The Unio Health View | Level Health

Health Insurance, Access and Prevention: What Employers Should Be Paying Attention To

Health insurance remains one of the most valued employee benefits, but rising claims costs, new treatment options and increasing demand for healthcare services continue to shape the market.

In the first edition of The Unio Health View, Brian McKiernan, Head of Business Development at Unio Employee Benefits, is joined by Ruth Bailey, Chief Commercial Officer at Level Health, for a discussion on health insurance trends, healthcare access and employee wellbeing.

Claims costs remain a significant factor in pricing

Health insurance pricing is influenced by a number of factors, including claims costs, operating expenses and levies.

Medical inflation, advances in diagnostics and increasing use of high-cost treatments were highlighted as factors contributing to the overall cost of healthcare, alongside growing use of day-to-day healthcare benefits.

Simplicity and access are shaping the member experience

Access to healthcare and ease of use continue to be important considerations for members.

Digital healthcare services, same-day claims processing, telemedicine and alternative support channels such as WhatsApp are examples of how insurers are seeking to simplify access and improve the customer experience.

Prevention remains an important part of employee health

Health screening, wellbeing initiatives and helping employees understand their health metrics all formed part of the discussion.

The role of prevention, alongside health insurance and wider wellbeing supports, is an area of ongoing focus for many employers looking to support employee health and wellbeing.

Bringing health and wellbeing supports together

Health insurance does not operate in isolation. Wellbeing programmes, mental health supports, health screenings and employee benefits all play a role in the overall employee experience.

Ensuring employees can access and make use of the supports available to them remains an important consideration for employers.

For more information on your health and wellbeing benefits, contact Brian McKiernan brian.mckiernan@unio.ie 

Watch the full conversation between Brian McKiernan and Ruth Bailey below.