Comprehensive health benefits from AIA Philippines empowers Philippine businesses

Comprehensive health benefits from AIA Philippines empowers Philippine businesses

Monday, November 14

Employees are the backbone of any organization and as such, companies must take good care of them. Happy employees mean a motivated workforce with higher productivity, and lower turnover, which can be very expensive in the long run. 

Businesses who don’t prioritize employee welfare may end up losing over $1 trillion because of high employee turnover rates. And with the benefits package one of the most critical elements considered by employees when deciding to stay in their current jobs, it’s an important aspect of human resource management. 

For those who are not aware of the ideal basic benefits they should receive, these should include group life insurance, total and permanent disability compensation, accidental hospital reimbursement, hospital income benefit, and critical illness benefits. These benefits are provided to employees and some even extend it to their families as well. 

Investing in these protection and health-related benefits for employees is a must, and companies must find an insurance provider with the strength and stability to deliver on its promises. Fortunately, AIA Philippines, the country’s premier life insurance company, has all these protection and health benefits covered—and more!—to empower more businesses in providing the most important benefits to their people. 

AIA Philippines recognizes that the growing small to medium enterprise business owners are eager to keep their employees satisfied and cared for, which is why it developed packaged yet flexible solutions to cater to organizations’ specific needs, with comprehensive solutions against death and sickness.

Moreover, AIA Philippines is equipped with ready rates for ease of premium computation, as well as mental and social wellness programs as added value offerings on top of the packaged solutions offered. The life insurer is even extending these healthcare benefits to employees who travel across southeast Asia. 

The Regional Passport is a program that connects beneficiaries to select quality providers in key healthcare hubs within the ASEAN region for easy cashless access to treatment. This program’s benefits include elective in-patient hospitalization, preferential rates on medical services, and seamless coordination with healthcare providers. 

AIA Philippines’ benefits go beyond the physical wellness of its customers. It supports organizations’ efforts to care for their people holistically through the Think Well program. This initiative grants employees access to benefits for behavioral health, emotional support, and legal guidance. By availing of this premium service, employers can safeguard the entire workforce’s well-being. 

To help employees make better financial decisions, AIA Philippines has partnered with the Praxis Company through a comprehensive program called Financial Literacy Gameplay. This premium benefit educates employees on responsible finances through fun games. By signing up to this benefit, more employees can make better financial decisions to attain their goals and help them live better. 

“An organization is only as strong as its employees, and that’s why we at AIA Philippines are empowering more companies to provide its people with the most holistic benefits,” Andy Rubio AIA Philippines Associate Director for Corporate Solutions Sales said. “By developing flexible protection and wellness solutions to our corporate partners, we are able to make protection and quality healthcare more accessible to more Filipinos, allowing us to bring to life our purpose of helping them live healthier, longer, better lives.”

Click here for more information about AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.

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Can health insurance be sustainable? 44% of Filipinos agree

Can health insurance be sustainable? 44% of Filipinos agree

Wednesday, November 9

When it comes to conscious choices, it appears Filipinos do care about what they add to their carts. A recent survey by Allianz PNB Life found that about 42% of consumers are more likely to shop sustainably.

In an earlier report by Nielsen, it showed that almost three-fourths of consumers around the world would change how they shop "to reduce their impact on the environment."

"What we are seeing now is 'the rise of the conscious consumer.' People are now more likely to favor products marketed as eco-friendly and/or having a significant impact on the communities around them," said Allianz CEO and President Alexander Grenz.

According to the study by Allianz, 51% of respondents recognized the challenges of environmental issues like climate change and how it can negatively affect them and future generations in terms of health, wealth, and relationships, among others.

Respondents consider responsible shopping, together with education and environmental justice, to be among the three most important ways to achieve sustainability globally. Additionally, 34% said they are willing to spend more (P5,000 and up) for sustainable products, while 44% would stick to a brand that promotes sustainability.

In terms of which specific products they bought, 70% of consumers said they always went for sustainable food and beverage. This was followed by services (65%), fashion or apparel (46%), and gadgets (29%).

"Filipinos clearly want to be as sustainable as possible with the different products they buy daily," said Allianz Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola. "For example, a good number of people would be willing to patronize services like insurance if it were sustainable."

Among those surveyed, 44% agreed that health insurance can be green and sustainable. Forty-three percent said they were likely to purchase this kind of insurance. To address this growing demand, Allianz PNB Life adds more insurance solutions to its growing portfolio of sustainable offers.

Allianz Healthbox provides all-in-one access to various healthcare services. These include teleconsultations, medicine delivery, mental health wellness, laboratory services, and ambulance booking from trusted providers like KonsultaMD and Generika Pharmacy. With easy-to-avail benefits and exclusive freebies and discounts, Allianz Healthbox is a holistic approach to healthcare in the pandemic and beyond.

For nature lovers who prefer more visibility with their pledges, Allianz Protect is a simple yet comprehensive plan that can help secure the future of both Filipinos and the planet. It provides full-spectrum protection in case of death, dismemberment, and disability, and comes with flexible, budget-friendly renewal terms. It also comes with a Sustainability Protection Rider which allows customers to make a yearly contribution to the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Foodshed Farming Enterprise Project.

In a recently concluded roundtable discussion, Allianz doubled down on its commitment to its sustainability with more initiatives this 2022. Earlier this year, they partnered with SOS Children’s Villages to deliver aid to Typhoon Odette victims and kickstart the YouthCan! mentorship program. Last April, the insurer also launched the first leg of its financial literacy program, Allianz Kaagapay, in Pangasinan.

"Our survey results show that Filipinos are becoming more mindful of the future and taking more holistic steps in preparing for it. Allianz PNB Life acknowledges its major role in this journey by making sustainability a more active and accessible practice for Filipinos,” Grenz added.

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BPI AIA makes health security affordable and accessible for SMEs

BPI AIA makes health security affordable and accessible for SMEs

Thursday, October 13

Employees are the backbone of any business. For an economy like the Philippines which is made up of hundreds of thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), employees are instrumental in driving the success of recovery efforts.

Yet behind the momentum of thriving in the “now normal” lurks the financial risk that comes with the increased likelihood of sickness among workers. Sickness and accidents happen when one least expects it and the resulting expenses from hospitalization, rehabilitation, medicines, and other treatment can easily set one back by millions of pesos. SMEs, by nature, are particularly exposed to this kind of liability, in addition to the intangible losses this may incur, such as reputation damage from service disruption.

To address this gap, insurance firm BPI AIA — a strategic alliance between Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life) — is advocating awareness about health protection solutions specifically designed for SMEs. Called Health Essentials, the solution enables SME clients to provide their respective employees with medical assistance benefits similar to those extended by health maintenance organizations (HMOs)—at a manageable cost.

“Employers have a duty to nurture their workforce to attract and maintain the best talents and ensure business continuity. Being able to provide a comprehensive benefit right away promotes SME competitiveness, and in the long term, improves productivity and delivers great results that create a positive financial impact to the organization,” said BPI AIA CEO Surendra Menon. “We are encouraging and enabling our customers to live healthier, so they can live longer and better lives as we promised.”

Flexible and Affordable Health Care Coverage

Health Essentials offers utmost flexibility to its policyholders as it features a “no-cash-out” facility for the availment of medical benefits from a wide network of providers or a reimbursement of their expenses if conditions allow. BPI AIA can also create a tailor-fit plan for the SME, enabling an easy mixing and matching of benefits to determine which combinations would fit one’s needs.

In-Patient Benefits cover room and board and use of Intensive Care Unit (ICU); Special Hospital Services, such as use of operating room, X-Ray, laboratory exams, and medicines; Surgeon’s Fees, if any; and the Attending Physician’s Fee for daily hospital visits.

Meanwhile, optional Out-Patient Benefits cover consultations, X-Ray, laboratory and diagnostic exams; basic Annual Physical Examination (APE); select Dental Benefits; Maternity Benefits including pre- and post-natal consultations and coverage for normal or caesarian delivery, miscarriage or pregnancy complications; and Prescribed Medicines up to a specified limit per year.

In addition, there is a Financial Assistance Benefit for all insured members paid as a lump sum amount if the insured dies of natural or accidental causes. Benefits may be extended to the dependents of Principal Employees, be they married, single, or even single parents.

On top of all this, SME clients can receive expert advice on employee benefits and business insurance, providing holistic solutions based on employees’ needs and the company’s budget.

As an illustration, a Luzon-based company can extend an employee In-Patient Benefits of up to Php 200,000 Annual Benefit Limit; Php 50,000 Financial Assistance in case of death; Out-Patient Benefits of up to Php 6,000 per visit; and basic APE and Dental benefits for an annual premium of only Php 8,928.40 per employee per year. Like other insurance plans, the final amount varies on the client’s specifics at the time of subscription, so it’s best to reach out to an authorized representative for an accurate quote.

To avail the Health Essentials solution, SMEs are encouraged to get in touch via the BPI AIA website. Meanwhile, for BPI’s SME clients, the bank should be able to endorse them to BPI AIA’s Employee Benefits Specialists.

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Dengue still unstoppable; prevention key to minimize risk

Dengue still unstoppable; prevention key to minimize risk

Thursday, August 11

It's rainy season once again in the Philippines. During this time, mosquito is one of our problem.

Not all mosquitos are created equal. Only the Aedes aegypti can carry the dengue virus with deadly results like a serial killer!

Identifiable by its black and white stripes on the legs and white lyre-shaped markings on its thorax, Aedes aegypti usually bite two hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. They may also bite at night as long as they’re in well-lit areas.

A day-time serial killer, no doubt.

Dengue cases increased by a disturbing rate of 83-percent in the first six months of 2022 to 65,190 cases compared to the 35,715 in the same period last year, based on date released by the Department of Health (DOH).

While there’s no specific cure for dengue, medical practitioners can treat its symptoms. For now, the best way to deter the “serial killer” is through prevention.

Dengue’s comeback may be attributed to a number of factors such as frequent rainfalls this wet season. Downpours create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. While warm temperatures caused by climate change hasten their growth and development.

Containers with stagnant water like bottle caps, gutters, trash cans, and planters should be emptied and cleaned. Decluttering also eliminates potential hiding places.

Using mosquito repellent regularly and bundling up in light-colored clothing that doesn’t expose the skin may work.

Window and door screens, mosquito nets or the lightweight plastic screens can stop pesky bugs from entering your home.

People with dengue may experience fever, muscle aches, joint or bone pain, rashes, headache, nausea or vomiting, and eye pain for two to seven days. Its severe symptoms are belly pain and tenderness, bleeding from nose or gums, vomiting blood or blood in the stool, and feeling tired, restless or irritable. 

Some dengue symptoms are similar to other illnesses, including COVID-19, so it’s important to immediately seek medical assistance. 

Of course, it helps to have an insurance policy like Malayan Insurance’s Vital Cover since it provides family and loved ones a financial safety net through death benefits in case their severely sick dengue patient takes a turn for the worse. 

Aside from dengue, Vital Cover policyholders are also covered for COVID-19 and chikungunya. It comes with COVID-19 cash assistance benefit, daily hospital income allowance for COVID-19, medical reimbursement for accidental injuries, and accidental death coverage. Policy holders can access Medimate 24/7 teleconsultation and emergency services assistance.

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Quick and easy health insurance the new normal

Quick and easy health insurance the new normal

Thursday, March 25

 

Even in the midst of a pandemic, securing one’s health does not have to be complicated. With the demand for health insurance plans on the rise, Allianz PNB Life makes availing of an extensive coverage plan easier and more convenient than ever by going where the customers are. Now, Allianz PNB Life is expanding its reach on social media. 

“We have seen increasing interest from customers on social media who are either first-time insurance buyers or insurance-savvy customers. They are looking for the best health solution for their needs,” said Allianz PNB Life CEO Alexander Grenz. “By boosting our digital presence, we are able to better serve these customers who need special attention and care.” 

As the pandemic continues to change the way people secure their essentials, Allianz PNB Life also continues to bridge the gap between them and quality health insurance. Its newly automated lead management process on Facebook can attend to customers’ needs in real-time or within 48 hours, depending on the volume of sign-ups on a given day. 

“Customers on social media are used to instant gratification and deserve instant responses to their inquiries. Building our competency in this space is a priority for us, so Allianz PNB Life hopes to make instant service and short sales cycles the new normal for both customers and insurance providers,” said Grenz. 

Customers who have availed of the Allianz eAZy Health plan can testify to being contacted within minutes of signing up, with a number of their applications already getting completed on the same day. 

“I saw the ad on Facebook and found that the policy fits my needs. It's affordable with great health coverage, which was one of the reasons why I signed up. Plus, it was a real breeze to apply,” shared Joey, one of Allianz PNB Life’s customers. 

As the only enhanced critical illness plan, Allianz eAZy Health covers cancer, heart attack, stroke, and other critical illnesses. It also provides life, accidental death, disability, and dismemberment benefits for 360° protection. 

As an example, a 2018 study revealed that cancer can cost a patient at least Php 180,000 yearly. Allianz eAZy Health can help ease worries over huge medical expenses and prevent further financial burden for patients and their families. 

For a female client aged 30 years, the premium is as low as Php 800 a month with a coverage of Php 500,000. The plan is available in a range of flexible options depending on a client’s needs and budget. It comes as a renewable 5-year insurance solution that returns 30% of total premiums if no claims are made at the end of that period. 

Learn more about Allianz eAZy Health

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Continue to aspire and move forward, Allianz PNB Life urges in new video

Continue to aspire and move forward, Allianz PNB Life urges in new video

Wednesday, October 21

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Allianz PNB Life, one of the leading insurance companies in the country and the world, encourages people to have the courage to realize their dreams through a recently released video, which features people from all walks of life breaking boundaries to realize their respective passions. 

“As a trusted partner for individuals, families, and organizations for their insurance and financial services requirements, Allianz has been given a unique perspective to understand how pivotal a person’s courage and determination is to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. We released this video to channel the strength from the people we have been fortunate to serve, and use this to uplift others that may be feeling lost during these unprecedented times,” said Gino Riola, Senior Vice President, Head, Market Management Centre of Excellence - Allianz Asia Pacific. 

The video is a follow-up to their Courage over COVID-19 campaign, which aimed to help people adapt to and navigate the so-called “new normal”, while bolstering confidence for the company’s reliability among customers, employees, and financial advisors. Prior to the video’s release, Allianz PNB Life produced the Caffeine Boost podcast, which featured subject matter experts discussing different ways to achieve financial resiliency and wellness. discussing different ways to achieve financial resiliency and wellness. 

Currently, the company is running the Allianz Life Expert series, a comprehensive guide on how to survive and thrive in spite of the pandemic. Episodes can be viewed via the Allianz PNB Life Facebook page. 

“We understand that there are people whose plans may have been derailed by the pandemic. However, we hope that our campaign urges them to move forward, and encourage them to seize and realize the promising future ahead of them. More importantly, we wish to reassure them that Allianz PNB Life is there to support them in their respective journeys towards a brighter, more secure future,” Riola said. 

Visit www.allianzpnblife.ph for more information on how Allianz PNB Life can help safeguard your health and financial future. You may also follow their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to speak with any of their Life Changers.

You can watch the video HERE

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How To Be A Philhealth Sponsored Member

How To Be A Philhealth Sponsored Member

Tuesday, January 9

Every first week of January, I make sure that I have paid my annual Philhealth contribution. Eversince I left my corporate work, I changed my membership status from Formal Economy to Informal Economy (voluntary) member to continue my coverage. It is sad that many Filipinos do not see the importance of a Philhealth insurance membership. Getting sick is very expensive and Philhealth helps in subsidizing the medical costs. For voluntary members, the contribution is only 200 pesos a month. 

Every Filipino with a mobile phone who can afford to buy a cellphone load 

can definitely afford the Philhealth monthly contribution.

Philhealth is a health insurance program that provides health insurance coverage for citizens of the Philippines who are members. There are seven types of membership: Formal Economy Members, Informal Economy Members, Indigent Members, Sponsored Members, Overseas Filipinos Members, Senior Citizen Members, and Lifetime Members. I'll be writing a series of articles to discuss the different memberships available in order to encourage Filipinos to become a member. For this article, I'll be sharing with you guidelines on how to be a Philhealth Sponsored Member.

What is a Philhealth sponsored member?

A Philhealth Sponsored Member is a member whose monthly contribution is being paid for by another individual. He can also be sponsored by a government agency or a private entity. 

image: Pixabay

Who are qualified? (source: Philhealth)

• Members of the informal economy from the lower income segment who do not qualify for full subsidy under the means test rule of the DSWD, whose premium contribution shall be subsidized by the LGUs or shall be through cost-sharing mechanisms between/among LGUs, and/or legislative sponsors, and/or other sponsors and/or the member, including the National Government;

• Orphans, abandoned (children who have no known family willing and capable to take care of them and are under the care of the DSWD, orphanages, churches and other institutions) and abused minors, out-of-school youths, street children, persons with disability (PWD), senior citizens and battered women under the care of the DSWD, or any of its accredited institutions run by NGOs or any non-profit private organizations, whose premium contributions shall be paid for by the DSWD;

• Barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, barangay tanods, and other barangay workers and volunteers, whose premium contributions shall be fully borne by the LGUs concerned; and

•  Un-enrolled women who are about to give birth, whose premium contributions shall be fully borne by the National Government and/or LGUs and/or legislative sponsors or the DSWD if such woman is an indigent as determined by it through the means test.

If you wish to sponsor someone or if you know someone who is qualified to be sponsored by a government agency or a private entity, encourage that person to visit the nearest Philhealth Office and secure a copy of the Philhealth Member Registration Form. You can also download the form HERE.

For more information, visit www.philhealth.gov.ph or you may call (+632) 441-7442

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