Unio Health View | VHI
What role does access to care play in employee health benefits?
Access to Care Matters More Than Ever
Health insurance remains one of the most valued employee benefits, but it's operating in an environment of rising healthcare demand, advancing medical treatments and increasing expectations around access to care.
In the latest edition of The Unio Health View, Brian McKiernan, Head of Business Development at Unio Employee Benefits, speaks with Pamela Treacy, Head of Corporate Business Acquisition at Vhi, about the trends shaping health insurance and employee benefits in Ireland.
Rising demand continues to shape the market
More people are accessing healthcare services than ever before. An ageing population, longer life expectancy and continued advances in treatment options are increasing demand across the healthcare system.
At the same time, new drugs, technologies and treatment pathways are improving outcomes and providing access to care that wasn't available in previous decades.
Access remains at the heart of health insurance
Whether it's virtual services, specialist clinics or hospital treatment, access to care remains one of the primary reasons organisations invest in health insurance for their employees.
Providing access to healthcare services that are convenient, relevant and aligned with employee needs continues to be a key consideration for employers.
One workforce, many different needs
Employee populations are rarely static.
The needs of a workforce entering family-forming years can differ significantly from those of a more established workforce. As employees move through different life stages, the relevance of benefits and supports becomes increasingly important.
For employers, health insurance is not simply about providing cover. It's about ensuring employees have access to benefits and services that are meaningful to them.
Looking beyond today's workforce
While budget and value remain important considerations, future needs also play a role in benefits planning.
Workforce demographics, employee wellbeing and access to appropriate healthcare supports are all factors that can influence decision-making as organisations review their health and wellbeing programmes.
Supporting employee health and wellbeing
Health insurance, wellbeing initiatives and employee support programmes all play a role in helping employees access the care and supports available to them.
For many organisations, the focus is not only on providing benefits, but on ensuring those benefits are relevant, accessible and aligned with the needs of their people.
Watch the discussion
Watch the full conversation between Brian McKiernan and Pamela Treacy below.