AXA Global Healthcare’s Mind Health service, available to members across the globe, provides quick, convenient access to a fully qualified psychologist for members in need of mental health support.

AXA notes that the Mind Health services can be accessed through the Virtual Doctor from AXA, which it says is ‘already familiar to members’. The company explains that by integrating the Mind Health service with Virtual Doctor from AXA in this way, it wants to make it as easy as possible for members to access expert help with their health – both physical and mental.

“Something that we’re passionate about at AXA – and particularly hopeful that the Mind Health service will help our members to get to the heart of – is the link between mental and physical health,” commented Andy Edwards Global Head of International Healthcare, AXA Global Healthcare. “During last year’s pilot period, we saw a number of referrals for mental health support after members had initially called about a physical symptom. By providing the service through our Virtual Doctor service, we hope to help our members adopt a more holistic approach to their health, therefore taking the best possible care of themselves both physically and mentally.”

Expats struggling with mental wellbeing
According to AXA research, two-in-five (39 per cent) expats – of the 578 surveyed - feel as though their mental health has deteriorated as a result of the pandemic, and more than one-quarter (28 per cent) say that they have never faced a situation that had been worse for their mental wellbeing. Edward noted that mental health was therefore at the ‘top of the agenda’ for numerous organisations.

Carlos Nueno, President at Teladoc Health International – which provides AXA’s Virtual Doctor service – commented: “The stress of the pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in people seeking mental health services. Virtual care is their avenue to receive this support at the right time, which we have seen has a significantly positive impact on their lives. Having the Mind Health service available to them, AXA members now have the comfort and convenience of accessing the virtual care support they need, whether that be for their physical or mental wellbeing.”

AXA’s latest offering follows the likes of Bupa’s health and wellbeing assistance scheme for cancer patients and Sun Life’s mental wellbeing toolkit designed to help employers support their employees’ mental health.