Paul Robertson asks Mike Wagg about Simplyhealth's approach to a series of evolving markets.
Simplyhealth is also looking at setting up some peripheral services in the form of three networks: a mental health network, a physiotherapy network and a dental network.
The dental network is borne out of the insurer’s relationship with Denplan, which now forms part of the Simplyhealth Group. However, the company already has experience in the other two.
“Networks are not actually a new format for us really because we have introduced networks to our corporate book over recent years, that is the physiotherapy network and the mental health network,” Wagg said.
“The physio network I think is excellent; it continues to deliver for our large corporate book. And the development of this part of the product has been borne out of the work that we put in with that corporate book.”
In insurer speak, the physiotherapy network could be said to be about delivering treatment to the member at the right time, and ensuring that it is suitable for them as individuals and ties into the demands of the workplace.
When asked if this translates to insurers trying to move away from the standard idea of ‘bad back equals ten appointments at the physio’, Wagg enthusiastically agreed.
“Absolutely,” he said. “If a member makes contact with us, they will be referred on to the network. And then a physiotherapist will assess the member’s needs, will give support and may introduce an exercise regime for that particular member.
“That discussion can take place over the phone from the office so may negate the need for an individual having to physically visit a physiotherapist.”
Perhaps crucially, if there is a treatment regime that is put into place, and there is an excess chargeable under the policy, then the excess would not be applied.
Mental health at the forefront
However, in today’s climate it is possibly mental health that will prove to be possibly the largest side of the peripheral services, and of any protection and health insurer’s client base. In short, if clients are going to have anything, they will have stress problems.
Wagg has a similar view about mental health that he has on physiotherapy. He said: “It is about not following what could be regarded as the traditional route of referring, of the members being referred to a consultant psychiatrist from day one.
