance (often called death in service) benefits should they die as a result of exposure to COVID-19 whilst on clinical placement.
Students on paid placements may also join the NHS Pension Scheme, which provides additional death in service benefits.
For more information please see:
This provision is time limited and the position varies in the 4 UK countries.
England
This scheme is scheduled to end on 31 March 2022. Claimants have until 31 March 2023 to submit claims for deaths that occurred while the scheme was open.
Scotland
This scheme is scheduled to end on 31 October 2022. The scheme will automatically expire when the NHS in Scotland is stood down from an emergency footing, or at the direction of Scottish Ministers, whichever is first. Individuals who develop symptoms of COVID-19 related illness after this date and subsequently die will not automatically be accepted. Scottish Ministers however reserve the right to extend or amend the scheme if deemed necessary, provided any amendment will not have any significant adverse effect on any person then benefitting from the scheme.
Northern Ireland
The scheme will close on 31 March 2022. HSC Pension Service, who administer the Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme on behalf of the Department of Health, will continue to accept and process applications for twelve months after the closing date of the scheme, for eligible individuals who passed away before the closing date of the scheme.
Wales
The scheme will close on 30 June 2022. Claimants have until 30 June 2023 to submit claims for deaths that occurred while the scheme was open.
We expect employers, universities and, in Scotland, further education colleges, to work closely with the affected students’ families following any student death.