The provider says it has seen a doubling in business customer claims for mental health treatment in the last decade and says its new Bupa Business Mental Health Advantage is designed to enable businesses to support employees’ recovery and return to work.
The new proposition provides cover for mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar and anxiety. It also includes those that are typically excluded such as alcohol and drug abuse. The proposition removes time limits on treatment for mental health conditions, meaning individuals can seek help if their condition returns. The service also offers ongoing support for the monitoring and maintenance of diagnosed mental health conditions, to help employees manage their condition and prevent worsening symptoms.
The Stevenson/ Farmer Thriving At Work review of mental health and employers, published in October 2017, estimated that poor mental health costs employers between £33bn and £42bn a year, working out at over £1,000 per employee per year.
Bupa Insurance UK CEO Alex Perry says: “Mental health is one of the biggest people issues that businesses – big and small – face today. This launch makes it possible for business leaders to provide better support for their colleagues.”
In addition to the Business Mental Health Advantage, Bupa’s existing mental health benefits and services includes a self-referral service which allows employees to speak to a specialist consultant without needing a GP referral.
Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries chairman Stuart Scullion says: “There are businesses across the UK that want to create a work culture where their employees feel comfortable to start a conversation around mental health. This launch from Bupa puts employee support front and centre, and for the first time, UK businesses can be confident they’re providing their employees with access to first class mental health benefits and service, whenever they need it.”
