The emergence of a ‘hybrid’ form of international private medical insurance
Worldwide cover, country-specific plans and concierge service make Umatter a win-win for employers with local national and expat employees
African corporates in need of health insurance for their employees face numerous challenges. This is particularly true for multinational employers who employ both local and expat employees in multiple territories, and who are looking for cover from one sole provider.
A hybrid approach
Unisure offers employers a hybrid health insurance plan – one that offers international cover when necessary, but also one that understands and caters for the local market. Not to mention one single point of contact across multiple territories, with the ability to offer employees the same level of benefits and service delivery.
This insight was a large part of the inspiration behind the launch of The Unisure Group’s dynamic Umatter international private medical insurance (IPMI) plan. As Daniel van der Merwe, Head of Unisure’s IPMI division, explains, “Umatter offers worldwide cover, but it’s also unique to each country it operates in and it’s locally regulated, so it’s not a purely international plan.”
The strength of the Umatter plans lies in the fact that they are country-specific and structured according to deep local data insights and strategic partnerships. In Tanzania, for example, Umatter is underwritten by Phoenix Assurance (an MUA Company1) and supported by The Unisure Group, offering the ideal hybrid local, regional and international solution for employers.
Concierge service is what makes Umatter truly unique
On the surface, Umatter’s dynamic structure, personalisation, worldwide cover, generous benefits (up to USD 5 million) and wallet-free experience are its greatest differentiators. Look a little deeper, however, and employers and HR leaders understand that Umatter also offers a truly unique concierge service that is difficult to quantify but impossible to ignore once you’ve experienced it.
“The ethos that drives Umatter is that we’re there for our members when they need us most, anywhere and any time. Yes, our benefits were created to support any medical condition, anywhere in the world, without the need for a co-payment, but it’s that special Umatter concierge service that you want.”
“Not only do we pride ourselves on a simple and efficient onboarding process and 24/7/365 service, including unparalleled emergency medical evacuation services, but we’ve also taken the stress and financial worries away from HR leaders and their employees. With Umatter, you phone us and tell us what you need. You’re never on your own, searching for the best hospital and phoning to enquire about admissions. We handle all of that for you.”
There’s no doubt that dealing with an unreliable insurance partner can place unnecessary financial and administrative stress on one’s employees, not to mention the time and distractions incurred trying to secure pre-authorisations and reimbursement for their claims. This is particularly true today, at a time when healthcare is firmly in the spotlight and becoming an increasingly important benefit for employees at all levels.
According to the Gallup “State of the Global Workplace 2021” report2, employee engagement amongst employees throughout sub-Saharan Africa is sitting at a low 16% (compared with the global average of 20%). On top of that, but 41% reported experiencing daily worry and 44% daily stress.
When you’re offering your employees an important benefit like health insurance, you want the benefit to exceed their expectations, deliver great service (that reflects well on your company and its culture), and ultimately encourage employees to arrive at work as their healthiest, most productive selves. That’s when employee benefits truly make smart business sense.
To learn more about The Unisure Group’s Umatter plan, click through to our Umatter and Umatter Core pages or email us at info.umatter@unisuregroup.com.