As COVID-19 forces all of us to think more carefully about our health, we need to support each other as much as we can.
We are insurance brokers here at Hooray Health & Protection. We aren’t key workers on the frontline supporting this country and it’s times like this that we realise just how lucky we are to have the NHS.
We are so grateful to all the key workers out there: the NHS, emergency workers, supermarket staff, cleaners and the many more thousands of people supporting the UK right now. So, to all of them – thank you.
While we can’t be on the frontline saving lives, we can offer insurance policies that minimise risks in the case you do become sick. Alongside the initial policies, here are some of the additional support services that come with Business Health or Group Risk insurances.
Virtual GP
Understandably, most public GP surgeries in the UK are currently closed for face to face and walk-in appointments. To combat this, many have chosen to offer telephone appointments instead, to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
If you are covered by Group Income Protection or Business Health Insurance as part of your employee benefits package, there is a good chance that you also have a Virtual GP service included.
With Virtual GP, you can choose a time to book a video chat with a private doctor. In this call, much like a face-to-face appointment, you can discuss your health concerns or conditions. You can also upload videos or pictures to the doctor who will then provide advice.
This service can help release some of the strain on the NHS and get you access to medical advice without any delays.
Some of the insurers that offer this service are AXA, Bupa, Canada Life, Unum and Yulife.
Telephone Counselling
Being in self-isolation can have a serious impact on your mental health and this risk is significantly increased for those that are living alone and are missing out on their usual day to day interactions.
Nearly all Group Life, Group Income Protection and Business Health Insurance policies also provide access to some form of telephone counselling support for no extra cost.
These services provide 24-hour access to confidential advice and support or just a friendly voice at the other end of the phone to talk to.
Health & Wellbeing Portals
Now that we are in countrywide lockdown, our daily activity has significantly reduced, so we need to ensure that we are increasing our activity and keeping fit and healthy. Although we all know we need to move more, it can be easier said than done.
Most Group Income Protection, Business Health and some Group Life policies provide access to well-being portals with free workouts, guides to keeping fit and a wealth of information to support your physical and mental health.
Canada Life and MetLife both offer comprehensive portals which are often available for all employees at the company, not just those covered under a Group Income Protection policy.
Gamification
If you have any type of policy with Yulife or Vitality, you likely have access to their interactive apps which encourage users to keep active and stay healthy through daily activity.
Using gamification during the current lockdown can add a challenging element into your daily activity by spurring you on to keep up your daily activity to access their wide range of rewards.
Hopefully, this article provided some insight into the benefits you may have access to via your employee benefits.
If you are unsure what benefits your employer provides (or what benefits your policies provide your employees), then feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
Even if you aren’t a Hooray Health & Protection client, it won’t cost you anything, as during these times we all need to support each other.