Bupa launches Global Virtual Care
Bupa Global has announced the launch of a new digital GP service specifically for overseas employees and their families
Bupa’s international health insurance arm has designed Global Virtual Care to provide on-demand, complimentary appointments in support of business customers. The service includes 24/7 access to multi-lingual doctors via video or phone; customers will also be able to upload images and refer to doctors’ notes after appointments. Advance Medical, part of Teladoc Health, is powering the technology that underlies the service.
“While the world is increasingly globally mobile and globally minded, employees located overseas aren’t always front of mind for businesses,” said Patrick Watt, Bupa Global’s Commercial Director. “However, health can play a prominent role in assignment failure – so it’s important that companies put in place the right support networks to help their staff in overseas situations.”
Additionally, Bupa Global is launching a new assignment support programme to support the employees of small-and-medium-sized enterprises and other corporate clients before they head off on overseas assignments. Effectively a health questionnaire, upon completion employees receive a personalised report with tailored guidance, including information about local healthcare systems, advice for anticipating health needs during their placement, and signposting to healthcare institutions within Bupa Global’s network.
“Navigating complex healthcare systems can be one of the biggest challenges for employees in a new country,” added Watt. “That’s why we’ve introduced [these services] to offer our customers peace of mind that whilst they’re overseas, they’ll be able to consult with a health professional in their own language with on-the-ground expertise – anytime, anywhere.”