Cigna launches offering with open access network
Cigna Insurance Middle East (CIME) has launched its new health insurance offering SmartCare by Cigna. The new region-specific offering provides members access-to-care across a wide list of network providers, and is supplemented with services such as Employee Assistance Programs, Telehealth, Clinical Care for critical illness, Pandemic inclusions and Mental Health solutions, which are integral to Cigna’s offering.
The new product boasts of a differentiated ‘open access network’ that allows members direct billing access to any UAE network provider, subject to a tier specific coinsurance.
In addition, the product leverages digital tools such as HealthHub Suite, an integrated health solutions platform, that uses digital technology to simplify access to healthcare, including enabling members to book an appointment with leading healthcare providers in the UAE via a mobile application, and the Cigna Body & Mind App, a personalised tool focused on improving a customer’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Designed for the region and created for SMEs, Corporates and Government organisations, within the UAE, SmartCare by Cigna is aligned with Cigna’s commitment to bringing simple and affordable solutions to market.
Cigna’s recent COVID-19 survey discovered that 68 percent of employees suffer from work related stress. The study also revealed that there is a continuing gap between employee expectations from their health cover and what is offered to them in the workplace. Health and well-being remain a priority for employees with 74 percent seeking enhanced health cover but only 28 percent actually receiving it.
Such insights, along with insights from some of the UAE’s leading health insurance advisors went into developing SmartCare by Cigna. Providing flexible plans using a unique open access network, high annualised maximums and a wide-ranging health cover that includes chronic and pre-existing conditions, regular health check-ups and pandemic coverage, SmartCare by Cigna brings to a cluttered insurance market much-needed clarity and a refreshing promise to make healthcare affordable and accessible.
Jerome Droesch, CEO of Cigna MEA and SEA, said: “As part of our ongoing market research prior to and during the pandemic in 2020 to understand customer needs, we realised that affordable healthcare solutions with service excellence attached still remain elusive and are much in demand. We also understood that tweaking existing solutions will not address this gap or support businesses as they learn to cope with ever changing market demands. Cigna is keen to ensure we plug this market gap and hope to empower employers and employees as part of our long-term strategy with SmartCare by Cigna.”
He added: “As an insurer of choice for multinationals, governments and individuals across the region over 17 years, Cigna is proud of always keeping our customer needs at the heart of all we do. Launching a flexible and affordable product at this critical time as the world struggles with post-pandemic recovery, demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the health of the region and bringing to market convenient and efficient solutions that are the need of the hour.”
With strong telehealth capabilities, SmartCare by Cigna offers customers free access to locally licensed physicians 24/7, through the SmartCare by Cigna mobile app, making it easier for employees to receive access to care – anytime, anywhere, at no charge to them.
