Recruiting talents is an uphill battle for many start-ups and SMEs, so many enterprises offer different benefits and perks to attract talents, such as bonus schemes, flexible working hours, subsidies for continuous learning, free snacks and drinks, entertainment allowance, etc.
Apart from the benefits mentioned above, the coverage of group medical insurance is also an important indicator for many job seekers. According to the 2022 Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey, employees expect more health and well-being support from employers such as enhanced health insurance and well-being programs. Businesses must look beyond the traditional salary and benefits packages to attract and retain talent.
However, numerous medical insurance products are available in the market. How can you make a choice apart from comparing premiums? To select wisely, decision makers of start-ups and SMEs should weigh the entry requirements, coverage details, compensation per item, claim process, and provisions of group plans.
How Does an Employer Choose a Suitable Group Medical Plan?
Start-ups and SMEs may be hindered by the minimum number of employees and costs when selecting their group medical plans. Therefore, before finding the most suitable plan for your business, let’s consider the following factors.
1. Entry Requirements
For start-ups, an inadequate number of employees may affect productivity and fail to meet the entry requirement of applying for group medical insurance. Since many group plans have a threshold of five employees, you should pay more attention to the minimum number of employees required when selecting a plan.
2. Application Process
Besides, you need to submit an application form, a copy of the business registration, and your employees’ health declaration or information for underwriting during the application of a group medical plan. To avoid these complicated procedures, you can opt for plans with a simple application process in which underwriting is not necessary.
3. Medical Network
When choosing a group medical plan, you should consider these factors, such as the scale of the medical network, the number of network doctors, the reputation of private hospitals and clinics, and the operation of the patient care system. Furthermore, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Bonesetting, Physiotherapy, and other specialists are offered by some network clinics and medical service providers. You should understand more about the coverage items while making a decision.
4. Plan Coverage
Before deciding which plan to enroll, you should consider the needs of your employees against the group medical insurance. Basic coverage of the group medical plan includes hospitalization and surgical benefits and optional benefits, such as outpatient, dental and vision benefits, annual body check-ups, etc. Optional benefits protect your employees more comprehensively.
5. Premium Details
To control operation costs, you should pay attention to the terms and conditions regarding the premium and consider deductibles and coinsurance as well. Generally, premium per staff is higher if the plan covers more flexibility. However, you should choose the most suitable plan for your company according to your budget so as to attain the required medical coverage.
6. Online Portal
Being short-handed is a common problem for many start-ups and SMEs. Employees may need to perform numerous job duties and functions. Therefore, opting for a group plan with an online portal, where you can handle policies and claims, undoubtedly saves time and human resources dealing with these administrative works. It also allows employees to manage their policies and make claims with ease.
1. Quality Medical Network
Members can access Cigna’s carefully selected network of experienced medical service providers across various disciplines with over 4,900 medical service options across the territory. Niche specialists are covered, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and Bonesetting. Each member can enjoy quality medical service by visiting nearby providers, clinics, and hospitals.
2. Unique 1:1 Dedicated Cigna Care Manager Service
Apart from the best-in-class coverage on medical expenses, Cigna’s Group Medical Plan offers the dedicated Cigna Care Manager Service to offer professional medical advice and follow-up on your hospital stay, surgery, or other treatment arrangements in appropriate circumstances. Cigna Care Manager also provides emotional support and information on improving health, allowing you to recover with peace of mind and relieve pressure.
3. Cigna Telehealth Service
Amongst those surveyed in the 2023 Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey, virtual care is considered an efficient alternative to physical care, approximately six in 10 people (59%) have used technology in healthcare in past two years. Members under Cigna’s Group Medical Plan can obtain professional medical advice from doctors anytime, anywhere by simply downloading the app. You are free to select among panel doctor lists, get medication delivered to you at your convenience and receive a medical certificate or specialist referral if required. It saves your time by skipping the long queues at clinics.
4. Cigna Customer Service Chatbot - Chloe
Chloe - The 24-hour Cigna Customer Service Chatbot is here to help members find a doctor, book an appointment and get directions to your doctor’s appointment in a more convenient way. Simply add the WhatsApp number 6601 3136 today to access the service.
5. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
According to the 2022 Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey, among the 1,000 people surveyed in Hong Kong, 87% feel stressed, and 19% find this stress unmanageable. To support both the physical and mental health of your workers, Cigna sets up 24-hour counseling support for your employees to assist during any emergencies or emotional needs. It can help SMEs and start-ups to formulate a healthy and harmonious workplace.
6. Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services
If you have a medical emergency or sudden medical needs during an overseas trip, you can use these services to arrange a medical evacuation to an appropriate location for emergency medical treatment or repatriation to Hong Kong
The above information is provided by Cigna. Product coverage and features are not entirely covered in this article. The designated insurance plans are bound by their policy provisions.
For complete details of product features, terms, conditions, and exclusions, please refer to Cigna’s website, the product brochure, and policy provisions. The information above shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or provision of any products of Cigna to any individuals or groups.
Source
© Cigna Healthcare 2023
Information provided in this article is intended for health and fitness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease (see Terms & Conditions for details). Any health-related information found in this article is available only for your interest and should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician, especially before self-diagnosing any ailment or embarking on any new lifestyle or exercise regime. Any information contained in this article may not be suitable, accurate, complete or reliable. Cigna Healthcare accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information contained on external websites or resources, or for the security and safety of using them. "Cigna Healthcare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered trademarks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. in the United States and elsewhere, licensed for use. All products and services are provided by or through operating subsidiaries, and not by The Cigna Group.
