AIA Philippines embeds mental health in offerings
The local unit of Hong Kong-based insurance firm AIA Group Ltd. said is scaling up efforts to make more available mental health provisions that clients may avail of through their offerings, citing growing demand for such products or services.
Melissa Henson, chief marketing officer at AIA Philippines, said in a press briefing that they already do offer some service and support related to mental health in their network of clinics across the country.
“We also have partnered with some providers for counseling services, and that will come with certain packages and certain products that are available to our customers,” Henson said.
“So, it’s something that recently we have been looking to make more and more available, given the increasing concerns and awareness [of this matter],” she added.
In AIA Philippines’ survey of about a thousand Filipinos, 30 percent said that a healthy mind fits their definition of a healthy life. This came second after having a healthy body, which 52 percent of respondents cited.
Meanwhile, 12 percent mentioned healthy financial habits while 7 percent referred to having a healthy environment.
‘Acute spike’
Stuart Spencer, chief marketing officer at AIA Group, said they have seen an acute spike in depression and a broader deterioration of mental wellness across Asia.
“And we’re dealing with stereotypes, stigmas, and taboos that, in a way, have intimidated people and have prevented people from seeking access and seeking assistance to get therapy,” Spencer said.
He said they want to incorporate in AIA products more benefits that enable access to mental health professionals and to make this a prominent and crucial element of their clients’ overall health.
“There simply isn’t enough care available. And that’s a reflection of the stereotypes and stigmas and taboos,” Spencer said.
“So you have a supply and a demand issue that’s taking place across the region. What we’re trying to do is help bridge that gap and help,” he added.
