AXA - Global Healthcare rolls out online doctor service to all members

Written by Andy Edwards

Global Head of International Healthcare, AXA - Global Healthcare.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, AXA - Global Healthcare, which specialises in cross-border healthcare insurance, is making its international online doctor service, Virtual Doctor from AXA, available to all insured members with plans arranged by its EU and UK hubs. The move sees all members with Global Health Plans and Islands Health Plans having convenient access to internationally qualified doctors over the phone 24 hours a day, or via a video consultation between 8am and midnight UK time.

Originally launched in November 2018 to all of AXA - Global Healthcare’s international Individual and SME customers with out-patient cover, the app – available on iOS and Android – is being made available for three months until 30th June 2020 to all large corporate clients that haven’t yet chosen the service. All AXA - Global Healthcare Individual and SME customers who don’t have out-patient cover on their policy will also have access from now on.

Andy Edwards, Global Head of International Healthcare, commented: “With people around the world seeking to protect themselves and their families by social distancing, it’s more important than ever that they have access to medical advice when they need it. We’re already seeing the reassurance our online doctor service is giving to many of our global members at this challenging time. 

“We hope that extending our service in this way will help to provide some much-needed support to even more members over the coming weeks and months, and relieve some of the unprecedented pressures facing on-the-ground healthcare delivery services around the world at this time.”

Since launch, the service, provided by Teladoc Health, has already connected customers with a doctor in more than 85 countries around the world and supported a wide range of medical conditions, with more consultations happening every day. Members have reported using the service to get medical advice on skin rashes, a recommended treatment path after a car accident, advice for dealing with a knee injury and for managing back pain. 

Carlos Nueno, President of Teladoc Health International, commented: “We are proud to partner with AXA - Global Healthcare to offer a virtual care solution to all their members globally. The Covid-19 global pandemic has reinforced the need for virtual care all around the world, in order to help patients address their healthcare needs during this time of uncertainty. We will continue to deliver high-quality care for our patients, with licensed doctors and in the comfort of their own home, via smartphone or video conferencing, providing faster diagnoses.”

With social distancing now leading to more people working from home, AXA - Global Healthcare has also shared a webinar it recently hosted for its own colleagues, in the hope that the insights provided may help others with their overall wellbeing at this difficult time. Titled ‘Working well, wherever your desk may be’, the webinar was delivered by one of AXA’s Programme Lead Physiologists, and it explores ways to boost your immune system, stay hydrated, keep active and manage your mind health.

The information in this article is correct at the time of publishing.