Bupa extends its benefits offerings through new partnerships
A collaboration with Generali Employee Benefits UK, combined with an intended acquisition of CS Healthcare, will grant an extended number of employees with access to Bupa’s health and wellbeing services
In a recent statement, Generali Employee Benefits UK and Bupa announced a commercial partnership initiative that aimed to drive forward wellbeing programmes designed for UK employers who are part of a multinational group. The new initiative aims to give employers access to the back-to-work support they need with a specific focus on risk assessment, testing and support mechanisms to improve an individual’s Covid-19 risk factors. And, beyond the pandemic, the intention is to provide a sustainable framework for an ongoing focus on supporting employee physical and psychological wellbeing on a long-term basis.
“The need for strong employee health and wellbeing support has arguably never been greater. While remote working due to the pandemic was considered a temporary arrangement, for many it could become permanent and, with it, comes the potential for increased long-term risks including anxiety and depression, fatigue, burnout and chronic musculoskeletal issues,” said Simon Thomas, Director, Generali Employee Benefits UK. “For those returning to workplaces, there’s also a multitude of health and safety risks to consider. In this new normal – and beyond – employers need the industry to take a more integrated health, wealth and risk approach.”
The range of Bupa services, which has been selected to complement the early intervention and rehabilitation services already included as standard as part of Generali GIP, includes: Covid-19 Support Services such as return to work online risk assessments and a range of temperature checking solutions; SmartDNA – one swab provides employees with a personalised health and wellbeing plan; health assessments; onsite health checks; occupational health services; remote physiotherapy service; and Virtual GP services.
Alaana Woods, Commercial Director, Bupa Health Clinics, commented: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Generali to offer a range of services to support employers to safely return their staff to the workplace. We know that a lot of people are feeling anxious or overwhelmed about returning to work and we want to do all we can to help businesses create an environment where their employees feel safe, now and into the future.”
Elsewhere, Bupa also recently announced a proposed transfer of CS Healthcare's members and business to Bupa. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval, clearance from competition authorities and agreement from CS Healthcare members at its AGM in September, and is expected to complete towards the end of 2020.
CS Healthcare members will also receive access to Bupa health and wellbeing support services, Bupa’s virtual GP service and mental health cover.
Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Tom Gidaracos, Chief Executive of CS Healthcare said: “We are committed to ensuring our members have assured medical insurance and continuity of cover for their futures.
“Changes in the private medical insurance market over the past two decades, as well as increased regulation and costs in the insurance industry mean that CS Healthcare's members would benefit from joining a larger organisation.
“Bupa will provide added security, continuity of cover and enhanced benefits to CS Healthcare members. As an organisation with no shareholders, and a similar ethos, we're confident it's the right home for our members and their future.”