Customers using the comprehensive level of AXA’s International Health Plan now have an ‘extended out-patient optional upgrade’, that covers a full refund up to the £1.5m overall policy limit for medical practitioner consultations, diagnostic tests and out-patient drugs and dressings prescribed by a medical practitioner.
It also offers increased cover for consultations for treatment of psychiatric illness and physiotherapy treatment.
Axa Global Healthcare says the move is designed to appeal to SMEs, particularly smaller firms with stricter budgets, who want benefits that will actively support employees on a day-to-day basis.
SMEs covering up to 49 employees now have four options to choose from if they wish to add an upgrade to the International Health Plan Comprehensive cover level; extended out-patient, travel insurance, routine pregnancy cover or dental care.
Axa Global Healthcare director of sales and marketing Kevin Melton says: “In today’s connected world, it’s becoming increasingly common for smaller businesses to have employees based overseas. Some will even offer the opportunity to travel as a way of attracting and retaining talent, but it’s important to ensure that staff have the means to take care of their health, and the health of their families, while working abroad.
“Providing benefits such as international healthcare can be a source of significant pressure for SMEs, where, arguably, budgets can be tighter than in larger companies, but flexibility is still particularly important.”
