Dubai-UAE: 16 October 2017 – Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI), a global health services company, has launched Cigna HealthguardSM, an individual insurance and wellness solution specially tailored for residents of Dubai.
The plan offers hospital treatment, maternity care, outpatient and specialist services, prescriptions, mental health care and out of area emergency cover. Seeking to reduce the burden of healthcare expenses for customers and their dependents, it can be purchased at three levels, based on an individual’s travel and budget requirements. Cigna HealthguardSM is compliant with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations and has been specially designed for globally mobile individuals to fill critical gaps in the health insurance segment based on findings from the 2017 Cigna 360o Well-being Survey.
The annual global survey shows close to 50 percent of UAE respondents are concerned they will be unable to pay for their family’s or own medical expenses, above their mandatory employee coverage. One in five respondents in the UAE tends to delay necessary health checks and 93 percent choose to self-medicate when unwell. The survey also indicates gaps in workplace health insurance benefits, with 45 percent respondents saying they pay for their out of pocket medical expenses, compared to 37 percent who said their employer-provided insurance covered their medical expenses.
Speaking at the launch, Ali Lutfi, Head of the Licensing Section for Health Insurance Providers at Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said: “We are at the crossroads of Dubai’s healthcare landscape, where each of us – regulators, healthcare institutions and insurers – have an important opportunity to bring better health to the population. We are pleased that Cigna has brought its international expertise to address this unmet need. I am confident the coverage and wellness benefits offered by Cigna HealthguardSM will complement our efforts to enhance the health insurance experience of citizens and residents of Dubai.”
Jason Sadler, President, Cigna International Markets, said: “The Middle East is hugely important to Cigna and we made a significant step in June this year with the acquisition of Zurich Insurance Middle East. Today, we mark another major milestone as we launch Cigna HealthguardSM, the first-ever individual private medical insurance (IPMI) solution offered by Cigna in this region.
“Our learning from the 2017 Cigna 360o Well-being Survey indicates many people are unprepared for their future healthcare costs. Cigna HealthguardSM offers needs-based regional, international and international plus coverage to improve the long-term health, well-being and sense of security of the people we serve,” said Mr. Sadler.
With the rising incidence of chronic illness in Dubai, where 30 percent of deaths are caused by heart disease, there is clearly a need for a greater focus on wellness. Encouraging people to proactively manage their well-being, all Cigna HealthguardSM customers have access to Cigna’s Global Health Assist program, which provides medical second opinions and complex case management for chronic health conditions. Cigna HealthguardSM also includes a ‘Healthy Living Reward’ of 10 per cent discount on annual premiums upon meeting certain criteria to inspiring customers to lead healthier lifestyles.
Art Cozad, Cigna CEO for Middle East markets, said: “Cigna HealthguardSM addresses an important market need for health benefits cover while offering a unique, wellness-based approach to health improvement. We offer customers a range of optional benefits through the value-added ‘Healthy Connect’ module that includes wellness tests and screenings, vision care and comprehensive dental care. The module includes a return-home cash benefit option for globally mobile customers with costs to return home for treatment should the need arise. We are excited to be able to bring this needs-based regional and international service to the Middle East”.
To learn more about Cigna HealthguardSM, visit: https://www.cignaglobal.com/healthguard
About the Research
The research took place in December 2016 in 13 markets with over 14,000 respondents using a quantitative, 20-minute online format.
About Cigna Middle East Insurance
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. With a heritage of over 200 years, Cigna is committed to its promise of being together all the way in providing healthcare, clinical management and wellness programs to employers, individuals and governments around the world.
Operating for more than 15 years in the MENA region, Cigna serves the GCC markets and Lebanon through its locally regulated entities. The company delivers both health and wellness services to individuals, employers and government entities in the region.
The company maintains a global sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, employing over 40,000 people that service more than 95 million customer relationships throughout the world. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Cigna is a Fortune 100 company with a total revenue of US$39.7 billion in 2016.
To learn more about Cigna Middle East, visit www.cignaglobal.com/healthguard
