HealthCare International (HCI) is delighted to announce that Mark O'Dwyer has joined the HCI Global Network Limited Board in November 2021 as Non-Executive Chairman. 

Additionally Mark will become Chairman of the Risk and Audit Committee and will be a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Mark’s most recent role was as Managing Director of Bupa Global. While at Bupa, Mark was a Board member of Bupa Insurance (UK) and Chairman of Bupa Egypt. His experience includes both the commercial and regulatory aspects of the International Private Medical Insurance market.

Mark has extensive financial services and insurance experience from working at AIG, L&G, Royal London, Fidelity International over the previous twenty years before Bupa. Mark is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales (ICAEW).

Ian Wood MIoD ACMA CGMA, CEO of HCI said, “Appointing Mark as Chairman is a significant move forward for HCI, his blue chip industry experience and extensive commercial background will help us shape further our product and geographic offerings, I very much look forward to working with Mark in our next stage of building out the HCI business”

Mark O'Dwyer said, "I am delighted to be joining the HCI Board and working with Ian and the team as they continue to identify new opportunities for the business to grow".

Related Reading: Healthcare International (HCI) Announces Management Buyout Backed By Prefequity

iPMI Magazine provides premium and freemium content delivery solutions specifically tailored to the international private medical insurance market.

Using the latest technology, iPMI Magazine delivers critical iPMI business communications to an eclectic worldwide readership, from international medical payor to global service provider. 

iPMI Magzine News classifications include:

• iPMI Plans and Product News
• Air & Ground Ambulance News
• Appointments & Movements News
• Breaking iPMI News
• Cost Containment News
• Company Results News
• Disaster News
• Expatriate Life
• Hospital & Clinic News
• IT & InsureTech News
• Medical Assistance News
• Mergers & Acquisitions News
• Reinsurance News
• Risk News
• Travel Insurance News
• Travel News

Write to ipmi[at]ipmimagazine.com to learn more, or to submit content. 

About iPMI Magazine

Due to the nomadic nature of the international private medical insurance (IPMI) industry, iPMI Magazine is an internet based news service for worldwide insurance and assistance professionals who need to understand the impacts of insurance and healthcare policy, regulatory, and legislative developments.

Over 40,000 senior level business decision makers, in over 120 countries, rely on iPMI Magazine to stay 1 step ahead of the risk and on the inside track of international PMI. Covering business travellers, high net worth individuals, expatriate and leisure travel markets, iPMI Magazine is the only international news source covering the most exciting sector of international health insurance: international private medical insurance.

There are 80 million expatriates, 5 million international students, 4 million temporary foreign workers, and 18 million high net worth individuals of which 2.7 million are ultra high net worth. All these are targets for international private medical insurance.

Expats and local workers of global companies and HNW individuals may no longer have the option of flying home or another country for medical treatment so may have to rely on local healthcare.

Global insurers have national and international healthcare networks that have a better capability for telemedicine than local insurers.

In almost every country the state healthcare network is under never before experienced pressure so access to private healthcare is increasingly essential. In some countries, expats will be at the back of the queue for state healthcare. In some countries, even access to private healthcare may be strained and hospitals may have to prioritise healthcare for long-term partners such as insurance companies over one-time private patients.

An increasing number of insurers are moving from being health insurers to healthcare providers protected by health insurance. With a linked move to Artificial Intelligence and teleconsultation, the world of IPMI is changing.

The fragile and volatile state of global stock markets is of concern to insurers who may already be vulnerable while offering opportunities to potential buyers of insurers and health insurance books of business. The environment for mergers and acquisitions among health insurers remains favourable as they continue to seek out diversification and growth opportunities.

International Private Medical Insurance Overview:

• The global demand for health insurance is rising fast
• There are opportunities for health insurers and brokers
• The numbers of expatriates are rising and will increase
• IPMI and PMI are no longer separate
• Locals, students, NGO workers and travellers need cover
• Many countries have made health insurance compulsory
• Healthcare and health insurance are becoming intertwined
• Top up cover and micro health have massive potential
• Tele-health, AI and other new technology will change how insurers, brokers and customers interact

International Private Medical Insurance Key Topics Covered:

• 2021 population
• 2030 population estimate
• 2020 UN international migrants IN
• 2020 UN international migrants OUT
• 2020 UN refugees
• Global diaspora
• Expats in country
• Healthcare
• Healthcare for expatriates
• Healthcare regulators
• Healthcare regulation
• Healthcare price regulation
• State health insurance
• State health insurance top-up
• Compulsory health insurance for locals
• Compulsory health insurance for expatriates
• Compulsory health insurance for overseas students
• Compulsory travel health insurance for visitors
• Health insurance for locals overseas
• Private health insurance
• Micro health insurance
• Insurance company and broker regulators
• Foreign insurance companies
• Health insurance regulation
• Health insurance price regulation
• Countries where expats come from
• Leading local health insurers
• Head office of leading health insurers and brokers
• International health insurers/ brokers/agents activity

For more information about the International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) Market Report 2021 report visit: https://ipmimagazine.com/medical-health-insurance/en/reports/item/6159-international-health-insurance-ipmi-2021

The "International Health Insurance (IPMI) 2021: Volume Three - Country Profiles" report has been added to iPMI Magazine's report offering.

Volume three contains 176 country profiles and 2021 population, diaspora and expats.

There are 80 million expatriates, 5 million international students, 4 million temporary foreign workers, and 18 million high net worth individuals of which 2.7 million are ultra high net worth. All these are targets for international private medical insurance.

Expats and local workers of global companies and HNW individuals may no longer have the option of flying home or another country for medical treatment so may have to rely on local healthcare.

Global insurers have national and international healthcare networks that have a better capability for telemedicine than local insurers.

In almost every country the state healthcare network is under never before experienced pressure so access to private healthcare is increasingly essential. In some countries, expats will be at the back of the queue for state healthcare. In some countries, even access to private healthcare may be strained and hospitals may have to prioritise healthcare for long-term partners such as insurance companies over one-time private patients.

An increasing number of insurers are moving from being health insurers to healthcare providers protected by health insurance. With a linked move to Artificial Intelligence and teleconsultation, the world of IPMI is changing.

The fragile and volatile state of global stock markets is of concern to insurers who may already be vulnerable while offering opportunities to potential buyers of insurers and health insurance books of business. The environment for mergers and acquisitions among health insurers remains favourable as they continue to seek out diversification and growth opportunities.

Overview:

• The global demand for health insurance is rising fast
• There are opportunities for health insurers and brokers
• The numbers of expatriates are rising and will increase
• IPMI and PMI are no longer separate
• Locals, students, NGO workers and travellers need cover
• Many countries have made health insurance compulsory
• Healthcare and health insurance are becoming intertwined
• Top up cover and micro health have massive potential
• Tele-health, AI and other new technology will change how insurers, brokers and customers interact

Key Topics Covered:

• 2021 population
• 2030 population estimate
• 2020 UN international migrants IN
• 2020 UN international migrants OUT
• 2020 UN refugees
• Global diaspora
• Expats in country
• Healthcare
• Healthcare for expatriates
• Healthcare regulators
• Healthcare regulation
• Healthcare price regulation
• State health insurance
• State health insurance top-up
• Compulsory health insurance for locals
• Compulsory health insurance for expatriates
• Compulsory health insurance for overseas students
• Compulsory travel health insurance for visitors
• Health insurance for locals overseas
• Private health insurance
• Micro health insurance
• Insurance company and broker regulators
• Foreign insurance companies
• Health insurance regulation
• Health insurance price regulation
• Countries where expats come from
• Leading local health insurers
• Head office of leading health insurers and brokers
• International health insurers/ brokers/agents activity

For more information about this report visit https://ipmimagazine.com/medical-health-insurance/en/reports/item/6159-international-health-insurance-ipmi-2021

In this exclusive iPMI Magazine interview, Christopher Knight, CEO, iPMI Magazine, sits down with Sigal Atzmon, CEO, Medix Group, to discuss who Medix Global are, the common international medical insurance market opportunities they assist with and what we can expect from Medix Global in the coming years.

Please introduce yourself and background in the international private medical insurance market:

I am the founder and CEO of the Medix Group, a global healthcare services company. I founded the company in 2006 after holding various executive positions in leading financial institutions and had a personal encounter with the world of healthcare which made me realise that it was time for a change.

In order to ensure that people have access to our service, Medix strategy is to partner with leading PMI and IPMI providers around the world and over the years has provided service to patients in over 90 countries. By partnering with us, IPMI providers can offer reassurance to their members and a promise that no matter where they are around the world, be it for relocation, high mobility needs, or a specific work assignment, they will receive access and implementation of quality care, with proven better medical outcomes.

Who is Medix Global?

Medix is a shared value company which provides a variety of innovative healthcare management services, including: Personal Medical Case Management (PMCM), Health Prevention Services, Tailored Services for High-Mobility Employees, Medical Concierge, AI & Digital Health solutions, Medical Governance and more. We have a team of 300 in house doctors who work alongside a quality accredited network of over 3,000 specialists around the world to help patients navigate the complex healthcare maze. Our specialist teams provide objective reviews of medical cases to ensure that the original diagnosis is accurate, and that the treatment pathway is optimised. We provide multidisciplinary assessments, recommendations and coordination of quality medical care, drawing on the best experts around the globe, providing peace of mind to our customers that they are receiving the best possible care, wherever they might be in the world.

Medix plays a disruptive role in the healthcare sector by providing patients with the tools and objective information needed to maximise their own health outcomes. We have partnered with the world’s leading technology and AI companies to provide a range of AI driven & digital healthcare solutions, ranging from helping customers assess their personal risk profile, prevent developing serious medical conditions, like cancer and cardiovascular diseases, through smart primary care solutions, who offer self diagnosis and access to real time, live chat with a doctor and Global Personal Medical Case Management solutions.

By shifting the traditional power balance between patient, doctor and the payer, Medix is leading the democratisation of healthcare, empowering patients while helping health insurers to play a more active role in their customers’ patient journey.

When it comes to serving clients such as international medical insurance companies what can Medix Global offer?

Medix offers insurance companies the opportunity to differentiate their service offering and play a much greater positive role in their customers’ medical journey, all while ensuring that healthcare premiums remain sustainable and optimise claims spending. Partnering with Medix allows insurance companies to shift away from the outdated model of passive payer and becoming a true health player. In parallel, to ensuring evidence based personalised care, through Medix’ services, insurers are also able to help avoid overuse and misuse of healthcare services, and hence an indirect result is also a strong medical governance tool. Medix provided IPMI and PMI leaders with proven better medical outcomes, higher customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty, both on the individual and the corporate solutions segment.

Consumers are increasingly expecting that their insurance providers do more than just reimburse medical expenses. They want a provider who understands their individual needs, one that can offer tailored, patient centric care when they face a difficult or complex medical condition. That’s exactly what Medix does. We ensure that members are receiving access and implementation to quality care, no matter where they are around the world. I feel that every IPMI or PMI provider would want to make such a commitment to their members and this is why partnering with the world’s leading insurance companies, who share that same vision, is a natural fit for Medix.

We are very proud of the success and impact we have, making a real difference in people’s life!

What major challenges can Medix Global solve for global medical insurers?

Medix’ operates in the intersection between the Payer, Provider and Patient, offering a unique perspective on the gaps and needs of each party. In today’s healthcare world, there are significant variations between care provided in different regions and countries, and even when we dive deeper into countries we can find significant variations in the quality and standard of care between cities, and even hospitals. At Medix we help flatten this inequality of care curve between different locations, while empowering patients and ensuring that all members have access to accountable, personalised, quality care, which is evidence based, following international medical guidelines. Nothing more and nothing less.

In addition to treating illness as it occurs, Medix empowers members with the needed knowledge and tools to take personalised preventative actions. Leveraging our access to technological innovations including AI and big data, coupled with our global team of specialists, Medix is able to drive short and long term behavioral change and assist our insurance partners to provide substantial value added services to policyholders.

As the healthcare landscape around the world changes, IPMI and PMI providers are facing new challenges, Medix helps its partners to turn these challenges into opportunities.

In terms of geographic reach, which countries and geographies are Medix Global active?

As a leading global company, we provide services across over 90 countries. We have offices in London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Tel Aviv, and are currently setting up additional offices in Bangkok, Melbourne and Dubai.

We currently serve patients across the globe and manage medical information in over 22 different languages, 24/7. Medix’ global reach ensures that our clients can access the very best medical services no matter where they are in the world.

Can you walk us through the reach of your international provider network?

Medix enjoys long standing professional relationships with leading specialists and medical centers of excellence across the world. Our in-house teams, including our 300 medical doctors, are supported by a global, quality accredited network of over 3,000 medical specialists and 1,500 medical centers spread across the world, primarily in the US, Europe and leading centers in Asia. While there are companies that boast very large commercial networks, I would like to stress the point of a quality accredited network as Medix’ network is not a commercial or discount based network but rather an accredited list of quality specialists which was cultivated over our many years of research and clinical experience, led by our dedicated Research Department and Medical Network Team. Every one of these specialists has been vetted and scored based on a proprietary accreditation process to ensure that they meet our criteria.

Business travelers, leisure travelers, expats and medical tourists – which segment do you provide personal medical case management services for?

Medix services fill significant gaps which exist in the healthcare sector the world over, and not limited to a specific segment of members or insurance products. Whether you travel frequently, reside in a tier one city or are on reassignment in a country which is not your home country, it can be extremely challenging to navigate and make informed decisions when dealing with a serious medical condition, and trying to navigate through the unknowns of the local healthcare system. Of course, for expats who often hold IPMI policies, the complexity is twofold as in parallel, they are also dealing with the fact that they are not in their home county and face language barriers and cultural challenges which can make the medical journey even more challenging. Leveraging Medix’ established global presence, experience and deep understanding of the intricacies of a variety of health landscapes, we can guide them and ensure they receive great quality care wherever they are based. They don’t always need to be repatriated to their home country for treatment, in fact, they are able to receive guidance and advice from leading specialists globally to support the local coordination, which provides them with much needed reassurance.

Aside from Prevention, Digital Health Solutions & Personal Medical Case Management, we have a variety of services tailored for high mobility employees and frequent business travelers, including pre-assignment screening and “healthcare orientation” to provide members with knowledge about the healthcare sector in their new destination.

What are the differences between Personal Medical Case Management and a medical 2nd opinion service?

In today’s dynamic medical world, Second Medical Opinions (SMO) while having its merits is simply not sufficient nor relevant anymore, hence the very low utilisation rates compared with Personal Medical Case Management Services. When requesting an SMO, usually patients will receive a single recommendation, without opportunities for care coordination, local referrals, long term follow ups alongside holding an on-going dialogue with the appointed, dedicated Medical Case Manager Doctor and Nurse available at any time, let alone on-going communication between the Medix Case Manager Doctor and the existing, local treating physician. In many cases, I have seen how overwhelming this can be, as patients leave an SMO with more questions than answers, especially if the second opinion advice contradicts treatment recommendation originally provided. Further, medical journeys today are complex, require inputs across different disciplines and tend to be longer and have many points where the patient is faced with difficult questions and needs to make what can be, literally, life or death decisions. As healthcare providers, we need to ensure that the services we offer are relevant and provide a real, actionable added value to patients.

Personal Medical Case Management by contrast, will never leave a patient with an unanswered question or concern. We appoint a dedicated team comprising of a Case Manager – Doctor, a Nurse and a Medical Coordinator to accompany every patient throughout their medical journey. The Case Manager obtains multiple consultations and holds multidisciplinary discussion with leading experts to ensure that all aspects of the case are evaluated and a truly holistic approach is applied. For each case, we see an average of 13-15 medical consultations which are conducted on the patient’s behalf as opposed to the 1-off consultations provided via SMO. Personal Medical Case Management is a proactive, dynamic, on-going and multidisciplinary process versus a short, one off, single discipline SMO.

In an ever-expanding digital world, what role is technology playing in Medix’ services?

I am very excited about the role technology is already playing, not only for Medix, but broadly in the healthcare sector. Technologies powered by Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, medical wearables and various digital health applications increase accuracy, streamline processes and reduce inefficiencies, essentially transforming the way we provide and consume healthcare.

While penetration of wearable devices is still relatively low, and the primary applications are more wellness focused, the possibilities are increasing with medical-grade wearables taking many forms such as patches, shirts, trousers, socks and more, embedded with technology that does not impede our life, yet is entirely focused on improving it. This will enable us to collect data about members on a continuous basis and not wait until they are ill.

Machine learning and AI are another revolutionary enabler through their ability to analyse vast amounts of data gathered from various sources e.g. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to find patterns, associations, insights and ultimately make predictions and recommendations. Based on advanced algorithms like Patients Like Me these are surely playing a much bigger role today and improving predictability and accuracy of medical care. AI powered chatbots, for instance, already serve as a triage tool for patients by answering basic health queries and assessing symptoms.

Studies estimate that we are facing global shortage of 7.2m healthcare workers, a figure that will likely double by 2035. With this in mind, AI is a critical element in the healthcare landscape of the future and overtime, we will see more and more applications of this technology. This helps reduce unnecessary hospital and doctor visits while also empowering patients and providing them with information to help make informed decisions.

AI is currently also used for diagnosing radiology images with a very high level of accuracy. It is not to say, that AI will replace all doctors, but it can significantly increase efficiencies, augment their capabilities, standarise care and provide a powerful decision support tool and streamline healthcare processes. The way I see it, these technologies are a powerful enabler of the democratisation of healthcare and Medix is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting movement.

Moving forward, what can we expect to see from Medix Global in the years to come?

This is a very exciting year for Medix. We are significantly expanding our presence across Asia Pacific, China Mainland and the Middle East while in parallel restructuring some of our operations in Europe. We are also working in partnership with leading tech companies to offer new and innovative services.

Being very passionate about what we do I am looking forward to continue making a real difference for our partners and people around the world. I am proud to continue to improve accessibility of quality medical care, flatten the inequality of care curve and be at the forefront of the democratisation of healthcare, giving every member and patient a voice, a personalised solution and an impactful meaning in the future of our healthcare landscapes.

I am proud to promise better health and execute, deliver on our promises.

Along with my family, this is my life’s meaningful purpose.

iPMI Magazine provides premium and freemium content delivery solutions specifically tailored to the international private medical insurance market.

Using the latest technology iPMI Magazine can deliver critical business communications to an eclectic worldwide readership from international medical payor to provider. 

News classifications include:

• iPMI Plans and Product News
• Air & Ground Ambulance News
• Appointments & Movements News
• Breaking iPMI News
• Cost Containment News
• Company Results News
• Disaster News
• Expatriate Life
• Hospital & Clinic News
• IT & InsureTech News
• Medical Assistance News
• Mergers & Acquisitions News
• Reinsurance News
• Risk News
• Travel Insurance News
• Travel News

Write to ipmi[at]ipmimagazine.com to learn more or to submit content. 

About iPMI Magazine

Due to the nomadic nature of the international private medical insurance (IPMI) industry, iPMI Magazine is an internet based news service for worldwide insurance and assistance professionals who need to understand the impacts of insurance and healthcare policy, regulatory, and legislative developments. Over 40,000 senior level business decision makers, in over 120 countries, rely on iPMI Magazine to stay 1 step ahead of the risk and on the inside track of international PMI. Covering business travellers, high net worth individuals, expatriate and leisure travel markets, iPMI Magazine is the only international news source covering the most exciting sector of international health insurance: international private medical insurance.

Leading international private medical insurance publisher iPMI Magazine is excited to launch 3 exclusive summer offers for international medical insurance market payors and providers.

For the next 2 weeks this is your opportunity to benefit from leading IPMI market intelligence and real global brand exposure.

Offer 1: Save 20% When You Join iPMI Magazine Network

Covering all aspects and sectors of the international private medical insurance market from medical payor to medical provider the iPMI Magazine network is where the world of IPMI go to network with new partners and customers, expand global provider service networks and protect insureds.

All sectors of the business are represented from IPMI, assistance, ambulance, claims management, cost containment, funeral directors, technology and more and with a truly global reach the network can place your brand in the right place, at the right time, in front of the right people.

"Advertise alongside partners and competitors complimented by highly relevant and regular market content whilst been seen by the entire industry from the global iPMI Market opt-in readership. Customers don't just read iPMI Magazine, they also advertise with iPMI Magazine due to our international eclectic readership"

Network members benefit from 24/7, always on global brand exposure through the following components:

Dedicated online company micro site under the companies tab on iPMIM;
• 3 exclusive web banner designs;
• Latest News Module;
• Full contact details with web and email links;
• A video module;
• About Us bio module;
• Access to submit educational contents including PR, articles and interviews.

Currently the network provides the following services around the world:

• Air Ambulance;
• Assistance;
• Funeral Services;
• Ground Ambulance;
• Medical Insurance;
• Pharma Delivery Services;
• Technology Services and Products;
• Travel Insurance.

Click here to view the network members

The iPMI Magazine network is also presented in an easy to use online magazine "e-directory' that may be quickly accessed by anyone, anywhere in the world, with an internet connection.

Click here to view the network e-directory

Offer 1 Rate Card: £5000 Special Offer: £4000 Duration: 12 months

"How Did You Find iPMI Magazine? The same way your customers and partners found us - iPMI magazine is everywhere"

Offer 2: Save When You Purchase Your Own Copy Of International Health Insurance 2019: The Definitive iPMI Market Report

Over 1500 pages of iPMI market data, this IPMI report is the result of over 30 years of industry research by report author Ian Youngman. The report covers the entire IPMI market including country and company profiles.

Volume 1 Market Overview:April 2019 (230 pages)
Volume 2 Companies: Available July 2019 - 133 company profiles (over 500 pages)
Volume 3 Countries: Available September 2019 - 180 country profiles (over 600 pages)

Rate Card as sold elsewhere: £3600 iPMI Advertiser Price: £2250 iPMI Magazine Subscriber Price:£2700

Learn more click here and read the report media pack and contents
To access sample contents of this must-have report email us on ipmi[at]ipmimagazine.com

Offer 3: Join iPMI Magazine Network And Purchase A Copy Of International Health Insurance 2019

For those serious about the iPMI market you can join the network and buy a copy of the report, all in for only £5250, a huge saving on the rate card of both products. Enjoy professional market brand exposure and awareness whilst educating your company and employees about the leading markets and players operating in the complex cross border world of iPMI.

How To Get Involved

Email David Bond, CIO, iPMI Magazine on ipmi[at]ipmimagazine.com and one of our executive management team will be in contact.

Please note the iPMI Magazine network is not available to all payors and providers, and you will need to satisfy some requirements in order to join.

About iPMI Magazine

For 10 years over 40,000 senior level business decision makers, in over 120 countries, rely on iPMI Magazine to stay 1 step ahead of the risk and on the inside track of international PMI. Covering business travellers, high net worth individuals, expatriate and leisure travel markets, iPMI Magazine is the only truly international news platform covering the most exciting sector of international health insurance: international private medical insurance.

DO NOT BELIEVE THE HYPE, BELIEVE INDUSTRY LEADERS ::

iPMI Magazine is an excellent source of in-depth information on our market and useful to a wide range of brokers, customers, insurers and service providers.

Richard Di Benedetto President Aetna International

iPMI Magazine is an incredible case study in the age of new wave digital media! For advertisers catering for expatriate and business travel insurance and assistance, it has drawn respected and targeted exposure, in a field previously limited in scope and content. As a result more industry leaders are learning that this is not only a viable growth sector globally, but also about the overwhelming importance of international health insurance, and how it affects our personal lives and work environment.

Brian S. Piper, Head of Business Development, Integra Global

Chris Knight is a true professional. He is diligent and has an excellent understanding of business relationship management combined with an enthusiastic drive. He is respected by us as a leader in his specialist field and a joy to do business with.

Christopher Percival, Director, HealthCare International

iPMI magazine is an excellent media for brokers & insurers with an excellent internet exposure.Thank you for your collaboration with AOC Insurance Broker.

Olivier LE FAOUDER, CEO, AOC Insurance Broker

QHA Trent has no formal or financial association with IPMI Magazine, but it has very interesting content indeed that is easily accessible.

Professor Steve Green, Trent Accreditation UK

Chris is a non -stop guy, who gets results and does not stop at obstacles. He has an incredible address book and is well respected in the International Healthcare/events field. If Chris says he can deliver, then sit back and relax, he WILL deliver.

Dr. Siddick Maudarbocus CEO Medic Assistance International

AXA Global Healthcare has announced it will be enhancing its IPMI plans from October 2017 to meet the fresh challenges in the International Private Medical Insurance market. These updates include improvements to key offerings such as the International Health Plan, and Global Protect Health Plan in Hong Kong.

Enhancements have been made across several areas of cover, including policy limits on the Standard and Prestige Plus plans, improved ambulance transport benefit and an increased drugs and dressings and out-patient limit. Additionally, AXA is also introducing two new excess options to its Standard plan to give individual customers more options to tailor their premiums.  

Kevin Melton, Director of Sales and Marketing commented, “We’re always reviewing our global health insurance propositions to make sure we can offer our customers the service and cover they need to live their life to the fullest. The global healthcare market is always evolving, and that’s why we’ve updated our proposition to ensure it can better meet the needs of our customers, wherever they are in the world. Whether they want a comprehensive health plan or cover in an emergency, we hope that these enhancements will provide the extra flexibility our customers require, so they have complete confidence in their plan.”

Key changes include:

• Overall policy limit – AXA has increased its overall annual policy limit on Standard and Prestige Plus, to offer customers additional confidence that its plans can cover them for the treatment they may need.
• Out-patient combined limit – treatment cost varies by country. So to ensure customers can continue to get the most out of their Comprehensive and Prestige plans, AXA has increased its out-patient limit which covers diagnostic tests as well as physiotherapy, and visits to a doctor.
• Ambulance transport – by removing the limit for ambulance transportation across all levels of cover, AXA now covers the cost of ambulance transport in full for its customers. Based on market analysis, AXA identified this as a key area of improvement for customers.
• New excess options – AXA understands that individual clients who choose the Standard International Health Plan are often happy to pay for day-to-day medical costs themselves, but still want cover for any serious or emergency treatment. AXA has therefore introduced two higher excess options on the Standard plan without out-patient cover. This option can also help manage premiums for any individual customers who are concerned about price increases.
• Drugs and dressings benefit – AXA has listened to feedback from members and increased the drugs and dressings limit on Comprehensive and Prestige plans.

The product enhancements also cover country-specific plans, including the Global Protect Health Plan, available to large corporate clients in Hong Kong.

Kevin Melton concluded, “These enhancements along with the our core offerings which include a second opinion service and evacuation and repatriation as standard means that customers can rest assured that with AXA, we’ll be there to help them whenever they need us.”

Leading international private medical insurance provider, Now Health International (www.now-health.com) has analysed almost 120,000 claims made by its customers and can now reveal the top twenty diagnoses in terms of frequency since the company started trading in 2011.  

Topping the list is Acute Bronchitis followed by sprains and strains and then lower back pain.  The full list is as follows:

1. Acute Bronchitis
2. Sprains and strains
3. Lower back pain
4. Acute Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
5. Diarrhea and Gastroenteritis
6. Fever
7. Cough
8. Urinary infection
9. Conjunctivitis
10. Gastritis
11. Chest pain
12. Rashes
13. Headache
14. Cervicalgia (neck pain)
15. Vitamin D deficiency
16. Influenza
17. Asthma
18. Eczema
19. Abdominal and pelvic pain
20. Dizziness and giddiness 

The top ten claims accounted for 77% of all claims made and the top twenty, 17%. Claims for list-topping Acute Bronchitis/Bronchiolitis amounted to 16% of all claims spread across the four years.

Although it didn’t make the top 20, Now Health has also somewhat interestingly received 29 claims for dog/other mammal bites over the last four years.  

Now Health’s Marketing and Ecommerce Director, Alison Massey, said, “As an Asian-headquartered business, much of our customer base reside in this part of the world. The region often experiences poor air quality due to pollution and other factors such as haze that comes from crop burning so it seems logical that a respiratory illness should top our list.” 

Massey continued, “We were also initially surprised at the number of claims associated with Vitamin D deficiency. However, we have discovered that it is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide for both adults and children. And with many of our members based in the Middle East who spend much of their time in indoors and out of the blazing hot sun, it’s more understandable.”

Now Health International is one of the fastest growing providers of IPMI solutions for Global Expatriates, High-Net-Worth individuals and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises.  Just four years old and with more than 130 years of collective IPMI management experience, Now Health already has offices in the UK, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Jakarta, with Abu Dhabi coming soon.