Health Shield Cash Plans
Health Shield has introduced a number of changes to its existing health cash plans (HCPs). The changes include:
A new online benefit and resource hub for members has been added. Called mywellness, this is a one-stop shop for benefits and various resources, designed to encourage members to improve their lifestyle and everyday health and wellbeing.
Physio Triage. This new benefit gives members access to advice, support and treatment, to help them recover from musculoskeletal injuries as fast as possible.
Discounted screening. This new discounted cancer screening benefit includes access to a network of cancer specialists, plus advice and support.
Workplace Health Screening. This is provided through Prevent plc, which was recently acquired by Health Shield. Screening is available to tailored health cash plans that have health screening included.
Up to 14 hours of care in the member’s home following a hospital stay of two or more nights is now covered. Home Assistance Cover is also now extended to parents of new and existing members and parents of partners too.
On the existing Essentials and Elements HCPs, both employee assistance programmes and private medical insurance excess cover can now be added to.
Comment: Health Shield is rolling out a number of changes and improvements as it expands its presence, and this latest round focuses on new and widened services.
One of the expansion areas is health screening, and Health Shield says it is planning to launch more health screening products in future too, including a standalone health screening product. That makes sense, and being able to offer such wellness-related services helps make the case for HCPS to be seen as much more than just ‘insurance’.
All the elements in this round of changes should appeal to employers and to individual employees too. Moreover they help make the case for more employers to look again at HCPs even more powerful.
Plus points: A good range of positive changes and improvements; That help make the case to look at HCPs again; And help employers better manage employee wellness and sickness absence; The mywellness service has clear scope for further expansion.
Not so plus points: Savings on PMI excess cover can cause issues if the HCP claims experiences is too great; Too many options or services can add complexity; It may be better to buy some services direct and so avoid IPT.
Website: http://www.healthshield.co.uk.
Rating (max 10): Innovation: 8. Overall: 8. Gold
Tags: HCP; Health Shield; Product enhancement