Bupa Global Virtual Care
Bupa Global, Bupa’s international health insurance arm, has launched Virtual Care, which is a digital GP service to support employees and their families living overseas.
The service offers 24/7 telephone and video access to multi-lingual doctors and consultants who can advise, diagnose and offer prescriptions. Customers can also upload images and refer to their doctors’ notes post-appointment.
The technology behind the service comes from Advance Medical, which is part of Teladoc Health, and offers customers access to a global team of doctors who consult with patients in over 130 countries around the world and speak more than 30 languages.
In addition, Bupa Global has launched an Assignment Support Programme (ASP) to support employees of SME and corporate customers before they set out abroad. Employees complete a health questionnaire and then get a personalised report with guidance on the local healthcare system, advice on planning for health needs during their assignment, and signposting to relevant healthcare facilities within the Bupa Global network.
Comment: A virtual GP service looks to be particularly valuable to expats, and Bupa’s new service offers both speed and convenience. Being multi-lingual will be a big positive too.
In addition, the Assignment Support Programme enables expats to get personal guidance before they take up an assignment, offering practical help and saving time too. Both are very welcome developments.
Plus points: Virtual GP service; And an ASP; Both provide practical help and support before and during overseas assignments; the Bupa brand.
Not so plus points: Sometimes there’s no substitute for a face to face GP meeting.
Website: http://www.bupaglobal.com.
Rating (max 10): Overall: 8. Gold
Tags: iPMI; Bupa