Seven in ten women expect employers to have a menopause leave policy in place

Seven in ten women expect their employer to have a menopause policy in place but only 18% do

The laya healthcare Workplace Wellbeing Index reports

Seven in ten women expect employers to have a menopause leave policy in place
One in three HR leaders claim their company offers menopause leave
Almost half of women look for fertility supports when job searching

Now more than ever, employees are placing greater importance on access to menopause supports within their organisations (and not just women of menopause age). The biggest increase in importance this year comes from men, reflective of the wider conversation and de-stigmatisation of menopause, with 50% noting the importance of a menopause policy when looking for a new job.

Results showed that both men and women feel that menopause supports are important for employers to provide, an increase from 10% last year to 13% now. Seven in ten women say it’s important to have a menopause policy in place (with 56% of men of the same opinion) and 56% say that it is a significant factor when searching for a new job.

Interestingly, 36% of HR leaders said that their organisation offers menopause leave while only 16% of employees noted the same. This gap showcases the need for organisations to raise awareness of this important service.

Of a similar vein, fertility supports are of significant importance for both men (47%) and women (49%) when looking for a new job. Females questioned did place a slightly higher importance on miscarriage, baby loss leave, fertility and surrogacy leave. The results showed that more availability and indeed awareness of availability of these services is required – an important note for HR leaders.

Commenting on the research findings, Sinead Proos, Head of Health & Wellbeing at laya healthcare said,

A point of interest from the research is that issues surrounding women’s health have become much more prevalent for their male counterparts. Despite this, we know that women continue to carry the burden with the data showing that more women are working while sick and struggling with sleep

While more and more companies look to be introducing assistance, employees need to be made aware of the supports on offer; these could include additional leave as required, access to virtual GP’s and counselling or other mental health supports.

I encourage HR leaders to download the supporting playbooks providing greater insight and suggestions of how to tackle the issues raised available at layahealthcare.ie/wellbeingindex.

Dr Sumi Dunne, GP & Clinical Lecturer adds

The data is encouraging. It is hugely positive to see the increased calls for supports from both male and female employees and indeed to see a changing landscape in terms of supports for menopause, fertility and other experiences which can have a detrimental effect on a persons’ wellbeing. I hugely encourage open dialogue around these topics in the workplace, paving the way for a shift in thinking and a greater understanding of the journey that someone may be on.

Laya healthcare is helping employers stay a beat ahead by supporting their employee’s mental health through the Workplace Wellbeing Index, one of Ireland’s largest studies among Irish employees and employers in the workplace. The full Workplace Wellbeing Index report, supporting playbooks and indeed speaker series to support a healthy workforce, can be downloaded / viewed at layahealthcare.ie/wellbeingindex.

Laya healthcare opens second Laya Health and Wellbeing clinic in Dublin

New 25,000 sq ft clinic to open in Swords resulting in 25 new jobs

Laya healthcare today announced the launch of a new Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic in Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co Dublin. This will increase the nationwide network of Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics to four and add an additional clinic to the Dublin area making it the fastest growing urgent care network in Ireland.

The North Dublin clinic will offer a range of health and wellbeing services including walk-in urgent care for the treatment of minor injuries and illnesses where patients as young as 12 months+ will be seen within 60 minutes - available to laya healthcare members and non-members. All Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics have diagnostic imaging on-site continuing laya healthcare’s promise to improve access and ensure the current and future healthcare needs of members. The Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Swords will provide X-Ray, MRI, Ultrasound and Dexa scan.

The investment of over €3million in the opening of this brand-new Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in North Co. Dublin will result in a new 25,000 sq ft clinic which will treat approximately 30,000 patients annually. As part of the expansion, 25 new jobs will be created including clinical and administrative teams. As with all Laya Health and Wellbeing clinics, it will be open 365 days per year from 10am – 10pm.

This clinic opening continues laya healthcare’s expansion and investment in its clinics since the first clinic opening in 2019, providing better healthcare access for members. Laya healthcare has seen an increased demand for the clinics year on year and in the past year alone footfall has increased by over 50%, with minor injuries being the highest reason for clinic presentations. The demand for this new Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic is expected to be high due to the growing population of over 40,000 in Swords, and the fact that many from surrounding areas are likely to travel for the prompt service rather than presenting in busy A&E departments for lengthy periods.

The new clinic will provide;

Access to the right care at the right time and Consultant-led urgent care for minor injuries and illness available to members and non-members alike – be seen within 60 minutes with the average out of pocket cost for members of €40
A dedicated wellbeing space for the range of wellbeing services including Physio, HeartBeat (available to members over the age of 12) and HealthCoach (available to members over the age of 18) screening programmes with further plans for preventative health screening to be announced in 2024 (available exclusively to laya healthcare members)
Faster access to world class diagnostic imaging including MRI, X-Ray, Dexa Scan, and Ultrasound
For maximum ease and convenience, patients can be directly referred to an Orthopaedic Consultant in the Fracture Clinic located in the clinic for follow up patient care.

Commenting on the major investment and expansion of the Laya Health and Wellbeing clinic network, John Mc Call, Director of Claims and Provider Relations said;

“Today is a momentous day as we mark the significant investment of €3million in our Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics, which is in response to the ongoing demand for our existing clinic services. Our clinic will offer members and non-members alike access to an array of healthcare services from preventative wellbeing all the way through to the treatment. Contributing to the ambition of Slaintecare, we firmly believe in the importance of delivering the right care at the right time, and that is why our clinics are open 365 days per year with consultant-led care delivered within one hour.”

Mother of three and Laya Health and Wellbeing Ambassador, Anna Daly who was onsite for the official launch of the clinic, spoke about the convenience of the urgent care service and her experience to date:

“As a laya healthcare member, it is great to see the new Laya Health Wellbeing Clinic open in Swords today featuring state of the art facilities, all of which are accessible to the local community. The Swords clinic makes it even easier to access consultant led health and wellbeing services across Dublin and the surrounding areas. As a busy mum of three young boys, I have used the Laya Health & Wellbeing urgent care clinic services in the past and was so impressed with the treatment that was received. Knowing that a patient will be seen within 60 minutes offers huge peace of mind and convenience.”

To find out more about the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics visit www.layahealthcare.ie

AXA announce completion of acquisition of laya healthcare

Welcome news: AXA announce completion of acquisition of laya healthcare

I’m delighted to share some positive news with our members. AXA has announced that it has completed its acquisition of laya healthcare from Corebridge, securing full regulatory approval and the customary closing conditions attached to the sale.

Business as usual

Please be assured that it remains very much business as usual for us at laya healthcare – there’s no change for you or the cover you hold with us. Our members will continue to benefit from the exceptional customer experience we’re committed to delivering.

With AXA’s backing, we hope to accelerate our ambitious plans for growth and to empower our members through better and faster access to world class healthcare - that is at the very heart of what we’re committed to achieving and AXA share that ambition too.

AXA – a trusted global player

This is a pivotal point in our journey at laya. By joining AXA, we are now part of a hugely successful and trusted name in insurance worldwide and our combined potential is hugely exciting. AXA has 145,000 employees worldwide serving 93 million clients in 51 countries.

Shared values and ambition

AXA’s ethos of helping their customers ‘protect what matters’ complements laya healthcare’s own mission to empower our members to look after their health and wellbeing so they can be at their very best, always. Our team are excited about today’s news – they know it will bring fantastic benefits to them and ultimately to our 690,000 members who let us look after them, always.

Thanks again for letting us look after you, and those you love.

Take care,

Dónal Clancy

Managing Director

Member Update

Hi All,

Some welcome and positive news.

AXA - a global and trusted name in insurance- announced that it has entered into an agreement to buy laya healthcare. This is hugely positive news that’s been welcomed with real excitement by all our team - they know it will bring fantastic benefits to our 690,000 members. It marks a major milestone in laya healthcare’s 25+ years in business and is an exciting development in our growth.

Business as usual

While we wanted to let you in on our good news, the reality is that nothing changes for you which I know will be welcome news for you too! It remains very much business as usual at laya healthcare – you will continue to benefit from the exceptional customer experience we’re committed to delivering, and there’s no impact on the health cover you hold with us. With AXA’s backing, we hope to accelerate our ambitious plans for growth and to empower our members through better and faster access to world class healthcare.

While the agreement has been signed, the completion of the transaction will take place once the necessary regulatory approvals have been secured – expected to be sometime later this year.

Should you have any questions on our news with AXA please get in touch with us at layahealthcare.ie/contactus or give us a call.

Thanks again for letting us look after you, and those you love.

Take care,

Dónal Clancy

Laya Healthcare extends rugby sponsorship as the official Health and Wellbeing Partner of both Munster Rugby and Connacht Rugby

Laya healthcare has today announced it has it has committed to another two years as the official Health and Wellbeing partner of both Munster Rugby and Connacht Rugby.

Laya healthcare plan to continue its work with both clubs on a strategic vision that supports the performance of the provinces by focusing on aspects of health and wellbeing across the men’s and women’s teams, the backroom team, right through to the fans.

Laya healthcare's partnership with both teams underscores the company's commitment to promoting health and wellness in the communities it serves. As part of the partnership, laya healthcare will provide support and resources to both male and female teams, including access to HeartBeat Cardiac screenings for players and backroom teams.

According to Kevin Kent, Head of Marketing at laya healthcare: “Laya healthcare is extremely proud to be the official health & wellbeing partners of both Munster and Connacht Rugby since 2020 and we’re delighted today to be announcing the extension of this sponsorship until 2025.”

He added; “We have strong links to both regions with our Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics in Galway and Limerick. The sponsorships will now further support these communities. By tapping into the positive power of sport, laya’s commitment to health and wellness will empower players and fans alike across the provinces to embrace innovative new ways to take control of their health and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

Commenting on the partnership, Dave Kavanagh, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Munster Rugby, said: ““Laya healthcare has had such a positive influence on our community over the years through their steadfast support of Munster Rugby, the clubs, its players, and passionate fans. Through their support, laya contributes to the overall wellbeing and performance of the team, which plays a crucial role in helping us to stay a beat ahead and perform to the highest level. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with laya healthcare and can’t wait to see what the next couple of years will bring.”

Philip Patterson, Head of Commercial and Marketing at Connacht Rugby, added: “Laya healthcare has been a dedicated supporter of Connacht Rugby teams, our people, and our fans over the past three years. We are delighted that laya healthcare has chosen to extend its partnership with Connacht Rugby. The continued support as the title sponsor for the Laya Tag Rugby Series is also excellent news for Connacht as it goes from strength to strength each year. We are looking forward to the season ahead.”

Laya healthcare has already built strong links in both regions, with Health & Wellbeing Clinic in Limerick and Galway. Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics offer an array of diagnostics to both laya healthcare members and non-members. The healthcare services include walk-in urgent care for the treatment of minor injuries along with video consultation for minor illnesses for patients as young as 12 months.

ENDS

For further information or to request an interview with one of the campaign spokespeople, please contact Wilson Hartnell:

Heidi Morgan, morgan@ogilvy.com or 087 297 2046
Cliona Plunkett, plunkett@ogilvy.com or 083 854 4925

About laya healthcare

Laya healthcare members can avail of some of the most innovative health insurance benefits and services in the Irish health insurance market along with life insurance (layalife.ie) and travel insurance (layatravelinsurance.ie). Its brand promise, Looking After You Always, represents laya healthcare’s member-centric approach, which is fundamental to its vision and values.

Laya healthcare is part of Corebridge Financial. With more than $350 billion in assets under management and administration as of June 30, 2022, Corebridge is one of the largest providers of retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States, partnering with financial professionals and institutions to help individuals plan, save for and achieve secure financial futures.

Health Insurance provided by Elips Insurance Limited (Inc. Liechtenstein) trading as Laya Healthcare. Laya Healthcare Limited, trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Life Insurance provided by IptiQ Life S.A. (Inc. Luxembourg). Travel insurance is provided by AIG Europe S.A. (Ireland Branch).

With record attendance in Ireland’s acute Emergency Departments, new research shows that over a third of visits could have been avoided*

• Research reveals a significant lack of awareness of urgent care alternatives for minor injuries and illnesses

• Almost 3 in 10 (29%)¹ put off medical care in fear of long delays in hospitals, research on behalf of laya healthcare¹

(2 February 2023): New research carried out in recent weeks amid the emergency department (ED) surge in acute hospitals reveals that Irish people attended their local hospital ED at least once in the past year, with average wait times of seven hours, for minor injuries and illnesses that could have been quickly and appropriately treated by their GP, pharmacist or local urgent care clinic. The survey was carried on behalf of laya healthcare.

One in three (34%)¹ presented to A&E on average twice in the last twelve months for non-life-threatening minor injuries and illnesses despite alternative urgent care options being open during the time that they needed to be seen. Over 6 in 10 (61%)¹ of those who presented to ED with injuries and illnesses they describe as ‘minor and non-life threatening’ attended during day-time hours 10am-10pm, Monday – Friday, at which time options such as the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics are open in Dublin, Galway and Limerick.

	In the past 12 months, what was the reason for you attending the emergency department in your local hospital?	% of people who visited
	Back pain	24%
	Stomach pain	18%
	Minor wound needing cleaning and/or stitches	15%
	Suspected broken bone	13%
	Cuts and grazes	13%

John McCall, Director of Claims and Provider Relations at laya healthcare says: “Our research has identified a clear gap in awareness and understanding around the huge breadth of alternatives to busy ED available in the local community. Alternatives for minor injuries and illnesses include GPs, pharmacies, public injury clinics and our own network of Laya Healthcare Health and Wellbeing Clinics where our members and non-members aged 12 months and over can be seen within 60 minutes for a range of minor injuries and illnesses including back pain, sports injuries, minor burns, nausea, diarrhoea, flu, and fever and much more. Use of these alternatives is essential if we are to reduce the burden on acute hospitals.”

McCall added, “Over 95,000 patients have been treated in Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics since we first opened our doors in 2019, with 1 in 4 families with children accessing the service which underlines the significant ease of access and convenience the clinics offer.”

Lack of awareness of urgent care options in the community

A significant four in ten people (44%)¹ are unaware of any other urgent care options for minor injuries and illnesses apart from busy EDs with this climbing to half of younger people aged 25-34 years. Only one in four (24%)¹ would consider their local public injury clinic if they had a minor injury.

A perceived sense that they would be seen quicker in their local ED (43%)¹ and proximity to home or work (23%)¹ were the top reasons why those with minor injuries chose to go to their local hospital ED rather than avail of viable alternatives where they could be seen more quickly and appropriately.

Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics offer an array of diagnostics to both laya healthcare members and non-members providing a viable alternative to waiting in the public system.

Delaying medical care

According to laya healthcare’s research, 3 in 10 (29%)¹ admit that they have avoided seeking medical treatment due to fear of long delays in their local hospital, with half of those surveyed saying they feel “frightened” by the wait times for urgent care in Ireland.

Lauren Brand, an Urgent Care Physician who works in the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Dublin : “Education is key to reducing the burden on acute hospitals for minor injuries and illnesses that should be treated appropriately elsewhere., When people get sick or sustain an injury, they’re vulnerable and scared. We want to help, educate people on where to go for different injuries and illnesses and what the best path to care is – whether that’s self-care at home, or when to go to the local pharmacy, GP or urgent care. All these paths should be considered before heading to the ED. Of course, if the injury or illness is suspected to be serious, that’s when you should consider calling an ambulance or going to the local hospital.”

An easy service guide for urgent care

To help educate people on what urgent care option is right for different injuries and illnesses, laya healthcare has created a handy guide. This is available on the website layahealthcare.ie/clinics

ENDS

For further information or to request an interview with one of the campaign spokespeople, please contact Wilson Hartnell:

Cliona Plunkett, plunkett@ogilvy.com or 083 854 4925.
Heidi Morgan, morgan@ogilvy.com or 087 297 2046.

About Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics

First established in 2019, our Consultant-led Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics offer rapid-access ‘walk-in’ urgent care for minor injuries and illnesses from 10am – 10pm, 365 days a year. Patients from age 12months+ are seen within 60 minutes, and our urgent care services are open to both laya healthcare members and non-members (about 15% of patients seeking urgent care are non-members). Video consultations for minor illnesses are also available for adults and children as young as 12 months.

Our Clinics treat a wide range of minor injuries and illnesses including back pain, sports injuries, minor burns, nausea, diarrhoea, flu and fever and much more. For a full list of what’s treated in our clinic network go to layahealthcare.ie/clinics.

Depending on a member’s scheme, some or all of the cost of their urgent visit will be covered, including cost of diagnostics or any scans required. Laya healthcare members pay, on average, only €35 for each visit.

About the Research

Research was carried out by Empathy Research online across a nationally representative sample of n=1,000 adults aged 18+. Fieldwork was conducted from 6th – 16th January 2023.

About laya healthcare

[1] Research was carried out by Empathy Research on behalf of laya healthcare online across a nationally representative sample of n=1,000 adults aged 18+. Fieldwork was conducted from 6th – 16th January 2023.

Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Galway opens new Diagnostic Imaging Suite with state-of-the-art MRI, X-ray and Dexa services

Expansion of services coincides with the second anniversary of the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Galway

- MRI, X-ray and Dexa scans are now available to patients at the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Galway – available to both laya healthcare members and non-members

- Additional services will help alleviate pressure from local hospitals and provide necessary healthcare services in the community

- Located over 3000 sq. ft. on the top level of the Briarhill Retail Complex, consultant-led care is easily accessible to members, non-members, and their families

(March 22, 2022, Galway); laya healthcare today announced the opening of a brand-new, fully functioning Diagnostic Imaging Suite, which will provide MRI, X-ray and Dexa scanning services at its Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Galway.

Available to both laya healthcare members and non-members the new diagnostic imaging services are helping to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services and provide access within a community-based setting. The additional services announcement also ties in with Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Galway marking its second anniversary, which has seen over 8,000 people use the Clinic’s services since opening (1,000 of which were non-members), with footfall increasing by 58% year-on-year.

With an easy referral pathway, the new addition to the diagnostic imaging services adds to the Health and Wellbeing Clinic’s existing portfolio of advanced services, which includes urgent care with treatment typically within one hour as well as Heartbeat cardiac screenings for members over the age of 12. It also makes access to healthcare experts for laya members and the general public, much easier and quicker.

Speaking about the introduction of MRI services as part of the Clinic’s diagnostic imaging services, John McCall, Director of Claims and Provider Relations with laya healthcare, said: “The Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Galway has been open for two years and has made a significant impact on the delivery of healthcare in the community. Our aim is always to put the member first and ensure they get the best care in the most appropriate setting. We are receiving great feedback from our members with high satisfaction scores and are proud to be announcing the availability of MRI services, alongside other diagnostic and screening services, such as X-ray and Dexa, delivered in partnership with Alliance Medical and our HeartBeat cardiac screening. We aim to provide a holistic member experience based on quality care and convenience and through our clinics we are delivering on this promise.”

There are currently three Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics open across Ireland – Cherrywood, Dublin; Limerick; and Galway. By 2023, laya healthcare plans to have a network of five Clinics offering urgent care, wellbeing, and advanced healthcare services to patients nationwide. Since the first Clinic opened, over 52,000 people – of whom 15% were non laya healthcare members – have been seen across the network of three Clinics.

The Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics are open 365 days a year from 10am to 10pm providing urgent care services within one hour for adults and children as young as 12 months. Video consultations for minor illnesses are also available.

For more information see layahealthcare.ie

- ENDS -

Notes to editors

Figures and findings from patient utilisation data.

World Obesity Day

Key research, conducted by Laya Super Troopers ahead of World Obesity Day, finds that 10% of Irish children aged between 9-12 eat fast-food takeaways more than once a week

[1]

Ireland’s largest health homework programme, Laya Super Troopers, supports families to learn more about nutrition, mental wellbeing and physical activity.

March 3rd, 2022, Dublin: Ahead of World Obesity Day, which takes place on Friday, March 4th, new research commissioned by Laya Super Troopers, Ireland’s largest health homework programme, which is endorsed by Healthy Ireland, found that nearly one in 10 children are eating fast-food takeaways more than once a week. During COVID-19, 45% of parents surveyed said that they consumed more fast-food takeaways as a family. (1)

The research also found that high-fat salt and sugar foods were also being consumed regularly by Irish children with 63% of children eating chocolate more than once per week and just under half of children (48%) eating crisps more than once per week.(1)

Over half of parents surveyed believe their child is not educated enough on nutrition and 32% said they would like to teach their children to cook but don't know where to start. Four in five children aged 9-12 (80%) can make a sandwich, but only one in three (33%) can cook an egg.

The national research was carried out as part of laya healthcare’s Laya Super Troopers TV, a free 28-part TV series, which aims to provide families and children with fun activities and advice on how to promote a healthier lifestyle for all the family. The series features standalone episodes and is available on demand enabling families to watch their favourite episodes at any time.

Within Laya Super Troopers TV, parents can find healthy recipes and nutrition tips to help support them in creating healthier nutrition habits for their kids and all the family.

Di Di Zwarte, registered dietician, who took part in Laya Super Troopers TV said: “It is not always easy for parents to pick the most nutritious foods with busy lives and the amount of unhealthy foods available around us. Healthy habits are formed when children are young – this also applies to nutrition. Food needs to be introduced in a way that appeals to children and that can be easily integrated into the family routine.

“The research highlights that almost nine in 10 (89%) parents of children in this age group, agreed that teaching your children to cook is a great way to bond with them. Unfortunately, this same percentage also shows that children are drinking fizzy drinks, fruit juices and flavoured waters weekly or more than once a week, and nearly half of these children are drinking them daily. (1) This shows the need for educating our families and children on nutrition and what they should and shouldn’t be drinking and eating. The Laya Super Troopers TV series is meeting this need and is an excellent resource that contains easy to follow recipes and healthy nutrition tips for families to help support them start their healthy habits.”

The research also revealed that almost half (47%) of parents of children aged 9 to 12 years old believe that having access to too many unhealthy food options is a barrier to maintaining a balanced diet for their child.1 When asked about their child’s diet and the impact COVID-19 had, almost a quarter (23%) of parents of children in this age bracket, believe COVID-19 negatively affected their child’s diet, with two-thirds of children, whose parents took part in the research, reportedly snacking more during lockdowns.1

According to Sinéad Proos, Head of Health and Wellbeing at laya healthcare, the research results show how parents and families are in need of support to promote and maintain a healthy family lifestyle. “We are now post-pandemic and it is an opportune time for parents to take stock of their family’s diet and nutrition habits and see where simple changes can be made. Our research findings highlight the importance of teaching our children during their early formative years about the importance of good nutrition choices and habits they can then carry into their adult years. What we have tried to do through Laya Super Troopers TV is meet this need head on by sharing simple and engaging ways for children and families to build healthy habits into their lives, including fun tips and hacks when it comes to making healthy eating easy and interesting. We encourage all families to tune in.”

Families across the country can get involved and find healthy recipes by going to layasupertroopers.ie, where they can also access the free Laya Super Troopers TV series or to register their schools.

ENDS

For further information please contact Wilson Hartnell:

Emma Costello, Tel: 087 358 8596, or email emma.costello@ogilvy.com

Shauna Rahman, Tel: 087 705 6293, or email shauna.rahman@ogilvy.com

Notes to editors

Online resources

https://www.layasupertroopers.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Laya-Super-Troopers-2021-Good-Mood-Foods.pdf

https://www.layasupertroopers.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Laya-Super-Troopers-One-Stop-Shop-on-Vitamin-C.pdf

https://www.layasupertroopers.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RE450_Laya-Super-Troopers-2021_healthy-twists-on-pizza_v1.pdf

A healthy recipe from Laya Super Troopers TV easy for all the family to make:

Egg Muffins

1. Cut up some of your favourite vegetables for example peppers, courgettes, carrots, etc.

2. Add the vegetables to a microwaveable bowl and cover with cling film. Heat in the microwave for two minutes.

3. In a large bowl beat six eggs together. Once beaten add in the microwaved vegetables. You can also add in some cheese.

4. When it’s all mixed together pour into a muffin tin with six holes. Bake in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 – 20 minutes. Enjoy!

The research

Research was conducted through an online survey across a nationally representative sample of 400 adults aged 18+ with dependent children aged 9 to 12 years old. Quotas were placed on gender, age, social class and region with weighting applied to ensure final data was representative of these quotas. The research shows that there was over 260,000 children in this age bracket in Ireland.

Fieldwork was conducted from August 21st-29th, 2021 inclusive. The sample size of 400 results in a margin of error of +/- 5.2%.

[1] Research undertaken by Empathy Research on behalf of laya healthcare, online survey of 400 adults aged 18+ with children aged between 9 – 12; August 2021.

Stars Johnny Sexton and Anna Geary launch Laya Super Troopers TV as new in-depth research reveals that 68% of children aged 9-12 experience anxiety

- Laya healthcare has released the results of a national research study examining the health and wellbeing of children aged 9-12 in Ireland

- The findings reveal that nearly 7 in 10 children aged between 9 - 12 experience anxiety with only one third of parents describing their child as happy and carefree all the time[i]

- Only 4 in 10 children are getting adequate levels of physical activity per day and 5% of children aged 9 -12 are not exercising on a daily basis[i]

- Three quarters (76%) of parents of children claim they would like to see more of their child's current homework being focused on learning about nutrition and physical and mental wellbeing

- World premiere of Laya Super Troopers TV held in Dublin national school is hosted by Anna Geary and attended by Irish rugby star Johnny Sexton

- Endorsed by Healthy Ireland, the Laya Super Troopers programme has benefitted more than one million children since its launch in 2014

Dublin, 15^th September 2021: Laya healthcare has today released the findings of a national research study examining the overall health and wellbeing of children aged 9 – 12 in Ireland. The study explores the status of the physical, nutritional, and mental health of children and ‘tweenagers’ and aims to highlight the areas where parents and families are most in need of support and information. The results were revealed as laya healthcare hosted the world premiere of Laya Super Troopers TV, the newest element in the established Super Troopers health homework programme. The children of St. Benedict’s and St. Mary’s national school in Raheny took part in an exclusive screening of the first episode in the 28-part series that aims to provide families and children with fun activities and advice on how to promote a healthier lifestyle for all the family.

The results of the nationally representative study reveal the reality of the mental health and wellbeing of the children of the nation. Of the parents surveyed, 68% claim that their child experiences anxiety and can go through periods of low mood, with 4% describing their child is very anxious and in need of reinforcement.i This situation for families has been further compounded by COVID-19 as 40% of parents report that pandemic has had a negative impact on their child’s mental health and 57% of parents claim that their child gets upset more easily now than they did before its onset.i

The importance of physical exercise and the positive impact it has on their child’s mental health is widely recognised by parents, with 87% saying that their child is noticeably happier after taking part in physical activity.i Despite this, the study findings reveal that more than half (58%) of children aged between 9 – 12 are not getting the recommended one hour of daily physical activity.i This represents a steep decline in activity levels amongst children of the same age group from 2018 when 51% of children were getting more than an hour of activity per day.[ii]

The parents surveyed recognised that nutrition and diet remains an area with an unmet need for parents in terms of support and information, as 47% of parents claim that their children have access to too many unhealthy food options, and one third of parents saying that they would like to teach their children to cook but do not have the tools or information to know where to begin.i

Laya Super Troopers TV

The research findings were released as laya healthcare launches a 28-part TV series – Laya Super Troopers TV – as the newest element of the established health homework programme. The series, which features stars such as Johnny Sexton, Anna Geary and Karl Henry alongside well-known personalities, sportspeople and health and wellness experts, focuses on nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellbeing. Hosted by child presenters MJ Kearin (12), Daniel Shields (14) and Juliet McKenna (12), the Laya Super Troopers TV episodes are available to everyone and feature an array of fun activities, advice, and lots of challenges for children, parents and teachers to do themselves.

Endorsed by Healthy Ireland, the Laya Super Troopers programme has benefitted more than one million children since its launch six years ago and 600 schools will take part in the programme this academic year. As Ireland’s first health homework initiative Laya Super Troopers encourages children and families to integrate achievable yet impactful activities into their daily lives. Hosted by children, Laya Super Troopers TV is a fun and engaging series that provides viewers with tips and activities that can help promote a healthier lifestyle for all the family.

Irish rugby star and Laya Super Troopers ambassador Johnny Sexton commented at the launch of the TV series: “Healthy habits are formed when children are young, but they need to be introduced in a way that appeals to them and that can be easily integrated into the family routine. It has been so great to take part in Laya Super Troopers TV and contribute to a programme that also provides parents with support to help nurture the physical and mental wellbeing of their children. I’m really looking forward to tuning into the episodes with my own kids as I am sure they are going to love it.”

More startling results from the report show that almost a quarter of parents (24%) of children aged between 9 – 12 claim that they do not have adequate knowledge or understanding to ensure that their children are getting adequate levels of physical activity on a daily basis.i Three quarters (76%) of parents of children claim they would like to see more of their child's current homework being focussed on learning about nutrition and physical and mental wellbeing rather than it all being academically focussed on core subjects such as English, Irish and Maths.i

Sinéad Proos, Head of Health and Wellbeing at laya healthcare commented. “As the results of the research study show, parents and families are in need of support so that they can begin forming the habits that can lead to a healthy lifestyle. It is not just a matter of getting out for more physical activity, the mental and nutritional health of children is equally as important. What we have tried to do through Laya Super Troopers TV is meet this need head on by sharing simple and engaging ways for children to help manage their mental wellbeing, learn more about healthy eating, and build activity into their daily schedule. It is something that we are hugely proud of and that we are sure will positively impact the health and wellbeing of children across the country.”

Impact of COVID-19

84% of parents reported an increase in screen time for their children as a result of the pandemic – this figure rises to 88% amongst the parents of children who engage in less than an hour’s physical activity per day.i Similarly, there has been an increase in time spent on social media, with 80% of parents saying their child has been spending more time on TikTok, Facebook or Instagram over the past 18 months.i

Diet and nutrition is another area in which parents have felt the pressure of COVID-19 and have seen an impact on their children’s health. Almost a quarter of parents (23%) claim that the pandemic has resulted in a disimprovement in their children’s eating habits with 74% of parents seeing an increase in snacking, and 51% saying it was harder to say no to children when they asked for treats or less healthy food options.i 45% of parents also acknowledged that they were eating more takeaways as a family over the past 18 months.i

Commenting at the launch of Super Troopers, Frank Feighan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, said:

“Encouraging families to get involved with their children’s health and wellbeing is critically important for the future health of our nation. Laya Super Troopers is a clever way to get kids more active with their families and involving teachers in overseeing health homework and is a great way to ensure that health and wellbeing is a focus in homes and schools every day.

The programme also focuses on the three main strands of our work in Healthy Ireland; physical activity, emotional wellbeing and a healthy diet. It's great to see these healthy habits being encouraged at a young age and I’d encourage more schools to get involved and support making these habits last a lifetime; helping to bring about a Healthier Ireland for the adults of tomorrow."

Families all across the country can get involved by going to layasupertroopers.ie to access the free Laya Super Troopers TV series or to register their schools.

The first episode of Laya Super Troopers TV launches on Monday 20^th September at layasupertroopers.ie.

ENDS

For further information please contact Wilson Hartnell:

Dernagh O’Leary, Tel: 083 391 1504, or email: dernagh.o’leary@ogilvy.com

Marie Lynch, Tel: 087 973 0522, or email: marie.lynch@ogilvy.com

Notes to editors

Research was conducted through an online survey across a nationally representative sample of 400 adults aged 18+ with dependent children aged 9 - 12. Quotas were placed on gender, age, social class and region with weighting applied to ensure final data was representative of these quotas.

Circa 14% of adults have a dependent child in their household aged 9-12. This equates to a total universe of n=260,082 children aged 9-12 in the Republic of Ireland.

Fieldwork was conducted from 21st – 29th August 2021.

The sample size of 400 results in a margin of error of +/- 5.2%.

[i] Research undertaken by Empathy Research on behalf of laya healthcare, online survey of 400 adults aged 18+ with children aged between 9 – 12; August 2021.

[ii] Research undertaken by Empathy Research on behalf of Laya Healthcare.

Brown Thomas Arnotts, Aon and Laya Healthcare recognised for commitment to diversity and inclusion

Luxury retailer Brown Thomas Arnotts, global insurance firm Aon, and Laya Healthcare are amongst the latest companies to receive accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity for their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The Irish Centre for Diversity runs the ‘Investors in Diversity Ireland’ initiative, Ireland’s first and only all-encompassing equality, diversity and inclusion mark. The initiative is supported by Ibec and the DCU Centre of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion. Companies that join the initiative are provided with a framework that offers tools to measure and improve their diversity and inclusion (D&I) policies and practices, whilst also recognising their efforts through accreditation at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

Brown Thomas Arnotts received Bronze accreditation in recent weeks, having successfully demonstrated it has effective D&I policies in place; effectively communicates these policies to all staff; and provides D&I training for all company leaders.

Laya Healthcare and Aon, meanwhile, have both achieved Silver accreditation, which – on top of the requirements for the Bronze level – entails a staff-wide survey to measure the culture and embedding of best-practice D&I measures in the workplace.

Brown Thomas Arnotts, Laya Healthcare and Aon are joined by the likes of AIB, Matheson, Bank of Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Pramerica, Irish Rail, the HSE and Three as participants in the ‘Investors in Diversity Ireland’ initiative.

Commenting today (08.09.20), Caroline Tyler, Director of the Irish Centre for Diversity, said: “We launched ‘Investors in Diversity Ireland’ in 2019, and we now have companies across a wide range of industries participating in the initiative, with demand from interested organisations growing month by month. Participants range from well-known consumer brands to state agencies, and from SMEs to global firms.

“They are all at different levels of their D&I journey. Some are just starting out, and are working towards achieving our Bronze accreditation, while others have deeply embedded and effective D&I strategies in place, and are working with us to measure the effectiveness of those strategies, and to truly embed D&I within their business. Laya Healthcare was one of our first corporate partners, for example, and has worked with us in a very proactive way over the past 18 months. In addition to advancing diversity and inclusion in their own organisation they are also offering our diversity and inclusion training to their corporate clients.

“2020 has been a particularly interesting year for our work. It has been good to see that, even in the face of Covid-19, companies are continuing to devote time and resources to ensuring they promote and embed diversity and inclusion.

“Alongside Covid-19, however, 2020 has also witnessed the growing prominence of the Black Lives Matters movement, and – in some parts of the world – growing discrimination against people of colour and LGBTI+ people. These global trends are, of course, impacting on Irish workplaces – employers are increasingly conscious of the need to meaningfully embed D&I in their organisations. Companies are being held accountable by their staff; they are asking the question, ‘What are we doing to ensure fairness for all in our organisation?’. Embedding best-practice D&I policies and actions is not just the right thing to do; it’s also expected by customers, suppliers and employees.”

Donald McDonald, Managing Director of Brown Thomas Arnotts, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive Bronze accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic workplace. We know that – by embracing different perspectives, welcoming different voices, and leveraging our collective strengths – we will become the best workplace we can be.”

ENDS

Contact: Ciarán Garrett / Sorcha MacMahon, Tel: 087-7158912 / 087-7585337, Email: media@alicepr.com

Notes to Editors:

The Irish Centre for Diversity’s aim is to work in partnership with organisations across Ireland to help them embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all they do. The Centre’s services include the ‘Investors in Diversity’ accreditation, Ireland’s first all-encompassing diversity and inclusion mark, offering a holistic approach to improving equality and diversity across all grounds; and the ‘Equality Ireland’ annual directory, which highlights employment opportunities and services to the diverse communities of Ireland. Further information is available at: www.irishcentrefordiversity.ie, or by following the Centre on social media:

Negative impact on physical and mental wellbeing of Irish workers under Covid-19 highlighted in national research

KEY FINDINGS:

One in three employees in Ireland are vulnerable workers with an underlying condition
Four in 10 Irish workers (39%) are struggling to cope with everyday life under Covid-19
91% of Irish workers have reported some level of anxiety during Covid-19
One in 10 are seeking help with their mental wellbeing
Estimated cost of returning employees to work is €37,138
Almost eight out of 10 (78%) have not taken any sick leave since March

02 September 2020: One in three employees in Ireland are vulnerable workers, with an underlying health condition such as asthma, diabetes or cardiac issues, according to new research released by laya healthcare. The survey — the first of its kind in Ireland to include both employers and over 1000 employees across all industries and sectors — also found four in 10 Irish workers (39%) are struggling to cope with everyday life during Covid-19 and 91% have reported some level of anxiety. Over half cited a fear of a second surge their main cause of anxiety. However, just one in 10 are seeking external professional help for their mental wellbeing and almost eight in 10 workers have not taken any sick leave since March.

The research further reveals companies predict an average expense of €37,138 on returning employees to the workplace, such as putting in place new infrastructure, PPE provision and running wellness programmes. 14% of Irish employers are predicting costs of €50,000 or more. Larger organisations are more likely to be providing mental wellbeing services to support staff returning to the workplace. However, just 45% of the pharma, manufacturing and IT sectors are providing such services for those returning to the workplace and just 39% in other sectors.

Commenting on the research, Sinead Proos, Head of Health and Wellbeing at laya healthcare said: “These results highlight the implications we must consider as we try to work and maintain ‘business as usual’ during a pandemic. The majority of Irish workers (91%) reported some level of anxiety, in part due to concern about getting sick from Covid-19, family and friends getting sick and worrying about a second surge.

“To address workers’ concerns, protect the one in three employees who are vulnerable workers and fully comply with health and safety guidelines, long-term investment in building resources, education and training needs to be made. With over 270,000 companies operating in Ireland*, the total cost of returning employees to workplaces could well be in the region of €10 billion. The coming months are going to be incredibly challenging. Early intervention and a culture of resilience needs to be prioritised to manage people’s mental and physical wellbeing long-term — both for those working in the office and remotely. Irish employers should ask themselves, ‘is my workforce coping, and if not, do we have the right tools to support them over the coming months and years?’.”

The research conducted by Spark has been announced ahead of laya healthcare’s upcoming virtual event, The Great Reset: A Brave New Era of Work and Wellbeing which takes place on 14 September 2020. The panel discussion will feature Sinead Proos, Dr Emelina Ellis, Counselling Psychologist, and employment law specialist Jennifer Cashman from Ronan Daly Jermyn law firm. It will reveal findings of one of the largest-ever research carried out among Irish employees and arm HR leaders with practical approaches and tips on implementing health and wellbeing in their own organisations. Register for the event at www.layahealthcare.ie/bravenewera.

Further research findings:

Key challenges of working from home
Impact on GP access

The research found 30% report loneliness and isolation were the key challenges of working from home, with 40% citing reduced interaction with work colleagues.

29% needed to see their GP but couldn’t get an appointment. The same percentage of those surveyed needed to see a GP but felt too scared to visit a surgery.

Sick leave and holidays

Almost eight out of 10 (78%) have not taken any sick leave since March while 62% have taken fewer holidays than usual.

* According to Central Statistics Office Business Demography 2018

-ENDS-

For further information, or to arrange an interview with Sinead Proos, please contact:

Maria Tracey, Springboard PR & Marketing,

maria@springboardpr.ie

083 1917314, + 353 21 496 9000

Susie Horgan, Springboard PR & Marketing

susie@springboardpr.ie

086 271 8163, + 353 21 496 9000

Notes on Research:

Laya Healthcare’s The Great Reset: A Brave New Era of Work and Wellbeing Research was conducted by Spark — The Strategic Insight Agency. The Research involved 1,004 online interviews amongst employees and 188 online interviews with employers. Six one-hour digital in-depth interviews with HR leaders/ business owners also took place. The research was conducted from 17 to 27 July.

Laya Healthcare to Redirect Claim Cost Savings Back to Members

A Message from Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare

Today, I’m writing to share details regarding our plans to redirect claim cost savings back to our almost 600,000 members and how we are significantly increasing the essential healthcare benefits and services our members can access remotely during this challenging time.

Redirecting Claim Cost Savings as a benefit to Our Members

First things first, we’re putting money back in our members’ pockets.

We plan to redirect a claim cost savings in the form of a benefit to the amount of €195 for every adult member and €60 for every child member. For a family of 2 adults + 2 children, that’s a total of €510.

The total will be split into three equal instalments and paid over three months - April to June 2020 –which is the estimated period of time that our hospitals will be re-organised in response to Covid-19. We will pay the first instalment by the 30th of April 2020. Members must have a current active policy on the 1st of each month – April, May, June – to qualify for the monthly instalment.

If a member’s employer pays for their health insurance, we will distribute a payment directly to the employee and a separate payment will be made to the employer. Companies have different arrangements with their employees – some pay for cover in full, others make a part-contribution, so exact details will be communicated to these members and their employers directly to reflect their individual circumstances.

If hospitals return to normal before the end of June, we’ll need to revise the monthly instalment accordingly.

Providing greater access to essential healthcare benefits & services

The rate at which things are changing feels relentless in recent weeks, but what has stayed constant is how our members rely on us for their everyday healthcare needs. We’ve seen a 113% increase in the use of our video and telephone GP consultation services in the past month.[i]

In response, we’re increasing our team of GPs and Physios that are available to our members and removing existing restrictions at no additional cost for three months so members can access key benefits and services remotely when they need them. While fair usage applies, we will provide:

Unrestricted access for all members for 3 months to video consultations with GPs and Physios
Unrestricted access to 1:1 video consultations with Health & Wellbeing experts covering parenting, financial and nutrition advice
Unrestricted access to Healthcoach video consultations for members aged 18+. More people are at home with their movements restricted which makes keeping fit and healthy a real challenge. To help, we’re bringing our team of Health & Wellbeing experts to them at home, providing video consultations and tailored health and fitness plans that members can safely do indoors or within 2km of where they live
We will pay the full cost for members to access urgent care consultations and treatment for minor injuries in Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics. Clinic Doctors in our Health & Wellbeing Clinics are also providing video consultations for non-Covid-19 related minor illnesses including upset stomach, kidney infections, skin and eye issues
Unrestricted access to our Laya Healthcare Concierge service for 3 months for every member – for more click here
Unrestricted access to specialist clinical remote monitoring of members aged 18+ with Covid-19 symptoms

Value in maintaining health cover

We know these are uncertain times and we hope this update goes some way to help. I would remind members of the significant value their existing health cover provides. Our members are still getting sick with non-Covid-19 related illnesses and injuries. Public hospitals - including acute hospitals, maternity hospitals, children hospitals and private psychiatric hospitals - continue to treat patients privately for non-Covid-19 related illnesses and we are continuing to pay those claims as we normally would.

If admitted to a public hospital for a non-Covid-19 related illness, our members will still be charged €813 a night if they choose to be admitted as a private patient or €80 a night up to a maximum of €800 if they choose to be treated as a public patient – the statutory charge of €80 a night applies to both public and private hospitals. Laya healthcare fully covers this cost whatever our member decides.

Quick access to diagnostics tests and scans including MRI, CT and X-Ray is one of the main reasons our members take out private health cover. They can still continue to access a nationwide network of private scan centres which are operating as normal right now.

For a full list of benefits and services we offer go to .

Our team is busy at this time answering urgent calls so I’d ask our members to refer to our website layahealthcare.ie for more information and to understand terms that may affect their eligibility.

We will be in touch directly with members to confirm details on the redirected claim cost savings paid as a benefit. This will be returned in the same way we’d pay an everyday medical claim with the first instalment paid by the 30th April 2020.

Looking After You Always

Rest assured I, and the entire laya healthcare team, will continue to step up and play our part in the weeks and months ahead to join the collective national effort of supporting our community.

Let’s stay in touch. Let’s look after ourselves and those we love.

Looking After You Always,

Dónal Clancy

Your Insurance is provided by Elips Insurance Limited (Inc. Liechtenstein) trading as Laya Healthcare. Laya Healthcare Limited, trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Laya Healthcare Limited acts as an agent for healthcare products for Elips Insurance Limited and is a private company limited by shares registered in Ireland, No 242048. The registered office of Laya Healthcare Limited is Eastgate Road, Eastgate Business Park, Little Island, Co. Cork, T45 E181

Summary of our Covid-19 Benefits

Continue to access private services in public hospitals - Surgeries and other essential non Covid-19 treatments are still going ahead in hospitals
Access to private diagnostic scans and tests – MRI, CT, X-Ray
Laya healthcare will pay statutory bed charge in public hospitals of €80, or €813 a night if our member chooses to be admitted as a private patient
Access private addiction and private psychiatric hospitals as normal
Unrestricted Access to full suite of laya healthcare benefits –GPLive, GPLine & Nurseline and Healthcoach video consultations
Access 3 private urgent care centres for minor injuries –Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics, Affidea Express Care in Tallaght
Our Customer Care service remains Business As Usual – Calls, Members Area, WebChat all operating as normal
Access our dedicated Covid-19 information hub– expert led Health & Wellbeing advice to help members get through Covid-19

Notes to Editor

Specialist remote monitoring of Covid-19 symptoms: Laya healthcare will pay for members to access an app-based service that provides Remote Monitoring for Covid-19. This innovative technology, created by our healthcare partner Centric Health is run by healthcare professionals and offers remote diagnosis, clinical assessment and ongoing monitoring of those with Covid-19 symptoms from the comfort of their home. It’s additional peace of mind when they need it most and another way we’re looking after them always.

How can our Laya Healthcare Concierge team help? Our Healthcare Concierge service is made up of a dedicated clinical team of healthcare professionals who can answer any health-related question you might have at this uncertain time e.g. how can I recover at home from an illness?, how can I care for a vulnerable loved one?, how can I access a GP?, what if I have symptoms of Covid-19?, and so on. Our team is now available to all members, by call or email, to help them navigate a health system that’s readjusting to extraordinary circumstances in the next few months.

[i] Laya Healthcare Service Utilisation of GPLive, GPLine and NurseLine, March Vs February 2020 Communication

Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic Now Open in Galway

Rapid access alternative to public A&E now open to all Galway community for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses
Twenty new jobs created

Friday, 10th January 2020. A Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic has officially opened its doors in Briarhill to provide residents in Galway and surrounding regions with a comprehensive breadth of healthcare services including walk-in urgent care for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries for patients as young as 12 months.

The Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic, located in Briarhill in Galway, opens each day from 10am – 10pm, 365 days a year, and is accessible to all members of the community so that those with health insurance, and those without, can access the service for their urgent care needs.

John McCall, Executive Director of laya healthcare said opening a Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic in Galway the same week that University Hospital Galway (UHG) was found to be the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland served to underline the urgent need to take more non-complex healthcare out of acute hospital settings in the region, “We listened to our members in Galway and surrounding areas and understand the significant challenges that exist when accessing urgent care, particularly in the public sector. Our Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics will offer a convenient alternative to that 365 days a year.”

Minor Injuries and Illnesses

The Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic offers treatment for a range of minor injuries including minor fractures, dislocations and sports injuries along with a wide range of illnesses including high fever and vomiting, infections and rashes, allergies, minor eye and ear injuries, minor head injuries, cuts and wound care, minor burns, insects and animal bites.

Expansion of Wellbeing Services for members

In addition to urgent care, wellbeing services focused on health promotion, health protection and disease prevention will also be exclusively available for laya healthcare members at the Clinic. For example, laya healthcare members aged over 12 years+ can now book a cardiac screening and members aged 18 years+ will be able to access a personalised health, fitness and nutrition consultation with a qualified Healthcoach there.

Wellbeing services for members will expand over time to include the delivery of minor surgical procedures and treatments, specialist Consultant outpatient services, vaccinations and flu management services, access to Counselling services (by appointment), Chronic Disease Management and Homecare support services including IV and infusion services.

For details on what services the laya health & wellbeing clinics offer members and non-members please go to layahealthcare.ie/clinics.

//Ends.

For more information contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR. Tel.: 021 466 6200 | 083 106 1193

Notes to Editor

Spokesperson John McCall, Executive Director at laya healthcare is available for comment/interview
Imagery available for Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic network
3D video tour of the Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics available – link here- original Mp4 files available in hi-res on request

Laya Healthcare Announces Plan to Create a National Network of Health and Wellbeing Clinics

Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics will create 80 new jobs in different regions
Major Multi-Million Euro Plan aims to ‘reimagine healthcare from the ground up’
Aim to improve affordability and access to healthcare at the lowest level of complexity
Clinics will support reforms proposed by Sláintecare, delivering care in the community
See 3D video here

Wednesday, 27^th November 2019. Laya Healthcare today announced a major multi-million-euro plan to create a nationwide network of Health and Wellbeing Clinics in Ireland, creating 80 new jobs across different regions. The first Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic will open in Cherrywood in Dublin in December, with a Galway Clinic due to open in January 2020, followed by Limerick next summer. Two more Clinics will open by 2022 with locations to be confirmed.

The new Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics will open from 10am – 10pm, 365 days a year and will offer a comprehensive breadth of services including walk-in urgent care for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries for patients as young as 12 months+, alongside a breadth of Wellbeing services that are focused on health promotion, health protection and disease prevention.

Health and Wellbeing services will be phased-in over time. In addition to urgent care, services will include the delivery of minor surgical procedures and treatments, specialist Consultant outpatient services, vaccinations and flu management services, face-to-face Counselling services (by appointment), Chronic Disease Management and Homecare support services including IV and infusion services.

Open to all

Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics will be open and accessible to everyone, meaning that those with health insurance and those without can access the network of Clinics for their urgent care needs.

There will be special benefits for laya healthcare members including direct settlement payment for urgent care and face-to-face access to popular member benefits including HeartBeat cardiac screenings, Healthcoach consultations, and access to qualified Counsellors (by appointment) as part of laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme.

Speaking at the launch of its new network of Laya Health and Wellbeing clinics, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said, “Ensuring our members can access healthcare at the lowest level of complexity that promotes the best medical outcome for their needs is the reason why we’re creating our own nationwide network of Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics.

“In the short-term, we expect our Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics will quickly relieve some of the pressure in acute hospital settings and allow people to be seen more quickly 365 days a year. While providing urgent care is a key offering, our Clinics will be equally focused on the areas of preventative health and wellbeing, with screening services and experts in place to focus on health promotion, health protection and disease prevention that support our members’ physical and mental wellbeing. Right now, there is no other single destination you can go to that will look after your urgent care needs alongside your wellbeing needs, so our Clinics will break new ground in this regard”, Clancy added.

New Job Creation

Eighty new jobs will be created in phases; 45 new jobs will be created in the initial roll-out of three Clinics in Briarhill in Galway, Cherrywood in Dublin and Limerick in the coming months. A further 35 new jobs will be created with the addition of two more Clinics by 2022.

Supporting Sláintecare

The Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics will directly support the Government’s Sláintecare strategy, which aims to deliver more non-complex healthcare in the community. This progressive shift of healthcare from acute hospital settings into integrated primary and community care settings will help people get the right care, in the right place and at the right time.

Urgent Care treatment for minor injuries and illnesses

The Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics will be open from 10am – 10pm, 365 days a year, offering walk-in urgent care for the treatment of minor injuries and illnesses for those as young as 12months+. The Clinics will treat a range of minor fractures, dislocations and sports injuries along with a wide range of illnesses including high fever and vomiting, infections and rashes, allergies, minor eye and ear injuries, minor head injuries, cuts and wound care, minor burns, insects and animal bites.

Laya healthcare is partnering with MyMedical, experts in the urgent care space. Dr. Martin Rochford, a Consultant in Emergency Medicine has been appointed as Medical Director and Clinical lead of the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics.

For details on what services the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics offer members and non-members please go to layahealthcare.ie/clinics.

//Ends.

For more information contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR. Tel.: 021 466 6200 | 083 106 1193

Notes to Editor

Spokesperson John McCall, Executive Director at laya healthcare is available for comment/interview
Imagery available for Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic network
3D video tour of the Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinics available – link here- original Mp4 files available in hi-res on request

About Laya Healthcare

Laya healthcare is proudly part of AIG, one of the leading global insurance organisations in the world. Building on 100 years of experience AIG now serves customers in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. With their experienced team and innovative insurance solutions, along with AIG’s financial backing, global expertise and long-term commitment to Ireland, laya healthcare expect to go from strength to strength, widening their offering and bringing value and innovation to Ireland’s insurance market.

Health Insurance provided by Elips Insurance Limited (Inc. Leichtenstein) trading as Laya Healthcare. Laya Healthcare Limited, trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Life Insurance provided by IptiQ Life SA (Inc. Luxembourg). Travel insurance is provided by AIG AIG Europe S.A (Inc. Luxembourg)

Half of all adults reaching out for mental health support are aged under 45

- Anxiety and relationship issues lead top 10 mental health concerns

- One in 10 looking for help with work-related issues

- More women than men seeking support

[Sunday, 5^th October]: Ahead of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, 10^th October 2019, laya healthcare today released findings from its Mental Wellbeing Support service, revealing anxiety and relationship issues as the top mental health concerns that drive one in four calls to its 24/7 helpline.

	Top 10 issue negatively impacting mental wellbeing	%
	Anxiety	13
	Relationship issues	13
	Mood	12
	Work related issues	10
	Legal worries	8
	Stress	8
	Bereavement	6
	Family issues	5
	Traumatic incident	4
	Financial worries	4

Record numbers seeking help

A sample of 8,500 laya healthcare members who accessed the 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme in the past 12 months gives a fascinating insight into the specific types of mental wellbeing help being requested and offered to Irish adults:

One in two people using the service are aged under 40 years (48%), with one in three (33%) aged between 20 – 35 years[1]. This compares with 15% of those aged 51-60 years using the service
More women (69%) are contacting 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme for help and advice than men (31%)[2]
Almost half (42%) are looking for ‘in the moment’ help and support in dealing with an issue that’s affecting their mental wellbeing. A team of qualified Counsellors who answer the phone 24/7 provide this immediate help, and can refer the person on for face-to-face counselling, if deemed appropriate
One in three (39%) members who call are referred on for face-to-face consultations with qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists

According to Sinead Proos, Head of Health & Wellbeing at laya healthcare; “while it may seem alarming that there is such a high prevalence of younger adults seeking mental health support and advice, this age group tends to juggle lots of daily pressures and life changes including family, financial commitments, mortgages and their careers so it can be extremely challenging on their mental wellbeing. The positive is that they are reaching out and asking for the support they feel the need to help cope. There’s a lot to learn from this generation in this way.”

Top 5 most popular service requests

Of the wide range of mental wellbeing supports offered by the laya healthcare 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme, there are five that are most requested:

	Most popular service offered	%
	Mental health consultation (in the moment advice offered by a qualified Counsellor on the phone)	42
	Face to Face Counselling	39
	Legal Assistance	7
	Financial Assistance	5
	Career Guidance	4

Commenting on the insight this offers, Sinead Proos says, “the big message here is that you can reach out to services like ours for help other than anxiety or mood. For many, there are daily decisions and questions like ‘how can I save for a mortgage’, or ‘am I in the right job’ that cause people stress. We put our members in touch with experts in different fields such as legal and financial to help give advice and guidance so that the issue doesn’t escalate or deteriorate to become a more acute mental health problem. Reaching out to talk to others and open up about what’s troubling you is often the most powerful first step in getting help and reducing anxiety.”

About laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme

Laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme provides members with access to a nationwide network of fully qualified, accredited and experienced counsellors and psychotherapists to help with everyday issues that may be impacting their wellbeing. Members can also access a panel of experts experienced in a variety of fields, including financial and tax advisors, legal professionals, career counsellors and more.

For more information on laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme, visit layahealthcare.ie/yourbenefits/mentalwellbeingsupport/

//Ends.

For more information contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR. Tel.: 021 466 6200 | 083 106 1193

Research methodology

All research statistics quoted source: Laya Healthcare 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Service utilisation for period: 1^st September 2018 – 31st August 2019

About laya healthcare

Laya healthcare is proudly part of AIG, one of the leading global insurance organisations in the world with customers in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. With their experienced team and innovative insurance solutions, along with AIG’s financial backing, global expertise and long-term commitment to Ireland, laya healthcare expect to go from strength to strength, widening their offering and bringing value and innovation to Ireland’s insurance market.

Health insurance provided by Elips Insurance Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare. Laya Healthcare Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Life insurance provided by IptiQ Life SA. Laya Healthcare Limited trading as Laya Life and Laya Healthcare is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

[1] Laya Healthcare 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Service utilisation: 1^st September 2018 – 31st August 2019

[2] Laya Healthcare 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Service utilisation: 1^st September 2018 – 31st August 2019

Worrying stats highlight heart disease risk among Irish adults

- 70% of Irish men and half of women are overweight or obese according to health screening results released by laya healthcare[1]

- Over one in ten screened required further cardiac follow-up consultations1

- Irish adults of all ages urged to take better care of their hearts as 80% of heart disease is preventable[2]

[17^th September, 2019]: Ahead of World Heart Day on 29^th of September, cardiac screening results released today by laya healthcare reveal that Irish adults are putting serious pressure on their hearts and not taking the necessary steps to prevent early heart disease, with those aged under 50 at particular risk.

Statistics released by HeartBeat, laya healthcare’s cardiac screening programme, which screened 5,000 members between August 2018 and July 2019 show that on average seven in ten men (70%) and just over half of women (52%)1, are overweight or obese. The stats also highlighted that a quarter (24.4%) of men and one in five (19.5%) women have high blood pressure, a key risk factor when it comes to heart disease. Worryingly, high blood pressure is a problem among younger people with one in five (21%) of those aged between 30 – 49 years classified as having high blood pressure. The health screening results mirror similar findings by a study by Imperial College London, reported in the Lancet, which found that Ireland has one of the highest rates of blood pressure internationally, but among the lowest levels of diagnosis, treatment and control of the condition.

Worryingly, over one in ten people (13%)1 screened by laya healthcare required additional cardiac follow-up appointments and referrals to further investigate potential heart health issues including Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SAS). These referrals were based on irregularities that showed up in their electrocardiogram (ECG), family history or their physical examination results.

Heart disease one of Ireland’s biggest killers

Approximately 10,000 people die in Ireland from Cardiovascular Disease each year, accounting for 36% of deaths per annum[3]. That’s despite the fact that 80% of all heart disease is deemed preventable[4] through some lifestyle changes and modifying risk factors.

According to Sinead Proos, Head of Health and Wellbeing at laya healthcare, it’s time for people to take this knowledge on board and consider their heart health at a younger age, “There’s a perception that heart disease is a health issue that affects an older generation, but heart disease can strike at any age so it’s vitally important we give our heart health the attention it needs.

“At laya healthcare we pride ourselves on being on the pulse when it comes to health trends and research and pass this information onto our members to help educate and empower them to look after their own heart health. The symptoms you may experience during a heart attack are not always the obvious classic signs of severe chest pain, so if you’re suffering from tiredness, shortness of breath or back pain, we’d urge you to get checked out and speak with your doctor. To date, we’ve screened 110,000 hearts as part of our HeartBeat programme with one in 10 being referred on for further investigations. The screening only takes about 15 minutes, but those minutes could save your life and start you on the road to learning how to better look after your heart.”

Women and heart health

In Ireland, half of women will die from cardiovascular disease and are seven times more likely to die from heart disease than breast cancer[5]. Further stats presented by laya healthcare highlight a concerning number of women are at risk, nearly two in every five (39.7%), have a very high waist circumference of 88cm+. The average for a female is a circumference of 80cm or less. Coupled with the high numbers of women found to be overweight or obese (52%) and with higher than normal blood pressure (26.9%), there is a real danger that women are not taking as much care of their hearts as they should.

Healthy heart habits

While the HeartBeat screening stats reveal a significant risk of heart disease among men and women, the power of prevention is key and Proos has advice for people looking to make positive changes to address their heart health. “It’ll come as no surprise that eating a healthier diet, exercising, giving up smoking, managing stress and drinking less alcohol all play a role in preventing heart disease. But it’s often easier said than done. Our advice to anyone out there who is looking to make changes, is to get support today. We have a number of supportive benefits that are available to our members that will make a positive impact in both their physical and mental wellbeing. If you’re not a member, we still have some fantastic advice and tips available on our website,” she said.

For more information on HeartBeat, visit www.layahealthcare.ie/yourbenefits/heartscreening

//Ends.

For more information contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR. Tel.: 021 466 6200 | 083 106 1193

HeartBeat cardiac screening

HeartBeat cardiac screening is available to members over the age 12 at no additional cost every two years. To date laya healthcare have screened over 110,000 members. The screening checks Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, a physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG) and a review and report by a consultant cardiologist. For more information on HeartBeat, visit layahealthcare.ie/yourbenefits/heartscreening

About laya healthcare

Health insurance provided by Elips Insurance Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare. Laya Healthcare Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Laya Healthcare Limited trading as Laya Life and Laya Healthcare is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

[1] Individual HeartBeat appointments Aug 2018 – July 2019 – 5,038 people screened.

[2] Irish Heart Foundation

[3] www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/c/coronary-heart-disease/

[4] Irish Heart Foundation

[5] https://croi.ie/health/women-at-heart/

Ireland’s first dedicated Healthcare Concierge Service launched by Laya Healthcare

28th August 2019: In another major first-to-market move in Ireland, laya healthcare has launched Laya Healthcare Concierge. The new and innovative benefit has been developed to help members and their loved ones navigate Ireland’s complex healthcare system. Laya Healthcare Concierge will be available on select schemes at no additional cost.

Delivered by a dedicated clinical team of healthcare professionals and based on internationally proven models of concierge healthcare, Laya Healthcare Concierge provides personalised information and friendly reassurance specifically tailored to individual’s medical needs. The launch of this service signals a major milestone for laya healthcare and indeed the market as a whole.

The concierge team, made up of experienced healthcare professionals, will help members over the age of 18 by answering any questions they might have about their diagnosis or treatment, offer guidance on how to best access public and private healthcare services and de-mystify confusing and complex medical terminology. The team will also:

Provide clarification on medical/clinical procedures, such as explaining exactly what a procedure or scan involves
Ensure members understand what to expect when admitted to hospital, and when discharged
Provide assistance with information on returning to work after illness
Identify and recommend support services available

Launching on 1st of October, Laya Healthcare Concierge will be made available initially on two schemes: Signify and Signify Plus with plans to roll the benefit out to further schemes later this year.

Commenting on the launch, Lorraine Walsh, Director of Customer Experience at laya healthcare said: “Everyday, our members are having to make healthcare choices and decisions that can be complicated and difficult, and we want to help them. Receiving a diagnosis for any illness is a daunting and stressful time, whether it’s you that is directly affected or a loved one. At a time like this, it can be difficult to understand and navigate medical information as well as the treatments that are available.

“Through Laya Healthcare Concierge, members will benefit from a personal and friendly service that not only explains things clearly but will also hold your hand every step of the way. We’re proud to lead the way and be the first to create this incredible benefit for the Irish market”.

The Laya Healthcare Concierge team will answer questions and empower the member to make better-informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. Some of the most common questions asked of the clinical Healthcare Concierge team include:

What is the procedure I’m having and what does it involve?
How long will my recovery be?
What’s the difference between an MRI, CT and PET scans?
I’ve had a life-changing diagnosis, what do I do next?
Should I go public or private for this procedure?

For more information on Laya Healthcare Concierge please visit www.layahealthcare.ie/layahealthcareconcierge

//Ends.

For more information contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR. Tel.: 021 466 6200 | 083 106 1193

About laya healthcare

Laya Healthcare Raise Vital Funds For Charity

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

The recent Annual Charity Day organised by laya healthcare raised over €15,000 for charity. The entire laya healthcare team got behind the day, raising a sizeable amount in a matter of hours. The funds raised were matched by the company to bring the total to over €15,000.

This year, laya healthcare is dividing the funds equally between three deserving charities and causes; The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Children with Autism, Pieta House and Irish Kidney Association Cork. Each of the charities will receive €5219.00 .

Dónal Clancy, MD of laya healthcare, presented the cheques to each of the charity’s representatives at a presentation held in Little Island with the laya healthcare team.

One of main organisers, Kristene Stafford Hunter from Laya healthcare spoke about the success of the charity day and how the team at laya healthcare are delighted to give back, she said: “The team really get behind it and give all they have for the special day. Each year it gets bigger and better. The chosen charities mean different things to different people, but they are all equally as hardworking and the work they do is vitally needed by families, loved ones and friends in Cork and across the country.

“We’re very grateful to have the charities here today to receive the proceeds and put them towards resources and helping people”, she added.

Receiving the cheque for each charity was Karen from The Rainbow Club Cork, Darren from Pieta House and Sheena from Irish Kidney Association Cork.

ENDS

Irish Workers Struggling With Day To Day Finances And Health Worries*

Financial worries continue to dominate Irish workers
74% of Irish workers are unhappy with their weight
Two in five (44%) of Irish workers experience anxiety

Thursday 4th April 2019: Struggling financially continues to be one of the main worries of Irish workers, with over a quarter (26%) saying they always or often struggle financially from day to day. Almost half (44%) of Irish workers experience anxiety some days and further 7% experiencing anxiety most days.

Fresh insights into the health and wellbeing of Irish workers, collated from 9,225 health screenings carried out across industry sectors by laya healthcare, Ireland’s largest corporate health and wellbeing provider, were revealed today in the run up to Workplace Wellbeing Day which takes place on Friday, 12th April.

The other main area of concern highlighted in the research was the overall physical health of Irish workers. We are a nation that is aware of needing to improve our mental and physical health, with an overwhelming 70% of workers admitting they want to lose weight while three quarters of workers (74%) are trying to or are thinking about adapting healthier lifestyles.

However, despite the drive to live healthier, over two in five (45%) are unaware of their cholesterol and over half (51%) are concerned with their current eating habits.

Other key findings from the major health screening activity among Ireland’s workers include:

Mental Wellbeing

Over 16% of Irish workers often feel tense, anxious or upset while over 7% suffer from general anxiety most days.
Less than half (44%) describe their levels of happiness as ‘Very good’, with over one in ten (11%) saying their happiness levels are ‘Fair or poor’.
Within the last six months, one in ten (13%) of workers describe regularly experiencing mood swings, which take their moods from very high to very low.

Physical Health

When it comes to physical health 48% of total males screened were classed as overweight, with 18% classed as obese while 28% of total females were classed as overweight, with 16% classed as obese.
In terms of industry specifics, people who work in manufacturing were more likely to be obese with a quarter of males (25%) and 33% of females in Manufacturing classed as obese
A significant difference in the sexes emerged when it comes to blood pressure as 19% of total males and 8% of total females suffer from high blood pressure
Those working in construction showed the highest rates of blood pressure with 42% of males in construction reported high blood pressure

While Irish workers continue to experience sleep issues and concerns regarding alcohol consumption, a shift in health habits is occurring

An overwhelming majority (87%) of Ireland’s workforce is now smoke free, proving a radical change in behaviours and health consciousness over the last decade.
76% of workers abide by limiting their alcohol consumption to 14 units or less per week. However, almost one in ten (7%) admit to consuming more than the recommended levels. A similar number (10%) are also worried about their drinking habits.
A significant section of Ireland’s workforce (52%) is getting the recommended 7-8 hours’ sleep per night, while only 4% are getting less than 5 hours sleep.

Despite far reaching health concerns among the Irish workforce, it’s clear that people are becoming more aware and health conscious. One in four (25%) consider themselves to overall, already have a healthy lifestyle, while a further 36% have made changes to improve their lifestyle but are finding it difficult to follow through. An additional 39% of those surveyed wish to make a lifestyle change within the next six months or less.

Commenting on the results, D.O. O’Connor, Deputy MD at laya healthcare said: “It is really positive to see from the results of this research that the majority of Ireland’s workforce are looking to implement lifestyle changes and are really taking their health and wellbeing seriously. With our technology, we can now get a 360-degree view on the health and wellbeing of organisations allowing us to provide meaningful health and wellbeing programmes.”

Laya healthcare is the largest Health and Wellbeing provider and currently runs over 1,600 health programmes in hundreds of companies in a wide variety of sectors including technology, financial services, pharmaceutical and manufacturing. It has carried out over 100,000 physical health screenings and all its programmes are underpinned by Ireland’s largest corporate team of clinical experts.

For more information go to www.layahealthcare.ie

ENDS

*Methodology:

The laya healthcare screening results collated from 9,225 health screenings as part of Workplace Wellbeing Day 2019 are a mix of physical screenings carried out on 2,576 workers in Ireland, carried out by laya healthcare clinicians in HeartBeat, its cardiac screening programme. The anonymised results also include data collated from a comprehensive health and wellbeing assessments carried out among 6,649 workers that determines the overall health of a company and its employees.

For more information please contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR – 083 106 1193 – ccurran@hamarketingpr.ie

About Laya Healthcare

Laya Healthcare to offer cardiac screening in Limerick

Laya Healthcare announces it is extending its HeartBeat screening locations to Limerick. The potentially life-saving HeartBeat benefit is unique to laya healthcare and offers a heart screening to all members over the age of 12.

Looking after your heart health is important at every age. Heart disease can strike the old and the young and is one of the leading causes of death in Ireland each year[1]. HeartBeat screening is for the detection of underlying conditions that may lead to or cause cardiac events such as heart attack, stroke, or Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, and also the risk factors that lead to chronic heart disease.

Statistics show that two people die from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) every week in Ireland[2]. However, the HeartBeat screening can help to identify cardiac abnormalities in good time to potentially save a person’s life. On average, 10% of those tested are referred on for further cardiac investigations.

Speaking about the expansion of the HeartBeat screening locations, Head of Marketing, Kevin Kent at laya healthcare said: “A key focus at laya healthcare is to empower our members to look after their health and wellbeing so they can be at their very best, always. To date, we’ve screened over 100,000 members and we are thrilled to be expanding our HeartBeat locations, so we can screen more people.”

The GP led HeartBeat screening includes a body mass index (BMI), blood pressure checking, physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a consultant cardiologist review and report. Laya healthcare members over the age of 12 are entitled to a heart screening once every two years at no additional cost.

The screenings will take please in Maldron Hotel – Southern Ring Road, Roxboro, Limerick and members are encouraged to book now as spaces are limited. To book a screening call laya healthcare on 021 202 2000 or for more information see www.layahealthcare.ie/heartbeatscreening.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR – 083 106 1193 – ccurran@hamarketingpr.ie

About Laya Healthcare

[1] source: The Irish Heart Foundation

[2] source: The Irish Heart Foundation

Laya healthcare to offer cardiac screening in Kilkenny

Laya healthcare announces it is extending its HeartBeat screening locations to Kilkenny. The potentially life-saving Heartbeat benefit is unique to laya healthcare and offers a heart screening to all members over the age of 12.

The screenings will take please in Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny and members are encouraged to book now as spaces are limited. To book a screening call laya healthcare on 021 202 2000 or for more information see www.layahealthcare.ie/heartbeatscreening.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR – 083 106 1193 – ccurran@hamarketingpr.ie

About Laya Healthcare

[1] source: The Irish Heart Foundation

[2] source: The Irish Heart Foundation

Laya healthcare announce reduced premiums across 15 schemes during the month of December

[December 2018] Laya healthcare has today announced details of price reductions across 15 schemes along with the introduction of a new ‘Family Value Offer’, saving families up to €343 per child.

The 15 schemes are reducing by an average of 7.1% and includes a reduction of 5.6% on Flex 175 Explore, one of laya healthcare’s most popular schemes.
The exclusive ‘Family Value Offer’, means that parents only pay for the health cover of one child, with every subsequent child covered free of charge. The significant savings from this offer are available from the 15th of December across three of laya healthcare’s schemes -Flex 125 Explore (savings of up to €343.36 per child), Essential Connect Family (savings of up to €250.53 per child), and Essential Health 300 (savings of up to €234.60 per child). The offer is available to all children and teens under the age of 18.
This price reduction announcement is the second major price decrease from laya healthcare in six months and couldn’t come at a better time as it coincides with the busiest periods for health insurance renewals, as well as one of the most expensive times of the year for families.

Commenting on the Family Value Offer, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare says: “Affordability without compromising on health cover is important to our members, especially those who have young families and we take this into consideration. We also strive to continuously invest in our benefits and services to add extra value for our members. We’re delighted to announce the ‘Family Value Offer’ and our price reductions ahead of the festive season.”

All of laya healthcare schemes, provide fantastic hospital cover in public and private hospitals (subject to your level of cover) as well as access to some of the most innovated benefits in the health insurance market:

CareOnCall: Access to online GP consultations seven days a week, a home prescription service and unlimited phone access to GPs, nurses and physios (subject to your level of cover).
Healthcoach: Available to members aged 18 years+ giving them access to a face-to-face consultation with a qualified Healthcoach who will design a personalised 8-week health programme encompassing all aspects of their health including fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
HeartBeat Screening: Free cardiac screening. Every laya healthcare member over the age of 12 is entitled to a screening once every 2 years.
24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme: An exclusive new benefit for members aged 16+ providing access to a range of confidential support services to help them to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing at no extra cost. Available to members who have renewed or joined since 1st of July 2018.

For more information visit layahealthcare.ie or call 021 2022000.

ENDS //

For more information, please contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR,

M: 083 106 1193 E: ccurran@hamarketingpr.ie

Aideen McGrath, PR and Communications Manager, laya healthcare.

M: 087 9273698 E: Aideen.mcgrath@layahealthcare.ie

About laya healthcare

Laya healthcare is the second largest provider of private health insurance in Ireland with over half a million members. Laya healthcare offers some of the most innovative benefits in the Irish health insurance market along with life insurance (layalife.ie) and travel insurance (layatravelinsurance.ie). Its brand promise, Looking After You Always, represents laya healthcare’s member-centric approach, which is fundamental to its vision and values.

Laya healthcare is proudly part of AIG, one of the strongest insurance organisations in the world with over 90 million customers in 100 countries and jurisdictions. With their experienced team and innovative insurance solutions, along with AIG’s financial backing, global expertise and long-term commitment to Ireland, laya healthcare expect to go from strength to strength, widening their offering and bringing value and innovation to Ireland’s insurance market.

A quarter of Irish adults aged over 50 are “too afraid” to switch health insurance provider, despite significant savings to be made

- Less than 20% of Irish adults have changed their health insurance provider in the last 2 years

- Almost three quarters of people (73%) are unaware of shortfalls that apply on their current health insurance schemes

15^th February 2019: One in four (25%) Irish adults aged 50 years and over admit to being “too afraid” to switch health insurer, despite advice given by leading independent experts to shop around and benefit from significant savings.

The research, carried out Empathy Research on behalf of laya healthcare, reveals that a fear of losing health benefits and cover is the reason why a quarter (25%) of older people aged 50 years+ won’t switch provider, with more than one in ten (14%) concerned about waiting periods and almost one in five (17%) saying it was too difficult to compare plans between providers.

The research also reveals a worrying lack of awareness among older people around potential shortfalls for orthopaedic procedures on their policy. One in two (50%) of those aged 65 years don’t know if a shortfall applies on their current health plan for hip and knee replacements. Depending on their provider and policy, a standard shortfall on these procedures could mean a co-payment of at least €2,000. Laya healthcare is the only insurance provider that has no shortfalls for orthopaedic procedures.

When choosing a provider, health insurance benefits are more important than cost for Irish consumers with one in three saying the benefits that come with a policy are the No.1 reason when making a final decision on who to take out cover with. This is most pronounced among those aged over 50 years, with four in ten (42%) saying the benefits that come with their insurance scheme are more important than cost.

Commenting on the research findings, Kevin Kent, Head of Marketing at laya healthcare, said: “Ireland’s health insurance market is extremely competitive today, and there’s significant value in people of all ages picking up the phone and shopping around.”

“It’s a shame that fear is stopping a significant number of people from unlocking better value and benefits from their health insurance cover. A common worry for people when switching is waiting periods or pre-existing illnesses. However, whether you’re buying for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to be reassured that if you’ve served the necessary waiting period with any insurer without a break of 13 weeks and the level of cover was the same or higher than that of your new policy, then you will be covered immediately.

Key research findings

The switching market is slowing, with less than one in five Irish adults (17%) saying they’ve changed health insurance providers in the last two years
The majority of people (73%) with health insurance are unaware of potential shortfalls on their cover for orthopaedic procedures
Almost a quarter of people (23%) believe that there is no significant cost savings between providers, despite ongoing advice from health insurance experts to advise otherwise
One in five Irish people (22%) plan to take out health insurance for the first time in 2019

Case Study: Adrienne Stewart (62), retired housewife from Meath

Adrienne Stewart (62) and her husband Derek (70) saved €535 when they switched their health insurance to laya recently. Both retired, they admit to being afraid to switch for the past 11 years for fear of losing cover or benefits. They switched from VHI Plan B (now known as Health Plus Access) to Complete Simplicity with laya healthcare, making real savings and improving their level of cover for orthopaedic and ophthalmic procedures which they felt were important areas to cover at their age.

“I am so happy I went to the bother to switch. We knew that if we were on the same plan for a long time, we were likely paying too much and that proved to be the case”, Adrienne explained.

*The members received gratuity for their time in producing this case study.

//ENDS

For more information contact:

Ciarán Curran |H+A Marketing + PR|ccurran@hamarketingpr.ie | 083 1061193

Research Methodology

*Research carried out by Empathy Research among 1,000 adults aged 18+ between 11^th January 2019 – 18^th January 2019.

Notes to Editor:

About laya healthcare

Laya healthcare is proudly part of AIG, one of the leading global insurance organisations in the world. Building on 100 of experience AIG now serves customers in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. With their experienced team and innovative insurance solutions, along with AIG’s financial backing, global expertise and long-term commitment to Ireland, laya healthcare expect to go from strength to strength, widening their offering and bringing value and innovation to Ireland’s insurance market.

Health insurance provided by Elips Insurance Ltd (Inc. Liechtenstein) trading as Laya Healthcare. Laya Healthcare Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Life insurance provided by IptiQ Life SA.(Inc. Luxembourg). Laya Healthcare Limited trading as Laya Life and Laya Healthcare is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Travel insurance is provided by AIG Europe Limited.

Laya Healthcare named one of Ireland’s First Healthy Places to Work

[21st November 2018] Laya healthcare has today been awarded a Healthy Place to Work certificate and is just one of four Irish organisations to receive this new prestigious recognition.

Healthy Place to Work, which is awarded by Great Place to Work Ireland, is the global standard for healthy workplaces and was piloted in late 2017. Laya healthcare is one of four to be awarded accreditation for their efforts to provide a healthy work environment and positive initiatives to their team of over 500, in their Cork and Dublin locations.

Laya healthcare was the only health insurance provider to be piloted and awarded.

Brid Seymour, Director of HR and Team Development at laya healthcare said: “As the leading provider of health and wellbeing programmes in the Irish health insurance market, we make sure to lead by example by providing our team with access to best in class and unique initiatives, something that we are very proud of.

“We know that now more than ever, people need to be empowered to look after their health and wellbeing to be at their very best always, we strive to ensure this is front of mind in all that we do as a team and stay true to our promise to Look After You Always. Amidst the growing complexity of the world of work, it is crucial for employers to leverage all they can to look after their teams. It’s a responsibility and one that must always be prioritised.

“We are delighted that we are one of the first to have our efforts recognised across the areas of physical health, mental resilience, wellbeing and overall culture by Healthy Place to Work,” she continued.

Speaking at today’s presentation, John Ryan, CEO at Great Places to Work said “Increasingly employees are choosing to work for organisations that take their health and wellbeing seriously. Organisations that provide an environment that supports them to be their best self. Laya healthcare have proven themselves to be truly committed to the health and wellbeing of their employees scoring highly across all four areas of purpose and meaning, mental resilience, social connections and physical health. It is clear to us that Laya Healthcare deeply understand the real drivers of personal wellness and have embedded these in their culture. This focus is the foundation for sustainable organisational success.”

Laya healthcare provides its team with a number of sports clubs, a contribution towards gym membership, onsite Pilates and has recently redesigned its restaurant offering to ensure the team can enjoy healthy and seasonal fresh food options on a daily basis.

Team members also avail of laya healthcare’s corporate benefits including the highly acclaimed Thrive Health and Wellbeing Programme (a bespoke programme which offers deep insights into the health and wellbeing of your team), Heartbeat (screening is for the detection of underlying conditions that may lead to or cause cardiac events), Healthcoach (personalised health programme) and CareOnCall (An online GP consultation service that operates seven days a week and includes a home prescription service and unlimited phone access to GPs, nurses and physios). The innovative 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support programme also enhances both employees’ work and personal lives. It is a confidential counselling service that provides support to employees as well as their families.

A good work life balance is extremely important at laya healthcare and is evident in the culture as well as the flexible working hours offered to the team and the option to work from home where possible.

Healthy Place to Work scored participating organisations on the areas that provide a holistic view of workplace health. These included the overall health and wellness culture, learning opportunities, work life balance, managerial and peer support structures as well as the workplace environment.

ENDS //

For more information, please contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR, M: 083 106 1193 E: ccurran@hamarketingpr.ie

Aideen McGrath, PR and Communications Manager, laya healthcare. T: 087 9273698

E: Aideen.mcgrath@layahealthcare.ie

About laya healthcare

In 2015, laya healthcare proudly became part of AIG, one of the strongest insurance organisations in the world with over 90 million customers in 100 countries and jurisdictions. With their experienced team and innovative insurance solutions, along with AIG’s financial backing, global expertise and long-term commitment to Ireland, laya healthcare expect to go from strength to strength, widening their offering and bringing value and innovation to Ireland’s insurance market.

Health insurance provided by Elips Insurance Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare. Laya Healthcare Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Life insurance provided by IptiQ Life SA. Travel Insurance is provided by AIG Europe Limited.

Almost half of people say their mental wellbeing is of ‘real concern’ to them

One in 10 Irish adults say they struggle every day with anxiety
Money worries is the No.1 cause of anxiety
The majority of Irish people think stigma still exists around those suffering with anxiety

Wednesday, 26th September 2018. Almost half of Irish people (44 per cent) say their mental wellbeing is of real concern for them, while one in 10 people (11 per cent) claim everyday struggles get on top of them, according to new research released today by laya healthcare to mark Mental Health Week (7 – 13th October).

Stigma around anxiety is still a problem according to the majority of Irish people (75 per cent), with one in four (42 per cent) experiencing anxiety feeling they’d be judged by work colleagues if they knew, and 82 per cent of people agreeing that the conversation around mental health in Ireland needs to change.

Money worries is the no. 1 issue that causes anxiety in almost half of all Irish people (49 per cent), followed by poor sleep (46 per cent), being overweight (43 per cent) and spending time on social media (20 per cent) all having a negative effect. Worryingly, one in ten (11 per cent) rate their own mental wellbeing as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’.

Top 10 things that negatively impact our mental wellbeing
1. Finances - 49%
2. Poor sleep - 46%
3. My weight - 43%
4. Getting enough exercise - 21%
5. My work environment - 21%
6. Social media - 20%
7. Work life balance - 17%
8. Relationship with spouse/partner - 13%
9. Drinking too much alcohol - 10%
10. My ability to do my job - 9%

Commenting on the research, Counselling Psychologist, Dr. Sarah O’Neill who is the clinical lead for laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme said: “The findings really shine a light on the need to open up the conversation around mental wellbeing in Ireland and the supports available to people. Knowing and understanding what triggers feelings of anxiety can help prevent or manage it but also knowing there is help at hand is hugely important.”

Impact of anxiety

The impact of living with anxiety was revealed by the research with over half (56 per cent) struggling to sleep, while almost a third of people feel ‘hopeless about the future’. Worryingly, one in five (17 per cent) drink more alcohol to help them feel better, with one in ten (14 per cent) taking sick leave from work. Sadly, five per cent of those surveyed have lost a job because of their anxiety.

Top 5 Impacts of anxiety

1. Difficulty sleeping - 56%
2. Difficulty concentrating - 34%
3. Feeling completely hopeless about the future - 32%
4. Alienating myself from friends and family - 25%
5. Created problems with my family - 21%

Who do people turn to for help?

Half of Irish people would confide in their spouse or partner with their worries, with over one in ten people (13 per cent) choosing their friends to talk to. Worryingly, almost one in ten choose to keep their worries under wraps and tell no one (9 per cent).

Only one in four have sought help from a professional counsellor (28 per cent), with one in three (37 per cent) not comfortable talking to a stranger about their problems, and one in four (26 per cent) thinking it would be too expensive.

Two in three (64 per cent) of Irish adults know someone who regularly struggles with their mental wellbeing.

Popular ways to improve mental wellbeing

The survey also examined the activities Irish adults engage in to help boost their mental wellbeing, revealing that exercise is the nation’s favourite way to relieve stress, with more than half (52 per cent) of people getting active to improve their mood.

Socialising with friends (40 per cent), watching TV (40 per cent) and reading (39 per cent) also feature prominently and given our rich culture in music, it’s not surprising that almost half (49 per cent) of people listen to music to improve their mental wellbeing.

Sex is the preferred way for one in five (22 per cent) to enhance their mood, ranking ahead of mindfulness exercises (12 per cent).

About laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme

Launched in July, laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme provides members, who have joined or renewed on or after July 1st 2018, with access to a nationwide network of fully qualified, accredited and experienced counsellors and psychotherapists to help with everyday issues that may be impacting their wellbeing. Members can also access a panel of experts experienced in a variety of fields, including financial and tax advisors, legal professionals, career counsellors and more. For more go to layahealthcare.ie.

//ENDS.

For more information, contact:

Ciarán Curran, H+A Marketing + PR. Tel.: 021 466 6200 | 083 106 1193

Notes to editor

Research was carried out by Empathy Research on behalf of laya healthcare amongst 1,000 Irish adults aged 18+ in August 2018.

About laya healthcare

In 2015 laya healthcare proudly became part of AIG, one of the strongest insurance organisations in the world with over 90 million customers in 100 countries and jurisdictions. With their experienced team and innovative insurance solutions, along with AIG’s financial backing, global expertise and long-term commitment to Ireland, laya healthcare expect to go from strength to strength, widening their offering and bringing value and innovation to Ireland’s insurance market.

Laya healthcare launches 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Programme for members

Wednesday, 11^th July 2018: In the first move of its kind by a health insurer in Ireland, laya healthcare today announced the launch of its 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme, an exclusive new benefit that gives its members access to a range of confidential support services to help them maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.

From 1^st July 2018, all laya healthcare members aged 16+ can access the 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme from their renewal at no additional cost and benefit from immediate help and support in managing any personal issues they might be facing.

Laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme provides a broad range of support for a range of services, including:

Advice on practical, day-to-day issues that cause anxiety and stress
Legal Assistance for a range of issues
Financial Assistance & Consumer Advice
Career Guidance & Life Coaching
Mediation for conflict resolution

*see Notes to Editor for full list of services available

Commenting at the launch of its 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said, “Mental health and wellbeing is an important part of our overall health. It affects everyone, but not everyone benefits from access to expert wellbeing help or even knows how to access it.

“Our new 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme will give our members the opportunity and tools to take care of their mental wellbeing and to be able to reach out to qualified counsellors and experts in different fields such as legal and financial planning to offer immediate support and help to manage any personal issues they might be facing. We are building on our promise to look after our members, always”, Clancy added.

Counselling Psychologist, Dr. Sarah O’Neill, who works directly with laya healthcare on its 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme said the new benefit will help people to improve and maintain good mental health, “Life is busy for all of us, and this new benefit provides a huge breadth of supports that will have relevance to everyone, not just those struggling with anxiety or mental wellbeing issues. If you’re experiencing relationship issues, having trouble with a landlord or you’re struggling to cope after the death of a loved one, this benefit will put you in touch with qualified experts who can offer immediate ‘in the moment’ advice and guidance. Just feeling listened to and offered expert advice can often diffuse anxiety tied to a specific problem or issue.”

New benefit details:

The 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme is based on laya healthcare’s hugely successful Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that offers support to thousands of employees in businesses across Ireland. Now available for the first time to individual health insurance members on renewal, support can be accessed quickly and easily 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by phone. For more information visit layahealthcare.ie

Members can access a nationwide network of fully qualified, accredited and experienced counsellors and psychotherapists located within a maximum distance of 30 miles of a member’s home or workplace. Speed of access is key to early intervention in mental wellbeing. Laya healthcare members will benefit from rapid access to counsellors or qualified experts, with initial contact made within 48 hours and appointments offered within five working days.

Members can also access a panel of experts experienced in a variety of fields, including financial and tax advisors, legal professionals, career counsellors and more, to help members with everyday issues that may be impacting their wellbeing.

Support Services Available	Covering issues such as:
Counselling Services	Access to trained counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychologists who can offer short-term intervention and advice covering practical, day-to-day issues that cause anxiety and stress.
Legal Services	Consultation with Irish solicitors including those specialised in family law matters, property conveyancing, criminal law, probate law
Financial Services & Consumer Advice	Consultation with qualified Financial Advisors who can offer advice on household budgeting, borrowing/debt management, retirement planning, saving & investment advice.
Mediation services	Help with disputes in the workplace, or issues related to family business, defective goods & services, building & construction
Life Coaching	Confidence coaching, presentation and time management skills.
Career Guidance	Access a panel of career coach specialists in career guidance, Helping with CAO and 3rd level choices, executive coaching, self-employment preparation.

Laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme also offers multi-lingual mental wellbeing services, with counsellors who can work therapeutically in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Irish, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Latvian, Hindu, Urdu and Punjabi. Members can also choose to access counsellors who can work through sign language, if necessary.

Gym+Coffee announce the Summer Stretch Series 2018, in association with Healthcoach by Laya Healthcare.

Thursday 17^th May 2018: Athleisure clothing company, Gym+Coffee is delighted to announce the launch of its popular Summer Stretch Series 2018, in association with Healthcoach by Laya Healthcare.

The Summer Stretch Series is a series of 10 free fitness events hosted by 10 different trainers in 10 different outdoor locations. The weekly events kick off on Sunday 27^th May and run each Sunday for two months, finishing on 29^th July. The sessions involve a collaborative group fitness workout followed by coffee and chats afterwards.

Commenting at the launch of the Summer Stretch Series, Niall Horgan, CEO and Co-Founder of Gym+Coffee gave details of why they started the Summer Stretch series “At the heart of Gym+Coffee is a mission to encourage as many people as possible to Make Life Richer. We feel that the two biggest contributing factors to making life richer are to make time to exercise, and to socialise. The goal of our Summer Stretch series is to create fun opportunities for people to get together, get active and to socialise.”

Speaking about collaborating with laya healthcare on the 2018 Summer Stretch Series Niall said, “We’re excited to announce that we are running this year’s series of Summer Stretch in conjunction with healthcoach by Laya Healthcare. This partnership will help us to bring the Series to the next level and deliver something really special. After the success of last year, Gym+Coffee opened the door for applications and we had a huge response from trainers, coffee shops and local businesses all wanting to get involved. Today we’re confirming our partners for the first four sessions, and we’ll release more updates in the coming weeks – please stay tuned!”

The first Gym+Coffee Summer Stretch in association with laya healthcare event will take place in Dublin on 27^th May with support from Anytime Fitness. Below are details for the first four events:

May 27th- Dublin - Rooftop Bootcamp lead by Anytime Fitness

June 3rd- Mayo - Aerobics & Movement session lead by Footballer of the Year Andy Moran

June 10th- Dublin - HIIT Yoga lead by Julie B

June 17th- Dublin - DJ workout lead by Fearless Moves

Lorraine Walsh, head of marketing at laya healthcare, said that Gym+Coffee’s Summer Stretch series represents the perfect partnership, “Providing health and wellbeing support and expertise is at the heart of our benefit, healthcoach by laya healthcare, and we’re delighted to partner with Gym+Coffee and their Summer Stretch series of events. The events promise to be a fun mix of a fitness workout followed by a social gathering over coffee, and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests in getting fit and healthy.”

To register interest for the Summer Series visit https://gympluscoffee.com/blogs/events/launching-our-summerstretch-series-2018

Details of the full line up for Summer Series will be announced in the coming weeks on gympluscoffee.com and via instagram.com/gympluscoffee and facebook.com/gympluscoffee.

About Gym+Coffee

Gym+Coffee is an Irish athleisure clothing company that launched in January 2017. Founded by three friends with an aim to create an Irish brand and community that represents the growing active lifestyle in Ireland. Although fashion is at the forefront of the Gym+Coffee clothing, their brand ethos encompasses a whole lifestyle. Their mission is to encourage people to #MakeLifeRicher by adopting a lifestyle that balances healthy living with an active social life.

With the rising popularity of active-wear, Gym+Coffee felt that clothing was a perfect way to connect with this audience and promote this lifestyle. Their unique hoodies already have become favourites with Brian O’Driscoll, The Bodycoach Joe Wicks, Chloe Boucher, Andy Moran and David Gillick.

About healthcoach by laya healthcare

Healthcoach by laya healthcare is a brand-new benefit exclusively available to all laya healthcare members aged 18+ years giving them access to a consultation with a qualified Healthcoach who will design a personalised 8-week health programme encompassing all aspects of their health including fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing. layahealthcoach.ie

Health insurance provided by Elips Insurance Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare. Laya Healthcare Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Life insurance provided by IptiQ Life SA. Travel Insurance is provided by AIG Europe Limited.

Johnny Sexton kicks off Super Troopers with Laya Healthcare

238,000 school kids and almost half of all primary schools now participating in Ireland’s only ‘Health Homework’ programme -

Rugby star, Johnny Sexton today kicked off Super Troopers with laya healthcare, Ireland’s only ‘Health Homework’ programme currently running in almost half of all primary schools in Ireland with 238,000 school children, 162,000 families and 15,000 teachers taking part in the free initiative this year.

Super Troopers with laya healthcare encourages families to treat health and wellbeing with the same importance as traditional homework and features fun, short-burst activities that prompt children to get moving for at least 10-15 minutes at a time, building towards the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Super Troopers also includes mindfulness challenges and expert tips on looking after overall health, such as the importance of getting enough sleep and drinking enough water, along with guidelines on healthy eating. The Programme aims to instil healthier behaviours and attitudes among young children and their families, behaviours that will positively serve them into adulthood. Its approach to health is holistic, covering three pillars; physical health, emotional wellbeing and nutrition.

Independent research among 1,280 school children, parents and teachers by health psychologist Professor David Hevey[1] from Trinity College Dublin found that Super Troopers has been successful in improving healthy behaviours among families:

After taking part in Super Troopers, between one quarter and one third of children, parents and their families said they were more active
One in four families admit to eating healthier as a result of participating
Mindfulness and wellbeing one in four (23%) of children improved their stress management compared with before they started Super Troopers

Commenting at the launch of Super Troopers with laya healthcare, Johnny Sexton said being a Dad of two has opened his eyes to the importance of getting active as a family, “I’m a huge fan of Super Troopers, it’s such a clever way to get kids more active with their families. Involving teachers in overseeing the health homework aspect of Super Troopers is an integral part of the Programme and that’s really clever because we all know how conscientious parents are to make sure that homework is done and signed off on. I’ve already introduced my kids to some of the activities and they love them, it makes getting active together easy and fun. We love ‘Musical Sprints’* and the ‘7 Day Happy Challenge’* in our house, it’s great to see mindfulness encouraged among kids when they’re so young.”

Laya Healthcare’s Deputy Managing Director D.O. O’Connor says Super Troopers has grown exponentially since it launched as a pilot in 2014, “In just four years, we’ve grown Super Troopers from 330 participating schools to over 1,510 and our ambition is to expand to all primary schools in time. At laya healthcare, we believe in the importance of instilling healthier habits at a younger age, by embedding healthy attitudes towards nutrition and fitness among families, we will help combat childhood obesity and ensure a healthier adult population in the future.”

How can schools take part?

It’s easy for schools to take part, they simply sign up to participate and all materials are then provided free of charge. Participating schools and families receive Super Trooper activity journals, family wall charts and a teacher’s guide to the Programme. Because the activities are fun, children will want to repeat them and will therefore keep moving for longer. Children are also encouraged to use the journal to record other activities they do each day, such as football, dancing and swimming, to meet the daily activity target.

Super Troopers with laya healthcare is endorsed by the Government’s Healthy Ireland framework for health and wellbeing. SuperValu is the official healthy eating partner to Super Troopers.

For registration details along with a guide to Super Trooper activities and recipes, please go to supertroopers.ie.

[1] Research carried out in 2017 among 1,280 school children, parents and teachers by health psychologist Professor David Hevey[1] from Trinity College Dublin

Laya Life Expands Product Offering to Include Mortgage Protection Cover

15 January 2018: Laya life, part of laya healthcare, today announced that it is expanding its existing suite of life insurance products to now offer mortgage protection. The new mortgage protection cover can be quickly and conveniently purchased online or over the phone, ensuring cover is in place with immediate effect.

Cover ranges from €50,000 to €400,000, for anyone aged between 17 and 59 and is available on a single or joint life basis. For those looking to purchase the new mortgage protection cover, laya life is offering a 10% discount to existing laya healthcare members with a further 10% for anyone purchasing online.

Dónal Clancy, Managing Director, laya healthcare said: “Life insurance can be complex for anyone interested in taking out cover but with laya life’s suite of products, we are challenging this perception and simplifying the process to secure affordable life insurance and mortgage protection. We’re delighted to expand our life insurance offering to mortgage protection cover, a product many of our members have been requesting. We had seen a significant increase in the number of members assigning their life insurance policies for mortgage purposes, so quickly moved to expand our offering to address this need.

“Our new simple mortgage protection product will deliver a more relevant product choice at very competitive prices. Both our life insurance and mortgage protection products are easy to purchase by simply answering a maximum of nine questions either over the phone or online, with cover put in place immediately once approved. We’re expecting great demand, as unlike any other offering in the market our mortgage protection offers instant and affordable cover up to €400,000.”

Joint Life Cover

As part of its newly- expanded life insurance offering, laya life will now offer level term life insurance and mortgage protection insurance on a joint life basis. Joint life cover is taken out for two people and is payable only on the first death during the term of the policy. By contrast, single life cover is taken out for one person only and is payable on their death, during the term of the policy.

For more information visit www.layalife.ie or contact the dedicated laya life customer sales team with any queries on 01 536 8000.

ENDS//

Laya Healthcare Announces Major ‘Free Kids Offer’

-‘Free Kids Offer’ on Essential Connect Family and Essential Health 300 Schemes now available until 31^st March 2018-

8^th January 2017: To mark the busiest renewal period for health insurance, laya healthcare today announced a ‘Free Kids Offer’, with potential savings of hundreds of euros for families on their annual health insurance costs. This amazing new offer means that parents only pay for one child’s health insurance and the rest go FREE on Essential Connect Family and Essential Health 300 schemes, no matter how many kids they have.

The ‘Free Kids Offer’ is available now and runs until 31^st March 2018. For families (2 adults and 2 children) opting for laya healthcare’s Essential Connect Family, the ‘Free Kids offer’ will bring a total saving of €374.32.

The Essential Connect Family and Essential Health 300 plans provide an innovative health insurance solution to Irish families with excellent hospital cover in both public and private hospitals and include:

Three free visits to GPLive, laya healthcare’s hugely convenient online GP consultation with Irish registered GPs available seven days a week, along with a home prescription service and unlimited phone access to GPs, nurses and physios 24/7
Access to excellent overseas hospital cover, a handy benefit for families already planning their summer break abroad
Adults on both plans can avail of healthcoach benefit, available to members aged 18 years+ at no additional cost, giving them access to a face-to-face consultation with a qualified Healthcoach who will design a personalised 8-week health programme encompassing all aspects of their health including fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing

Commenting on the free kids offer, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare says: “We know affordability is front of mind for our members, and that’s why we’re delighted that families can avail of additional savings with our Kids Go Free offer.“

To avail of laya healthcare’s Kids Go Free offer, go to layahealthcare.ie or call 021 2022000.

ENDS //

Laya Healthcare announces plan to provide face-to-face healthcoach consultations to its members in exclusive new private health insurance benefit

- Healthcoach benefit is available to all members aged 18+ at no additional cost

- Personalised health programmes to help members take control of living and feeling better

- Multimillion euro investment to bring healthcoach by laya healthcare to the market, launching with six dedicated healthcoach clinics in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick

Tuesday, 14^th November 2017: In the first move of its kind by a health insurer, laya healthcare today announced the launch of a new healthcoach benefit, available to members aged 18 years+ at no additional cost[1], giving them access to a face-to-face consultation with a qualified Healthcoach who will design a personalised 8-week health programme encompassing all aspects of their health including fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing.

The biggest preventative health innovation laya healthcare has ever embarked on, healthcoach is an exclusive benefit available on renewal to all new and existing members who can access a face-to-face consultation with a qualified Healthcoach every two years in any of the six new dedicated healthcoach clinics located nationwide.

At each consultation, a qualified Healthcoachwill carry out a series of five non-diagnostic health assessments; blood pressure, glucose level, body composition, lung function and a fitness test. Using this personal health assessment, the qualified Healthcoaches will create a tailored health programme encompassing all aspects of a person’s health, from fitness and nutrition to mental wellbeing. The personalised health programmes are then delivered to each individual member through a dedicated healthcoach App, which is available to download via the Apple Store and Google Play and can sync with Fitbit and Apple Watch wearables.

Healthcoachisunlike any other offering currently available in the market. Much more than a fitness app, healthcoachcontinuously monitors progress, and motivates members with new challenges and heathy rewards from leading nationwide retailers including Lifestyle Sports, Eason and Deliveroo.

Commenting on the launch of healthcoach by laya healthcare, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director said: “This is major news and an exciting departure for us as a health partner to our 580,000 members. We’ve spent over a year in planning and testing, and we’re thrilled today to finally unveil our new healthcoach benefit to the world and open bookings for consultations with our Healthcoaches. With healthcoach, we want to empower our members to live and feel better, every day. It’s about giving them the tools to achieve long-term healthy change and hit their goals, whether that’s losing weight, getting fit, or reducing stress.

“Healthcoach is easy and intuitive to use, and I think what will really impress people is its personalisation. Our members will get a chance to choose their own Healthcoach, who will provide a tailored health programme to help them stay healthy and find the energy, motivation and information to make the right choices for them every day, with full digital support to allow them keep track of their progress and earn rewards for their efforts. We hope it will be a game-changer for laya healthcare and demonstrate to our members our ongoing commitment of ‘Looking After You Always’”, Clancy added.

The good news is that healthcoach doesn’t stop after the first 8-week programme; the benefit evolves with the member, setting new goals and providing motivation, mentoring and expertise to support the on-going health needs of laya healthcare members as they progress and evolve. As well as fitness and nutritional advice, healthcoach will include online support tools such as wellbeing blogs, podcasts and videos to help members achieve their physical and mental wellbeing goals. The healthcoach benefit has a strong focus on wellbeing, with personal action plans supported with expert content from Clinical Psychologists covering emotional wellbeing, stress and anxiety, amongst other topics.

At launch, laya healthcare will have six dedicated healthcoach clinics located in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick, with additional locations to be announced in 2018.

Dublin healthcoach clinic	IFSC Sandyford Santry
Cork healthcoach clinic	Little Island, Cork
Limerick healthcoach clinic	Thomond Park
Galway healthcoach clinic	Oranmore

Depending on their level of cover, new and existing laya healthcare members can avail of a face-to-face Healthcoach consultation once every two years at no additional cost. They can also choose an online-only consultation where they complete a self-assessment and can access their personalised health programme in the dedicated healthcoach App.

Leading Irish personal trainer and lifestyle coach Karl Henry, says healthcoach is unlike anything he’s ever seen at an Irish or global level, “the whole area of health coaching is exploding right now because people want more than just gadgets and smartphone Apps to track their moves, they want personalised mentoring and motivation to improve everyday health behaviours and achieve measurable goals. What impresses me the most about healthcoach by laya healthcare is the personalised support from a dedicated Healthcoach, delivered through tailored health plans that cover fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing. Having tried it, I can say with confidence that healthcoach will change people’s lives and I urge laya healthcare members to avail of this transformative new benefit.”

Laya healthcare is recognised for its innovation and preventative health screenings. Healthcoach is the latest innovation aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of its 580,000 members and marks a major evolution in laya healthcare’s commitment in this space. All laya healthcare members will continue to have unique access to HeartBeat, the cardiac screening also available at no additional cost.

For further information on healthcoach by laya healthcare see layahealthcoach.ie

To watch a video on how healthcoach works, click here

ENDS //

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Dennehy, H+A Marketing + PR, M: 083 427 6298 E: ldennehy@hamarketingpr.ie

Aideen McGrath, PR and Communications Manager, laya healthcare. T: 087 9273698 E: Aideen.mcgrath@layahealthcare.ie

About laya healthcare and laya life

In 2015 laya healthcare proudly became part of AIG, one of the strongest insurance organisations in the world with over 90 million customers in 100 countries and jurisdictions. With their experienced team and innovative insurance solutions, along with AIG’s financial backing, global expertise and long term commitment to Ireland, laya healthcare expect to go from strength to strength, widening their offering and bringing value and innovation to Ireland’s insurance market.

Health Insurance provided by Elips Insurance Ltd trading as Laya Healthcare. Life Insurance provided by IptiQ Life SA. Laya Healthcare Limited trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

[1] Healthcoach benefit is free to all members aged 18+ years. Entry level or non-advanced scheme members will pay a subsidised rate for a face-to-face consultation with a Healthcoach

Laya Healthcare unveils major new brand repositioning campaign, ‘It’s good to live’

- TBWA\Dublin’s first work for Ireland’s second largest health insurance provider -

Laya healthcare today announced a major new brand repositioning campaign, centred around a purpose-driven theme “It’s good to live”. Created by TBWA\Dublin, the €2.5m integrated campaign is laya healthcare’s biggest in five years, and strives to evolve the brand to win hearts and minds as a real health partner, not just a health insurer.

The multi-platform campaign will focus on “building a more emotional connection with our members, showing why it’s so good to live for the moment, embrace life, its freedoms and all the imperfections that come with it”, says Lorraine Walsh, head of marketing at laya healthcare.

“This new campaign represents a major step-change for us as a brand. For years, we occupied a comfortable space similar to other insurers, where we communicated how we would look after people when they were sick, about 3% of their lives. However, the reality is that people are well 97% of the time, and they need our help and encouragement to empower them to be healthy and stay healthy.

“We want to move the conversation with our members ‘from fear to freedom’, giving them the support and tools they need not just for a healthier life, but a better life. We want them to experience what it feels like to be alive, and to embrace the fun and playful side of life. We want our members to start reappraising laya healthcare, and look on us as more than just an insurer, but as a partner for health, wellbeing, travel and life insurance. We’re so proud of this new campaign, and are excited about this major new brand journey we’re about to take that will open up new conversations and experiences with our 580,000 members.”, Walsh added.

Central to the campaign is an energetic and playful 40’ TV creative, shot in Croatia, that captures people embracing the child-like joy and fun of rolling down a steep grassy hill. The radio execution delivers on the campaign’s ‘It’s good to live’ philosophy in a highly unusual and memorable way; the voice-over artist was recorded as she physically rolled down a hill in Phoenix Park, while the ‘terms and conditions guy’ did the same, bringing a refreshing, light-hearted tone to the radio scripts.

John Kilkenny, Creative Director at TBWA\Dublin, says that laya healthcare demonstrated real marketing courage to move the conversation marker in Ireland’s health insurance market, “From the get-go, the team at laya healthcare embraced the life-affirming and playful direction we wanted to take them. They can see how the dynamics of Ireland’s health insurance market are changing; those with health insurance now want their insurer to do more than just take the risk, they want an insurer to bring value to their health and be more of a health partner– in the good times, and the bad. Laya healthcare’s new campaign will surprise and delight the audience, and win over a new generation who want to break free of the tired health insurance clichés and be empowered to live and feel better, always.”

Carat Ireland planned the heavyweight new campaign, which will break on Wednesday, 25th October with full integration across TV, radio, digital, OOH, video-led social media, display and PR. Mixed length TV formats will be cut to 20/30/40 lengths, with shorter edits created by TBWA\Dublin specially shot for a digital campaign across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

In addition, a brand experiential campaign, led by PML, will feature a series of fun hopscotch decals pop up on the streets of Dublin, encouraging passers-by to jump in and experience how ‘It’s good to live’.

The new campaign marks a radically new philosophy and brand language for laya healthcare, underpinning a new strategic reset in the business aimed at empowering the member to look after their health and wellbeing so they can be at their very best, always.

Supporting agencies include:

Lead Creative agency: TBWA\Dublin. John Kilkenny & Des Creedon – Creative Directors, Paula Kelly – Group Account Director, Amy Satelle – Account Manager & Alexandra Cullen - Senior Producer.

TV Director: Richie Smith, Director

TV Production: Pull the Trigger, Max Brady

Media Planning: Carat Ireland. Ciara St. Lawrence, Account Director, Jordan Dunne – Account Executive

Experiential + OOH: PML.Pat Cassidy, Digital, Innovation and Experiential Manager

PR: H+A Marketing + PR, Ciaran Curran – Account Director

Digital: iProspect

Social media: TBWA\Dublin and Dyjaho

Laya Healthcare partners with Affidea to create new network of consultant-led minor injury and illness clinics

September 18 2017: In a move set to be welcomed by its 580,000 members, laya healthcare today announced a partnership with Affidea – Ireland’s leading independent provider of diagnostic imaging services including MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray, CT and Dexa scans – to access Express Care, a new network of rapid-access minor injury and illness clinics across Ireland.

The first of the urgent-care clinics will open in Cork and Dublin in December 2017, and will be open to all members of the public. The consultant-led Express Care clinics will treat a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries including minor burns, sports injuries, fractures and sprains or possible breaks. Treatment will also be available for minor illnesses including fever, rashes and infections. Laya healthcare members will have access to the latest diagnostic services on-site including MRI, ultrasound, CT and X-ray.

The walk-in clinics will open from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year; with no appointment required for urgent care. The clinics aim to treat patients within one hour, and will treat young children from 12 months onwards.

Commenting on the partnership, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said: “This is welcome news for laya healthcare members, and for all those with and without health insurance. We’re thrilled to work with a partner as established as Affidea; they bring world-class experience and the most advanced treatment and technology solutions to urgent healthcare that will benefit our 580,000 members. Together, we have huge ambitions to transform rapid-access minor injury and illness clinical care in Ireland.”

Affidea Ireland CEO Tom Finn added: “We’re delighted to partner with laya healthcare. From the get-go, they demonstrated an ambition to provide an extraordinary patient service in urgent care centres for minor injuries and illnesses. Affidea Express Care will provide immediate access to all who require its services.”

Today’s announcement is part of Affidea’s 2025 strategic plan to evolve the company from just diagnostics to providing as many of the adjacent services as possible, and the introduction of Express Care clinic is the start of this exciting transition.

Laya healthcare will reimburse between 50-75% of the initial fee across many of our schemes.Other schemes will allow a monetary amount to be put towards the outpatient excess.

It's unacceptable for health insurance holders to pay twice for treatment in public hospitals

78% of Irish Adults Say It’s Unacceptable for Health Insurance Holders to Pay Twice for Treatment in Public Hospitals

- Customers paying twice, once through their taxes and again through insurance, amounts to “Double Taxation” – Insurance Ireland calling for policy review

- 62% Unaware that private patients can be charged over ten times the public rate for the same treatment according to research by Insurance Ireland

Over three quarters of Irish adults feel that charging those with private health insurance for treatment in a public hospital twice, once through general taxation and again through their policy, is unacceptable according to a nationwide poll conducted by Ipsos MRBI. While up to 82% of respondents with health insurance considered this practice unacceptable, a broadly similar sentiment was expressed by those without a health insurance policy (73% consider unacceptable).

The research was conducted to gauge the level of understanding and attitudes of the public to the introduction of the Health Amendment Act 2013. Following the introduction of the Act, health insurance customers are charged a private rate for public treatment in public hospitals. To allow for this, patients are being asked to sign a Private Insurance Patient form which means they waive their right to treatment as public patients.

The research found that most people (65% of adults) were unaware that the form asks insurance holders to waive their right to public treatment. Of those admitted to a public hospital in the past 24 months who had been asked to sign the form, just 30% of those surveyed were aware of its purpose. Almost two-thirds (62%) of those surveyed were unaware that by signing the form health insurers could be charged over ten times more than the public rate, for a public service that policy holders are already entitled to.

When the charge was introduced, it was stated that it would cost no more than €45 million in a full year but is estimated to now cost approximately €200 million in a full year.

Kevin Thompson, CEO of Insurance Ireland stated “It is important that patients understand what they are being asked to sign when presented with this form in A & E. This research has confirmed that there is a lack of public awareness of the practice or indeed the cost implications of health insurance customers waiving their right to public treatment.”

“We believe that asking private health insurance customers to pay twice for a service they are already entitled to, once through taxation and again via their health insurance, is not fair or equitable and amounts to double taxation. This measure has introduced approximately €200 million in additional claims costs in the system and the policy needs to be reviewed.”

Kevin Thompson concluded “Patients are being presented with a choice on admittance to Public Hospitals through A & E. When health insurance customers are asked to sign this form, they should ask what additional services they are going to receive by waiving their right to public treatment. If they choose not to sign, they can be reassured that their insurer will still cover their costs. We want to highlight what the form requests and what its cost impacts are”.

Find out more here.

Ends

Notes:

Insurance Ireland is the Voice of Insurance in Ireland representing the Life, Non-Life, International, Reinsurance and captive sectors in Ireland. The Insurance Ireland Health Council comprises representatives of Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare and VHI.

82% of those with health insurance (69% strongly disagree & 13% somewhat disagree) and 73% of those without health insurance (54% strongly disagree & 19% somewhat disagree) disagree with the statement that “it is acceptable for those with health insurance to pay for their public hospital treatment twice, once through general taxation and again through their insurance policy”.

When Private Health Insurance customers sign this form in public hospitals their health insurer is charged €813 per day. Those treated as public patients pay a nightly rate of €80 which is capped at €800 in any 12-month period. If patients choose the public treatment option, their insurer will also cover this cost.

The reference to a full year cost of €45 million was contained in a letter from the Department of Health to the Chair of the Insurance Ireland Health Council on the 29^th of November 2013.

Reference to cost of €200 million: Minister Simon Harris, 16^th November 2016: “I heard Deputies talk about the public hospital subsidising the private system. People need to make those comments in the context of initiatives that have taken place in recent years because since 2004 we have seen the new charging regime for private patients in public hospitals. Our insurers must now pay for all private patients in public hospitals. To give some figures on that, we have seen payments increase from €454 million between July 2013 to July 2014 to €650 million from July 2015 to July 2016.”

Microsoft Dynamics provides windows of opportunity for Laya Healthcare

After rolling out a suite of solutions with Microsoft Dynamics, laya healthcare was invited to be the focus customer in the Sunday Business Post’s CRM Supplement. Here Therese Condon, our Corporate Development Manager discusses how the Microsoft Dynamics CRM system has supported digital transformation within laya healthcare.

US Business Report in Ireland

More than 700 US companies now use Ireland as a hub for their European operations, an invaluable launch pad for their successful growth around the world. The Irish Examiner has produced a US focused supplement, in association with the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland looking at why this relationship has been such a success for all involved. The supplement offers insight on the unique mix of factors which underpin both the determination of US companies to continue trading in Ireland, and the determination of Irish authorities to work with their very welcome guests. Ireland's winning attributes for US investment include a shared language and heritage, access to EU markets, a highly educated talent pool, a state-endorsed openness to welcome overseas workers to plug any talent gaps, plus a flexible third level education system rapidly evolving to move with and service new industry and market trends

Over the past 12 months we have provided 1,600 Health and Wellness programmes to some of Ireland's leading companies. This is why Health and Wellness by laya is the largest provider of corporate wellness programmes in Ireland.

Read more in the article here. If you’d like a copy of the full supplement please contact Claire.Walshe@layahealthcare.ie

Health homework programme rolled out to 25% more schools nationwide

Habit changing health homework programme rolled out to 25% more schools nationwide - super news for Super Troopers as
programme goes from strength to strength

Almost 200,000 children taking part

Enhanced wellbeing and nutrition activities

Official healthy eating partner introduced

Wednesday, 28^th September 2016: Now in its third year, Super Troopers with Laya Healthcare is being rolled out to the highest number of primary schools to date nationwide. For the coming school year 1,250 primary schools and almost 200,000 children will complete the enhanced Super Troopers health homework programme which aims to encourage more physical activity and healthy eating in children, parents and teachers.

This is a 25% increase in participation from the previous school year during which 1,000 schools nationwide took part in the programme. The 2016/17 health homework programme was officially launched this morning with Johnny Sexton, Irish International and Leinster Rugby fly-half and Seán Cavanagh, Captain Tyrone GAA Senior Football team.

Ireland’s first health homework programme, Super Troopers encourages children and their families to have a positive attitude towards physical activity, wellbeing and nutrition and aims to change practical lifestyle habits to help children and families lead healthy lifestyles. The programme has been developed with educational specialists Real Nation alongside experts in physical activity, nutrition, education, well-being and psychology. The health homework programme gives equal prominence to health as is given to academic subjects and includes short burst, fun activities that can involve all the family. This year, the wellbeing and nutrition elements of the programme have been enhanced to ensure children focus on a healthy mind and a healthy body, with the introduction of new activities on emotions, mindfulness and meditation.

“We’re very proud of the success of Super Troopers over the past two years, and we’re delighted to have almost 200,000 children participate in the enhanced programme this year. At laya healthcare we believe that a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body and we’ve introduced some wonderful activities to encourage the children to focus on their feelings and wellbeing. We’re also delighted to welcome SuperValu on board as official healthy eating partner to Super Troopers. With SuperValu’s focus on getting Ireland cooking and eating together it seems a natural fit for our programme.” said Lorraine Walsh Head of Marketing at laya healthcare.

Commenting on the partnership Ray Kelly, Marketing Director at SuperValu said “As the leading Irish retailer we are delighted to partner with laya healthcare to become the official healthy eating partner to Super Troopers. The programme is a fantastic initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across Ireland and the success to date speaks for itself. At SuperValu we are taking on healthy eating with a particular focus on getting families cooking. It is our vision to grow a generation healthier than the last. By partnering with Super Troopers we want to get Ireland’s children to pay attention to what they eat through cooking, and in doing so, we will help make Ireland’s children healthier.”

The Super Troopers programme is delivered through Activity Journals for each child, Family Wall Charts to keep track of their progress and information letters for parents and teachers on the programme.

“When we asked teachers what they thought of the programme, we received glowing grades. Nearly three quarters of the teachers we spoke with said that Super Troopers encouraged an increase in the children’s daily activity levels and integrated well with the PE curriculum, while 86% said they would recommend it to other teachers,” said Lorraine Walsh.

“Parents were also extremely positive towards Super Troopers; 94% said they enjoyed taking part in the activities with their children. Eighty-five per cent of parents said that Super Troopers resulted in increased activity at home for their children.

Key to the success of Super Troopers is that it is not based on how fit or able a child is; it’s about participating and having fun while learning. We hope that it sets the foundations for a whole generation of healthy habits in the future,” continued Lorraine Walsh.

Visit www.supertroopers.ie for lots of ideas and tips on physical activity and wellbeing activities; as well as some tasty and healthy recipes for all the family.

Almost half of Irish employees spend four days out of work visiting their GP each year

ALMOST HALF OF IRISH EMPLOYEES SPEND FOUR DAYS OUT OF WORK VISITING THEIR GP EACH YEAR

· Estimated cost of lost time is €462m every year for employers*

· Employees with kids who need GP care miss an additional four days a year

22^nd August, 2016: Almost half (45%) of Irish employees on average miss more than four working days every year as a result of attending GP appointments, new research released today by laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest private health insurer, reveals.

The cost of this absence from work to employers is €462m per annum.

On average it takes an employee 50 minutes to meet face-to-face with their GP, including travel time and time spent in the GP waiting room with those needing GP services spending just over four days a year visiting their doctor. One in two employees admit they feel guilty about taking time out of work to visit their GP, with the majority (86%) trying to schedule visits outside of work hours.

Employees with children fare even worse; almost half of those surveyed (48%) with children said they had to bring their child to the GP, missing an extra four days on average out of their work schedule.

The research was commissioned to mark the launch of two new digital services from laya healthcare:

GPlive, Ireland’s first seven-days-a-week, out-of-hours video GP consultation service to be offered by an Irish health insurer, laya healthcare in partnership with Webdoctor**. The service will offer face-to-face consultations, with opening hours of 8am - 10pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm Saturday and 10am - 4pm on Sundays

24/7 Prescription Service, an online private prescription service for repeat prescriptions for on-going conditions such as asthma and high cholesterol.

Laya healthcare’s research identified that 40% of face-to-face GP visits could have been avoided by using convenient video GP consultations, with over a fifth of workers (22%) taking time out to visit their GP in order to refill a prescription and a similar number (18%) going to their doctor with cold or flu symptoms, both of which could have been handled through advanced online GP and smart prescription services.

Commenting at the launch of laya healthcare’s new services Dr Sylvester Mooney, Clinical Director of GPlive and the CareOnCall Prescription Service, says the new service will offer unrivalled convenience and potentially significant savings for busy professionals:

“We’ve seen a massive uplift in the popularity of online GP consultations and expect to be treating several hundred thousand patients using this software in the next five years. We see GPlive as a complementary service to the traditional GP consultation model. Through video consultations, our team of Irish registered doctors can safely treat many general health conditions that patients frequently visit their GPs with such as colds and flu, skin conditions and kidney infections, cystitis and urinary infections as well as stress and mental health queries, amongst others. It’s a brilliantly convenient service for working parents too, with extensive out of hour’s availability that can be booked in real-time via smartphone, tablet or PC. For many, the potential cost savings of this new service will be a huge appeal with cost of a GPlive video consultation from €22 and approximately €20 for repeat prescriptions.

“Through the use of the smartphone app and webcam, we can see our patients through GPlive, ask probing questions and use phone cameras and lights to get a closer look if needed,” Mooney explained.

The laya healthcare research reveals there is a demand for this new GP video consultation service with 57% of people polled happy to use face-to-face online GP services because it means not having to leave your home, spend time traveling to a GP surgery or spend time in a waiting room. Some 68% of those who would use the online GP service would do so because of its speed and convenience and 51% stated it would enable them to speak to a GP even when feeling too ill to travel to a GP surgery.

Both new services will be made available via a dedicated smartphone app or via www.careoncall.ie. Many of laya healthcare’s schemes offer a specific number of free GPlive consultations, while all members will receive a 20% discount for GPlive and Prescription Service, paying a discounted fee of between €22.40 and €28 for GPlive consultations and approximately €20 for repeat prescriptions.

Speaking at the launch of these new services Deputy Managing Director of laya healthcare D.O. O’Connor commented: “With over half a million members, we are constantly striving to offer our members access to the most innovative and progressive health and wellness services on the market. We know convenience is key for people who are unwell or whose child is sick. This is particularly the case for people who are working and who can’t get to their local GP easily or where they may have to wait a few days to make an appointment,” said Mr O’Connor.

“Through our newly expanded CareOnCall service, you can get qualified medical advice around the clock, and this really ties in with our brand promise to Look After You Always. Our new services offer cost-effective convenience combined with a high standard of clinical excellence.”

As a clinically led service, GPlive and the repeat Prescription Service have stringent controls in place in relation to confidentiality, data control and protection, technology and the regulatory environment. All data is stored securely and no confidential information will ever be sent by email. The services use the same security as banks to ensure your information is safe and secure.

About CareOnCall:

GPlive and Prescription Service are the latest additions to laya healthcare’s existing CareOnCall benefit. Introduced in 2015, CareOnCall offers 24/7 phone access to GPs, Nurses as well as access to Physioline for musculoskeletal injuries. The addition of GPlive and the home Prescription Service strengthens the CareOnCall offering and ensures it is the most holistic offering of its kind on the market. All GPlive doctors are fully covered by the relevant medical indemnities insurance. All GPlive GPs are registered with the Irish Medical Council and practice medicine in Ireland.

CareOnCall is available to all laya healthcare members from their policy renewal on desktop, mobile and tablet by visiting CareOnCall.ie or downloading the CareOnCall app. Phone 021 202 2000 to speak to a member of the laya healthcare team. To find out more about CareOnCall check out our video here.

About the Research:

Research carried out by Ignite Research on behalf of laya healthcare in 2016. Nationally representative research was conducted among 1,182, adults aged 18+ in full time employment.

Almost half (45%) of Irish employees on average miss over four working days every year as a result of attending GP appointments (actual number missed 4.06 days)
Half of those surveyed with children (48%) said they had to bring their child to the GP, missing an extra four days on average out of their work schedule as a result
It takes on average 50 minutes to get face-to-face with a GP in their surgery. This is made up of an average of 26 minutes travel time from their place of work to their GP surgery and on average 24 minutes in the GP waiting room
More than 50% of employees feel guilty taking time off work for GP visits. 47% of those surveyed stated they always try to schedule a GP visit outside of work hours, with the majority (46%) arranging these appointments in the evening after work and 34% trying to visit their GP in the morning before work and 14% trying to visit their GP during their lunch break
40% of GP visits could have been eliminated using online GP services such as laya healthcare’s GPlive and Prescription Service, as the reason for 22% of the last GP visits were to refill a prescription and 18% as a result of suspected cold or flu, both of which could have been handled through these two services
Research results identified that 6 in 10 surveyed would be willing to use a face-to-face online GP service. Top reasons for this choice:
68% of employees are interested in this type of service due to its speed and convenience - not having to leave your home, spend time traveling to a GP surgery or spend time in a waiting room
51% of those surveyed are willing to use this type of online GP service as it would enable them to speak to a GP even when feeling too ill to travel to a GP surgery.

* €34,323 average salary of all who participated in survey. On average 21 working days per month. €553 per employee for time missed based on average of 4.06 days. 1.9m in full time employment based on CSO Quarterly National Household Survey Q1 201. 44% have missed an average of 4.06 days & 56% have not missed any time due to GP visits.

** Webdoctor is an Irish company that is a recognised leader and innovator in telemedicine

Laya healthcare & Rob Kearney launch HEAD ON Concussion Management Programme

LAYA HEALTHCARE AND ROB KEARNEY LAUNCH ‘HEAD ON CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME’

Laya healthcare invests €100,000 in programme to screen 1,350 amateur Leinster rugby club players

16^TH February 2016: Laya Healthcare, with Leinster full-back Rob Kearney, today launched its HEAD ON Concussion Management Programme. The programme, which is being launched in association with Leinster Rugby, is the largest concussion screening to be rolled out in Ireland.

The HEAD ON Concussion Management Programme will deliver 1,350 baseline screenings to amateur rugby players aged over 16 years from Leinster clubs, free of charge. A 20% discount on the screening is also available to all other Irish rugby clubs.

Laya healthcare is investing €100,000 in the initiative, the first major public health programme as part of laya healthcare’s Health & Wellness Partnership with Leinster Rugby. To date, more than eight million people worldwide have been screened using the technology behind laya healthcare’s concussion management programme.

Leinster full-back Kearney, said: “There has been a lot of talk around the issue of concussion recently and it is something that is taken very seriously within the sport. While the incidence of reported concussion is on the up, much of this can be put down to the general increase in awareness around the problem, which is a good thing in my view. We have excellent return to play protocols which has really helped the game. Education is key to helping prevent long-term effects of concussion and being able to recognise the symptoms of suspected concussion is hugely important. Players, coaches and parents need to understand that if there is any doubt, players should rest and not take any unnecessary risks.

“The launch today of laya healthcare’s ‘HEAD ON Concussion Management Programme’ is a significant initiative for the amateur game. As professional players, we have access to the best medical support but it’s fantastic that rugby players at amateur level will now have access to free screenings and follow-up screenings if needed. I would urge coaches across the province to make sure they have booked their team in for a screening”, Kearney urged.

Dr. Ciaran Cosgrave, Head Doctor with Leinster Rugby, highlights that concussion can happen at any age, particularly in high-impact sports. He said: “While it is difficult to stop incidents of concussion from happening, we do have protocols in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the players and it is hugely important that anyone who suffers a suspected concussion follows these protocols before returning to play.”

The testing carried out as part of laya healthcare’s HEAD ON Concussion Management Programme is clinically led and has been widely used and endorsed by sporting organisations from around the world including the IRFU and NFL.

“There is growing awareness and concern about the potential long-term physical and cognitive impact of concussion in rugby and other contact sports,” said D.O. O’Connor, Deputy Managing Director with laya healthcare. “While professional rugby players have access to expert knowledge and experienced backroom medical teams, we want to take this opportunity to extend the awareness and understanding of concussion, particularly repeated concussions, among younger players and those playing at amateur level. It’s vital that players, parents and coaches understand the signs and symptoms of concussion. At laya healthcare we are pursuing a proactive approach to managing and reducing the risk of sports-related concussion especially among amateur and youth players.”

Dr. Cosgrave points out the risks of overlooking a suspected concussion: “Ignoring the signs and symptoms of concussion could result in a serious brain injury or death and providing players, parents and coaches with simple tips and advice is key to growing awareness and understanding of concussion. We welcome laya healthcare’s HEAD ON screening initiative and look forward to working with them in rolling it out to youth rugby teams.”

Registration for the HEAD ON Concussion Management Programme is simple and free of charge for rugby clubs in Leinster. Simply call our Freephone number 1800 844 864, email headonconcussion@layahealthcare.ie or go online to layahealthcare.ie/HeadOn. Baseline screenings will be rolled out in March 2016, with follow-up screenings available to players if required. Laya healthcare is also offering a 20 per cent discount on the cost of screenings for any other Irish rugby clubs outside Leinster.

One in three Irish primary schools sign up to Super Troopers health homework

- Leading psychologist backs habit-changing programme that places equal importance on physical activity as regular schoolwork -

Tuesday, 20^th October, 2015: Some 180,000 school children, 7,000 teachers and 75,000 families are currently signed up to the biggest health homework programme in Ireland. Super Troopers with laya healthcare, which encourages teachers, parents and children to treat the task of daily physical activity with the same importance as their regular school homework and other subjects, is now in place in more than 1,000 or one third of all Ireland’s primary schools. Registration is still open for more schools to sign up to the programme until October 30^th.

The programme has been designed by teachers for teachers and is backed by leading clinical psychologist and parenting expert, David Coleman. Coleman explains that the unique part of the Super Troopers initiative is that it is a long-term habit-changing programme for children to encourage positive attitudes towards healthy eating, well-being and exercise and not a quick-fix solution.

“Super Troopers is unique in that it is the first health programme that bridges school with home, and connects kids with their ‘triangle of influence’ - peers, teachers and families - to get more active and learn healthy habits together. It is building good habits from a young age,” said Mr Coleman.

“While it’s aimed, in part, at tackling the issue of childhood obesity, Super Troopers is a game changer as it concentrates more on fostering healthy attitudes and behaviours around physical activity, food and wellbeing that kids can take from childhood into their adulthood,” continued Coleman.

According to Safe Food, one in four children in Ireland is currently overweight or obese*. As the biggest health homework programme in Ireland, Super Troopers is endorsed by Healthy Ireland, which recently announced an action plan that involves every part of Irish society in improving our health and wellbeing.

“We need more intervention initiatives like this that are less concerned with ‘quick fixes’ and more invested in long-term preventative healthcare that deliver measurable attitudinal and behavioural shifts,” said Mr Coleman. “I’d encourage teachers and schools to sign up for Super Troopers if they’ve not yet done so.”

Running over 30 weeks and involving teachers, parents and children aged 4-12 years,Super Troopers provides an easy-to-follow physical activity homework planner based on short-burst activities that combine daily exercise with imaginative fun.

“The aim of Super Troopers is daringly simple,” said Lorraine Walsh, Head of Marketing at laya healthcare. “We want to instil positive health habits in kids and embed them in a powerful, impactful way that allows them become healthier adults. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Ms Walshexplained that creating a programme that complemented the school curriculum is key to the success of Super Troopers, “Our programme is designed by teachers, for teachers and we’ve been blown away by the reaction of the thousands of teachers who have embraced it. We’ve managed to put fun at the heart of a very serious health mission that allows kids complete health and activity-based ‘homework’ collaboratively with their teachers and schoolmates and also with their family at home.”

Susan Gibney, Principal, Queen of Angels Primary School, a school in Wedgewood, Dublin, says that Super Troopers with laya healthcare brought fresh thinking and a fresh approach to physical activity that teachers, children and parents embraced with zeal, “Super Troopers ties in perfectly with the movement breaks we wanted to introduce to the school. The programme is inclusive and it made a tangible impact to the overall wellbeing of our school children and their families during the pilot year, so we didn’t hesitate to sign up again this year. It’s no longer a case of ‘them’ and ‘us’ when it comes to parents and teachers and whose role it is to encourage children to get more physically active. With Super Troopers we work together collaboratively. It sounds so simple, but it really has delivered a breakthrough in our school’s approach to physical activity and general wellbeing.”

Registration for Super Troopers is open for a limited time; primary schools and teachers who have not yet signed up for Super Troopers have until Friday, 30th October 2015 to register. For more information go to www.supertroopers.ie or call 01 522 48 48.

Laya healthcare kicks off exclusive health & wellness partnership with Leinster rugby

2^nd September 2015: Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest health insurance provider, was today announced as the official Health & Wellness Partnerto Leinster Rugby.

The sponsorship sees laya healthcare line up with Leinster players and backroom medical and fitness experts to promote a series of high-profile public health and wellness initiatives.

The innovative health partnership with Leinster Rugby marks a period of significant growth for laya healthcare in Dublin and the wider Leinster region. It will help boost awareness of its major and ongoing investment in preventative health and wellness, including HeartBeat, the unique cardiac screening offered to more than half a million laya healthcare members.

Commenting on the union, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director at laya healthcare says, “Our Health & Wellness agreement with Leinster Rugby marks a major and very positive step change in our ambition and commitment to health and wellness; not just for our members but for the wider public too. By tapping into the positive power of sport and the expertise of players and the backroom team alike, we hope to empower as many people as possible to embrace innovative new ways to take control of their health and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

“From the outset it became clear just how closely aligned Leinster Rugby and laya healthcare are in terms of our shared values and vision around health and wellness. We are both passionate and committed to encouraging fans, players and spectators alike to discover the benefits of healthy lifestyles, boost participation and explore the positive impact of preventative health. Thanks to the commitment of our respective teams, both on and off the pitch, I’m excited by the season ahead and I look forward to the health and wellness partnership kicking off at the first of the Guinness PRO12 fixtures against Edinburgh on 4^th September.”

As Leinster Rugby’s Official Health & Wellness partner, laya healthcare will work closely with Leinster Rugby’s expert backroom team including fitness experts, nutritionists and physiotherapists, to create a series of engaging and informative content to share with laya healthcare members, Leinster Rugby fans, and the general public.

Leinster Rugby Chief Executive, Michael Dawson said: “Laya healthcare is a leading name in Irish health insurance and its profile and reputation for being an innovator in the whole health and wellness space is growing at an impressive pace. We’re excited to have such a respected brand on board as the Official Health & Wellness Partner to Leinster Rugby. There is huge scope and potential to make a positive difference.

“I look forward to the season ahead and I look forward to seeing the health and wellness innovations that laya healthcare are planning to roll out among the Leinster Rugby coaches, players and of course supporters.”

The partnership sees Leinster Rugby’s Senior squad, Under-20, Under-19 and Women’s Rugby team all carry the laya healthcare brand on their shorts and the team’s game in Edinburgh on Friday, 4th September will see the first outing of laya healthcare’s brand on the Senior Team’s kit.

€105,321 - The cost of raising a child from cradle to college

New research published today by laya life reveals that the average cost of raising a child until their 21^st birthday in Ireland can be as much as €105,321, with the majority of parents (77%) admitting they put too much pressure on themselves to give their kids everything.

The research breaks out the significant costs parents incur over the first 21 years of their child’s life; from the everyday cost of food and clothing, to the higher costs of childcare and education. Irish households are spending an average of €11,033.64 every year on their children.

The cost of childcare is the biggest outlay for parents each year at €4,049.42*, representing a major slice [7%] of the annual household income**. This is closely followed by the cost of university and third level college fees each year (€4,056.24), and other education-related costs including school books, uniforms and extra-curriculum classes which amount to €1,707.12 a year. The majority of parents say they are just about keeping their heads above water, with almost 6 out of 10 (57%) admitting they are currently not able to put any money aside for savings.

Cutting back on living expenses

Despite the high costs of raising kids through to college years, less than a third (31%) of parents have estimated the future costs of supporting their kids until they are old enough to support themselves, with slightly less (29%) putting a savings plan in place to cover the future costs of raising them. Worryingly, only two-fifths (42%) of Irish parents do not have life insurance in place to protect their family should the worst happen.

Almost half (45%) of parents admit they have cancelled insurances in an attempt to cut back on costs, with one in four (28%) cancelling their pension for the same reason. Most worryingly, almost one in two (48%) Irish parents have put off saving for their retirement to help support their kids financially.

Age of independence

The average age from which Irish parents expect their children to fully support themselves is 24 years. However, Irish parents are most likely to want to help their children when it comes to buying their first home with almost two-fifths (38%) saying they’d like to put money towards their child’s first home and a third (33%) planning to help them financially when they get married. Meanwhile, one in three parents (30%) hopes to be in a position to give their kids a financial dig-out when they decide to have a family of their own.

Well-known economists Joseph Durkan and Moore McDowell - who collaborated in the laya life research - say the findings throw up an interesting contradiction in respect of the generous, well-meaning intentions of parents and their current ability to save:

“It’s crystal clear from the research that Irish parents want to provide financial stability for their children, but they are still suffering from the effects of the recent economic downturn - ‘The Great Recession’. It’s the worst recession the world has experienced since the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the worst in Ireland since the 1950s. Many parents today have raised their children in exceptionally difficult financial circumstances and it’s clear from the research that savings and important financial protection such as life insurance have been put on the long finger or forgotten altogether as parents fight to survive financially.

“However, if they want to secure the future against ‘shocks’ such as the consequence of a premature death of a parent, they must have a savings strategy. Pension planning for retirement is an obvious example, but there are many other plans that parents should consider. Insurance in various forms is central to such a savings strategy and what’s worrying about this research is that it appears that half of parents aren’t saving anything, and a huge majority - 64% - have cut back essential financial protection such as life insurance and pensions. This needs to be reversed as the economy recovers”, Durkan and McDowell warned.

Talking about death is taboo

Death and dying remain taboo with a quarter (25%) of mums and dads admitting they aren’t comfortable talking about their death with their spouse and family, and less than a third (29%) of Irish parents having considered their own funeral arrangements.

Widow urges other parents to talk about the future cost of raising kids

Widow and mum of three, Aiveen Casey, has backed the laya life research and urged other parents to have an honest - albeit uncomfortable - discussion about the future and how they would manage financially should the worst happen. Aiveen’s husband, Dominic, passed away unexpectedly in 2010 after a routine medical procedure. He had been diagnosed with leukemia in May 2010, and died just 10 weeks later. He was 46 years old.

Aiveen says, “Dealing with grief is a horrendous process and unfortunately there’s no blueprint; nobody can prepare you for such a soul-destroying situation. As a family we tried to look after each other, and get through it together. But you soon come to the realisation that life has to go on - the bills keep coming in and the cost of running a home doesn’t stop.”

When Aiveen and Dominic had their family, Dominic felt very strongly about taking out life insurance to ensure the family could survive if either he or Aiveen were to die.

“Dominic always wanted to ensure that if anything happened to him we’d be looked after. It meant that when he died, I was able to keep life as normal as possible for our kids, who were then aged 5, 14 and 18 years. While our mortgage repayments were settled after Dominic died, it was the other general day-to-day costs such as the cost of school books, uniforms, running a car, insurance costs, utilities and the many other hidden costs that really added-up. I was lucky that I didn’t have childcare costs but as a childcare professional, I know that in some cases these costs can be similar to paying off a mortgage. Dominic and I often talked about the future and how we’d protect the kids should anything happen, I’m so glad that we did. It made a very difficult time a little more bearable,” Aiveen said.

To find out how you can protect your family with a lump sum of up to €200,000 from as little as €10.10 a month visit layalife.ie

Other survey highlights:

*Research carried out by Empathy Research among 1,000 parents, 1-10^th June 2015

Notes:

Research Methodology

Empathy research carried out an online survey to establish the expenditure per household of Irish parents. The research was conducted among 1,000 parents of children aged 0-21 years of age across Ireland between 1^st - 10^th June 2015.

*Average figure based on average number of children per household 2.2

** Of the 1,000 parents surveyed, the mid-point average annual household income was €56,672.77

Aiveen Casey has received a payment for her contribution to this press release.

About Joe Durkan and Moore McDowell – Economists - Directors of economics consultancy ECU Ltd

Joe has worked as a research professor at the ESRI, and held a lectureship at UCD. He also worked for a number of years in the financial sector in Dublin. In 2014 Joe lectured in Beijing for UCD.

Moore McDowell was also an economics lecturer in UCD, and was a member of UCD's Governing Authority. He has held visiting posts at universities in California and Delaware in the U.S. He was for many years an economics correspondent for Independent Newspapers. Both Joe and Moore have been contributors on radio and TV on economics in Ireland and elsewhere.

Dramatic increase in numbers of young people taking out health insurance before deadline

Laya healthcare reports dramatic increase in numbers of young people taking out health insurance before deadline

Insurer to extend opening hours to accommodate increase in enquiries

Monday, 27^th April 2015: With only days left until the April 30th deadline, research by laya healthcare has revealed that one in four people (26%) without health insurance are still undecided about whether they will purchase cover before Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) comes into effect.

The research has also shown that there has been a significant jump in awareness levels of Lifetime Community Rating, the new Government initiative aimed at encouraging more young people into the market. The number of people who have heard about Lifetime Community Rating has more than doubled from just 20% in February to 43% in April.

Research carried out by laya healthcare in February also found that a worryingly low 4% of those aged over 30 understood Lifetime Community Rating and the impact it would have on the cost of their health cover; that figure now stands at 32%, a significant improvement ahead of the April 30^th deadline. In February, laya healthcare embarked upon an extensive education campaign in an effort to inform people of LCR and its implications, particularly for those without cover who will be aged over 34 after April 30th. The informative and easy to use website www.lcr.ie features practical advice, informative videos and step-by-step instructions on how to assess the potential impact of Lifetime Community Rating.

The message seems to have been getting across to people as laya healthcare has seen a four-fold increase in the number of enquiries from people who are new to the market compared with the same period in 2014*. There has also been a large surge in the number of people taking out health insurance with laya healthcare. New to market sales have over doubled in the last six weeks compared to the same time period last year, with over 50% of these sales in the 30-59 age bracket. Online sales have also increased significantly over the last six weeks with an almost four-fold jump in new members.

Dónal Clancy, Managing Director at laya healthcare commented: “With just days to go until the Lifetime Community Rating deadline, we’re expecting to see further increases in the number of people getting in touch. We will be extending our opening hours until 10pm from tonight until Thursday April 30th. Alternatively people can go to www.layahealthcare.ie 24 hours a day and join on-line.

“A quarter of all people are still undecided about whether they will take up private medical insurance before the Lifetime Community Rating Deadline, we will stay open late all this week to ensure anyone with questions will be able to talk to one of our Customer Care team about LCR and our range of products,” he said.

He added: “The introduction of Lifetime Community Rating is critical for the future stability of the private health insurance market. It will ensure that health insurance remains affordable and fair for all by attracting younger and healthier people into the market. Cost is still a major factor for younger people so we now have competitive schemes available to make the market accessible to all.”

Anyone interested in taking out private health insurance for the first time can contact laya healthcare’s Customer Care team at 021 202 2000 from 8am until 10pm every day this week or go online to www.layahealthcare.ie.

ENDS.

Research was carried out among 1,000 people across Ireland aged between 18 – 60+ years of age by Amárach Research on behalf of laya healthcare. The research was conducted in April 2015 and is a national representative survey. Research carried in February 2015 was conducted by Ignite Research and sampled 1,000 people across Ireland aged over 30 years of age on behalf of laya healthcare

*6 week period from 2^nd March to 13^th April 2015

Ireland's first health homework campaign

IRELAND’S FIRST ‘HEALTH HOMEWORK’ CAMPAIGN IMPROVING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AMONG CHILDREN

- Almost one in ten children aged between four and twelve years have dieted, admit parents–

Monday, 20^th April: New research among some of the 60,000 school kids, parents and teachers who are taking part in Super Troopers with laya healthcare, Ireland’s first ‘health homework’ programme, shows that treating daily physical activity with the same importance of regular schoolwork has resulted in a sustained increase in children’s daily activity levels, improved concentration levels in class and healthier eating habits.

Following the success of the programme, there is growing support for schools to adopt a ‘physical literacy’* programme as part of the national school curriculum with the majority (94%) of parents believing it a good idea, supported by 88% of teachers saying that physical activity homework, like Super Troopers with laya healthcare, is a positive step to encourage kids to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

While the programme is focused on increasing physical literacy, Super Troopers used the interim wave of research among parents, school kids and their teachers to explore the issue of childhood obesity, with some interesting views emerging:

Childhood obesity: the facts

One in four teachers (27%) blame junk food, followed by too much time watching TV/playing video games (24%), lack of exercise (20%) and lack of education around childhood obesity (17%) as contributing factors to childhood obesity.
This view is shared by parents who blame junk food (37%) and lack of exercise (25%) as the main reasons for childhood obesity.
Almost one in five (17%) Mums and Dads are concerned about their child’s weight
34% of parents don’t know their children’s weight
95% of teachers say that a child’s parents are responsible for combating obesity. 94% of teachers say that a child’s weight can increase their risk of being a target of school bullying
Of the 3% of parents who believe that their child has been the victim of bullying due to their weight, 21% indicated that this weight related bullying took place at home

Childhood obesity: an issue that weighs heavy on parents

The Super Troopers with laya healthcare research reveals that two thirds of parents know their child’s current weight, with one in two parents saying that regular weight management is important (59%)
While the majority (95% )of parents don’t consider their child overweight, almost one in ten (8%) admit they know their young child has been or has tried to go on a diet

Dr. Fiona Chambers, Director of Sports Studies and Physical Education at UCC and advocate of Super Troopers with laya healthcare, said: “The World Health Organisation recommends that children and adolescents need to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. To achieve this goal [in addition to weekly curricular physical education], bouts of physical activity need to happen every day before, during and after school and require school/community/family engagement. The Super Troopers with laya healthcare programme helps to bridge the gap across school/home/community through its physical activity and wellbeing homework. This helps primary care givers to work with primary schools to foster lifelong physical activity and wellbeing. This means that the health and wellbeing message is constantly reinforced across school-home-community settings and can lead to physical activity becoming a daily habit for life.”

Active results

The research among 379 national school teachers and almost 1,000 parents nationwide indicates that the Super Troopers programme has been a success, with 71% of teachers and 70% of parents confirming that taking part in Super Troopers resulted in an increase in children’s daily activity levels, and one in four teachers (25%) remarking that children’s concentration levels improved as a result of the programme. Kids are feeling the benefits too, with one in two (57%) kids aged 4-12 years admitting to eating more fruit and veg because of Super Troopers, 64% of children say they are drinking more water and almost half spend more time playing games.

Super Troopers provides an easy-to-follow physical activity journal based on short-burst activities that marry daily exercise with imaginative fun. Parents are asked to sign off each activity at the end of the week just as they would regular schoolwork.

Commenting on the campaign, D.O. O’Connor Deputy Managing Director and Director of Business Development at laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest health insurer and proud sponsor of Super Troopers said: “We were blown away by the enthusiastic reaction to our inaugural Super Troopers campaign. Since last September, 60,000 children from over 300 schools have embraced the programme and our interim research shows that it’s making a tangible, positive difference in terms of increasing levels of physical activity and concentration levels in class, which is the best result we could have asked for.

“We’ll use the findings from this wave of research to look at how we can evolve and improve Super Troopers. Clearly junk food and lack of exercise are the main concerns of parents and teachers and we have introduced easy and fun nutritional tips for kids to follow, along with fun daily activities as part of the ‘health homework’ activity journal to help address this. Top of our agenda with Super Troopers is to address worrying levels of inactivity of kids, which in turn we hope will help address the very real and present danger that childhood obesity poses for our kids today.”

*Physical literacy – Term used to describe the competency and ability to carry out basic skills and movements such as running, skipping, throwing and catching

AIG completes the acquisition of Laya Healthcare

April 1^st 2015: AIG today announced that it has completed its acquisition of laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest health insurance provider, securing full regulatory approval.

The completion of the sale of laya healthcare underpins AIG’s declared commitment to accelerate the growth of its health business in Ireland and other key European markets. Laya healthcare has outperformed the market in recent years and now looks after the healthcare needs of almost 500,000 members; representing 24 per cent of Ireland’s private health insurance market.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said, “From the very outset of our negotiations, our partners in AIG have been exceptionally encouraging and committed to our ambition to grow laya healthcare into one of the most progressive and member-obsessed health insurance businesses in the market. We are growing our business ahead of the market by fulfilling our promise to provide the best value health insurance and by following through on our commitment to look after our members always. 2015 looks set to be another strong performing year for laya healthcare and now with the support of our new owners, AIG, our outlook is even more optimistic.”

Global Head of AIG’s Health business, Jay Sheehy commented, “Today is an important day for all of us at AIG and laya healthcare; it’s the first day that we can sow the seeds of a successful business that boasts immense potential for the future. We plan to bring innovation, affordability and best-in-class health insurance to markets across the world and we are excited about the months and years ahead on this journey.”

Declan O’Rourke, General Manager at AIG Ireland said: “With the acquisition now complete, we can embark on implementing a roadmap for marrying our two great brands and businesses. While we have no immediate plans to rebrand the laya healthcare business, we can now start to focus on how our exciting alliance - now formalised - can start reaping benefits and value for our members and our teams.”

AIG has been operating in Ireland for over 40 years and already has significant global and EMEA operations based in Ireland in insurance, asset management and information technology. Laya healthcare will continue to be underwritten by Elips Insurance Ltd, a subsidiary of Swiss Re, while laya life will be underwritten by IptiQ Life SA.

For more on AIG go to www.aig.ie

Only one in five Irish people aged over 30 is aware of Lifetime Community Rating

ONLY ONE IN FIVE IRISH PEOPLE AGED OVER 30 IS AWARE OF LIFETIME COMMUNITY RATING

Only 4 per cent of people claim to understand it

Just months from deadline, only 5 per cent of over 30s plan to sign up for private health cover

82% find Lifetime Community Rating too complex and confusing

Health Economist warns that attracting younger people is key to stabilising costs and ‘rebooting’ Ireland’s health insurance market

Thursday, 26^th February 2015: New research commissioned by laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest health insurance provider, reveals that only one in five (21 per cent) Irish people aged over 30 years has heard of Lifetime Community Rating and worryingly, just 4 per cent claim to understand it. Almost two in three (62 per cent) currently without health insurance do not plan to take out health insurance before the April 30th deadline for sign-up to Lifetime Community Rating, with 60 per cent of those saying they simply cannot afford it.

Lifetime Community Rating is the Government’s initiative to encourage more young and healthy people into the private health insurance market, in an effort to control the cost of health insurance in Ireland as well as alleviating the pressures of an over-stretched public health system. Laya healthcare’s research conducted this month also found that only 2 per cent of those over 30 years are aware of the April 30^th deadline date.

Information Critical

The low levels of awareness around Lifetime Community Rating are reflected in the fact that a staggering 92 per cent claim there hasn’t been enough information around Lifetime Community Rating to help them make an informed decision, with 82 per cent admitting they find the details around it complex and confusing. Some 93 per cent of those without health cover stated they would welcome an information website that helps explain Lifetime Community Rating.

In an effort to demystify Lifetime Community Rating, laya healthcare has launched a ‘go-to’ website where people can get information in a simple and easy-to-understand way. The website features practical advice, informative videos and step-by-step instructions on how to assess the potential impact of Lifetime Community Rating.

Dónal Clancy, Managing Director at laya healthcare says that levels of awareness around Lifetime Community Rating must be significantly increased over the coming weeks, and that the overarching message needs to be one of affordability and value. “According to our research, affordability is the number one barrier to the take up of private health cover among younger people,” he said, “we recently launched Assure Vitality, which costs just under €9 a week, and is aimed primarily at attracting younger first-time buyers of health insurance by providing the best value cover on the market.

“Unlike other providers, our Assure schemes offer full cover for all public hospitals. We also provide excellent additional benefits including the innovative ‘CareOnCall’, which allows members access to a registered GP, Nurse and Physio to get expert diagnostic and treatment advice. This will be a particularly attractive benefit for our members as we know from our research that two thirds of people over 30 without health cover delay going to see their GP to keep costs down. Members can also avail of HeartBeat, our cardiac screening service.”

He added, “Anyone taking out an Assure hospital scheme also has the reassurance that they are covered for treatment overseas of up to €100,000. No other provider is offering this coverage for similar priced schemes.”

Lifetime Community Rating critical for market stability

Brian Turner, Health Economist with UCC, warned that the successful take-up of Lifetime Community Rating is critical in order to restore stability to Ireland’s private health insurance market and curb the price spiral that has made health cover unaffordable for many.

He said, “While there’s been some modest growth in the numbers of people signing up to private health cover over the last six months, it would be very premature to say we’ve reached the bottom of the market. The introduction of Lifetime Community Rating should help ‘reboot’ the Irish health insurance market, stimulating much-needed growth and interest among younger people, which is absolutely critical if the principle of community rating is to succeed, and costs are to come down. We have evidence from other countries, such as Australia, which shows that when a reforming initiative such as Lifetime Community Rating is introduced, it can have a demonstrable and positive impact on the market. Key to achieving this is the roll out of a high profile, hard-hitting information campaign that engages young people and incentivises them to take action.”

OTHER RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS:

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT

When asked, “Do you understand how Lifetime Community Rating will affect you personally”, two in three (66 per cent) of those aged 35-39 years said they had no idea

More than half (56 per cent) of those without health insurance aged 35-39 have already decided not to take out private health insurance before the deadline, with 37 per cent still undecided

AFFORDABILITY

Six in 10 of those aged over 30 currently without health insurance say they would like to take up health cover, but simply cannot afford it

Three in four believe the Government should subsidise health insurance for younger people to encourage them to take up health insurance at an earlier age

15 per cent of those who do not plan to sign up before 30^th April say that private health insurance is not good value for money

Almost one in five (18 per cent) won’t sign up for health insurance because they don’t agree with paying any additional Government-imposed levies on health insurance

IS LIFETIME COMMUNITY RATING FAIR?

Opinion is divided when it comes to deciding whether Lifetime Community Rating is fair or not, with 44 per cent of those aged 35-49 years saying they think it’s a fair initiative, compared to 56 per cent who think it’s unfair that younger people should help subsidise the cost of older and less healthy people across the market, thereby making health care affordable to all. Unsurprisingly, a larger percentage, 65 per cent, of the older cohort aged over 60+ years think it’s fair

PERCEPTIONS AROUND IRELAND’S PUBLIC HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Of the two in three (62 per cent) aged over 30 years who are not planning on taking out health insurance, a staggering 71 per cent are worried about falling ill and having to rely on the public healthcare system, with two in three (66 per cent) rating the quality of care in the public system as poor

Cost of GP: The average annual spend on GP visits by the over 30s is €195. Of those without health insurance, one in three (32 per cent) spend between €100 - €500 on visiting their GP every year. Worryingly, two in three people aged 30+ without health insurance will delay going to see their GP in order to keep these costs down with 69 per cent delaying any non-emergency medical procedures if they need them.

A higher number than expected (9 per cent) of people aged 30+ say they have been forced to go abroad for medical treatment in the last 12 months. Of these people one in five (22 per cent) are aged between 30-34 years

//ENDS.

Research was carried out among 1,000 people across Ireland aged between 30 - 60+ years by Ignite Research on behalf of laya healthcare. The research was carried out in February 2015 and is a national representative survey of 1,000 adults 30 years and over.

AIG invests further in Ireland with acquisition of laya healthcare

AIG invests further in Ireland with acquisition of laya healthcare

Laya healthcare management team to lead further growth in Ireland
Deal expands AIG Health global footprint and accelerates plans for EMEA growth
Good news for almost half a million members of laya healthcare and health insurance market in Ireland

JANUARY 21, 2015: Today, Laya Healthcare, Ireland’s second largest health insurance provider confirmed the sale of 100% of its shares to international insurance organisation, AIG. While the agreement was signed today, the completion of the transaction will take place once the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained.

This announcement is significant news and will benefit laya healthcare’s nearly half a million members. Members can be reassured that it is business as usual when it comes to their day-to-day dealings with the company.

The significant expertise within laya healthcare and the company’s ability to outperform in an extremely challenging market were key attractions for AIG in the deal. Laya healthcare will continue to operate in Cork and will be part of AIG’s Global Healthcare business. Laya healthcare will be able to offer its members access to AIG’s large suite of complementary products as the company expands its customer base across Ireland. AIG plans to use the deal to accelerate growth in its health insurance business in other markets outside Ireland.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said, “Today marks a huge milestone – and an incredibly proud one – for laya healthcare. This is exceptionally positive news for our almost half a million members, our team and our business. AIG’s global scale and reach presents us with the opportunity to expand the laya healthcare offering in Ireland and across Europe where AIG has significant plans for growth.”

Dónal Clancy continued, “We have worked incredibly hard to build the business to a position of strength by bringing real innovation to the health insurance market coupled with affordable health insurance for our members. That AIG, one of the most respected and experienced insurance groups in the world, is strengthening its commitment to Ireland with this acquisition is testament to the hard work by all of our team at laya healthcare. Swiss Re subsidiary Elips Insurance Ltd will continue to underwrite our health insurance policies and IptiQ Life SA will underwrite life insurance policies.”

AIG Global Head of Health, Jay Sheehy commented, “Our aim is to bring best in class health insurance to markets across the world. Our investment in Ireland will broaden the footprint of AIG’s Health business which up until now has primarily focused on the U.S. and Asia. The strength of the laya healthcare management team and how they have grown their market share despite record declines in the health insurance market highlights the potential for further growth.”

Commenting on the deal, Declan O’Rourke, General Manager, AIG Ireland said, “We are delighted that Dónal and his team have joined AIG’s Global Health team. AIG has a proven track record built up over 40 years in Ireland. AIG already has significant domestic, EMEA and global operations in insurance, asset management and IT based in Ireland. We feel both AIG and laya healthcare’s customers will benefit from each other’s strengths, expertise and complementary product offerings.”

Paul O’ Brien, CEO of Aventas Group, having now exited as a laya healthcare shareholder said, “We are delighted with today’s announcement and I wish both laya healthcare and AIG every success for the future.”

Advisers to the deal included Goodbody Corporate Finance, JW O’Donovan Solicitors, A&L Goodbody and PwC.

Laya Healthcare announces its biggest ever health insurance price freeze

LAYA HEALTHCARE ANNOUNCES ITS BIGGEST-EVER HEALTH INSURANCE PRICE FREEZE

-Best value health insurance now available at a guaranteed price for up to two years -

Thursday December 4th 2014: Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest health insurance provider with almost half a million members, today announced its biggest-ever product review, unveiling details of ‘Future Protect’, a series of three affordable new products that represent the best-value health cover in today’s market with prices frozen for up to two years.

At a time when Ireland’s private health insurance market faces unprecedented challenges and is in record decline, laya healthcare’s radical price-driven business strategy is a game-changer; not only does it lay down the gauntlet to other health insurers by freezing prices for up to two years, it’s also a direct response to Minister Leo Varadkar’s plea early this year for insurers to act urgently to help restore affordability and certainty in a struggling market.

Prices for Future Protect start at €495, representing the best value health insurance deal in the Irish market. The Future Protect product range will be available to anyone renewing or taking out applicable new policies and is available to purchase from 31st December 2014 to 28^th February 2015, with prices guaranteed for two years. This means that members will pay the same price for their policy in 2016 as they do in 2015 (up to 28^th February 2015).

Future Protect – price frozen at €495.20
Future Protect Plus – price frozen at €572.80
Future Protect Choice – price frozen at €644.80

Price Reductions

In more good news, Laya healthcare today announced significant price reductions of between 10-19% across 12 of its products, with reductions kicking in from 1^st January 2015.

Speaking at this major price review announcement, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said, “This is the biggest product shake up and price review that we have ever embarked on, and it will be rolled out with a single-minded determination to focus on putting real value back into Ireland’s private health insurance market by making health cover affordable for more people. At laya healthcare we always put our half a million members at the heart of our business - championing affordability, flexibility and innovation at every turn - and our price freeze on a fantastic new range of affordable products is a timely example of how laya healthcare is the future of health insurance, and how we are fully committed to fulfilling our promise of “Looking After You Always”.

To find out more about laya healthcare’s big price frees call 021 202 2000 or visit laya healthcare at www.layahealthcare.ie or www.facebook.com/LayaHealthcare.

Laya Healthcare diversifies with revolutionary life insurance offering

LAYA HEALTHCARE DIVERSIFIES WITH REVOLUTIONARY LIFE INSURANCE OFFERING –

LAYA LIFE

Laya healthcare giving €500 million worth of free cover to members for one year

Monday, September 15th, 2014. Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest healthcare insurance provider, today announced an exciting development as the company diversifies into life insurance with a new product offering, laya life.

Laya life is a revolutionary new product combining simplicity with affordability. The insurer provides a complete online process for customers at www.layalife.ie comprising three to five simple steps; with no medical checks or delays with processing your information. Your cover starts straight away and the goal is to make everything as simple as possible.

Should the worst happen to a loved one, it’s important to have a plan in place to cover the immediate and long term expenses. Laya life is a flexible product that allows you to top up any existing policies you may have, to ensure that the future is covered.

Laya life is very competitively priced compared with other providers at just €10.10* (see table outlining costs below). Research commissioned by laya healthcare to mark the launch of laya life found that only half of those surveyed have life insurance. For the 50 per cent that don’t have cover, a massive 71 per cent said they simply cannot afford it. This clearly demonstrates the need for a new, affordable life insurance product in the market.

To celebrate the launch, laya healthcare is offering up to €500m worth of life insurance for members. Qualified members can receive €10,000 worth of free life insurance cover for one year. Members will be notified shortly with details on how they can claim their free cover or can call us for details on 01 536 8000.

There is also an offer of 10% off for all new policies purchased online and a further 5% discount for existing laya healthcare members

Speaking at the launch of laya life, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director, laya healthcare said: “This is a very exciting day for all the team at laya healthcare. We are providing great value health insurance to our almost half a million members for more than 17 years and from today, we are able to offer simple, affordable life insurance.

“We are always looking at opportunities to diversify our business so we can deliver progressive, new, innovative products to our customers. Our latest consumer research tells us that almost half of the respondents said their families would be likely to struggle financially in the event of their death. That is why we believe our new laya life product offering is an important, natural fit for our members. Laya life also complements our brand promise of ‘looking after you always’.”

Laya life provides straight-forward, fixed-term life insurance for people aged 18 to 69 years for a fixed term of between 10 to 40 years. Once the customer answers just a few health questions, the policy provides immediate cover which will pay out a lump sum of up to €200,000 in the event of a policyholder’s death.

For more information, visit www.layalife.ie and there is a dedicated team of Life Sales Advisors to answer any queries on 01 536 8000.

Laya Healthcare Limited, trading as laya life is fully underwritten by iptiQ Life SA and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Laya Healthcare's Pre-Budget Submission 2015

LAYA HEALTHCARE CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT HEALTH INSURANCE SECTOR

FROM REACHING CRISIS POINT

No further penalties for the public sought in pre-Budget submission

In its 2015 pre-Budget submission, laya healthcare has today called on Government to protect the private health insurance sector from reaching crisis point.

With nearly 500,000 members, Ireland’s second largest private healthcare insurance provider is focusing on two key issues that have contributed significantly to the high cost of premiums; the Government Health Insurance Levy and a cap on tax relief.

Laya healthcare is asking that no new penalties, namely an increase in levies or a further cap on tax relief, are introduced in Budget 2015 by the Minister for Finance.

Since the introduction of the Government Health Insurance Levy in 2009, charges have jumped from €160 to €399 per adult, an increase of 149% in less than five years.

Budget 2014 reduced the amount of tax relief at source for health insurance policies on premiums in excess of €1,000, resulting in over 90% of policy holders having to pay more for their health insurance*.

Since 2008, around 300,000 people have abandoned their private health insurance and laya healthcare’s own research shows that 83% of people leave the health insurance market because of price.

Dónal Clancy, managing director of laya healthcare said, “If 300,000 people have been forced out of the private system, there is only one place for them to go, the public health system, which is already under considerable pressure. We are urging Government not to penalise the public any further through measures that will only serve to drive more people away from private health insurance and into the public system.

“In theory, the introduction of Lifetime Community Rating, which was recently signed into legislation by the former Minister for Health is a sound decision. However, people will not and indeed, cannot come in to the system unless insurance is made affordable. This means no more levies and no more caps on tax relief.”

Laya healthcare’s pre-Budget submission contends that unless urgent action is taken by Government now, thousands more people will have no option but to drop their health insurance cover over the coming months. Recent figures from the Health Insurance Authority demonstrate that the average dropout rate during 2014 has been 7,000 people per month and if this trend continues, an additional 210,000people will abandon their private health insurance between now and the end of 2016.

“This will have a profound affect on an already unsustainable health insurance market and add fire to a public health system that simply won’t be able to cope,” said Dónal Clancy.

“These issues need to be addressed in order to protect the private health insurance market from reaching crisis point and I hope that the Government gives due consideration to the issue of rising insurance prices when framing the next Budget.”

A copy of laya healthcare’s pre-Budget submission is available here - Pre_Budget_Submission_2015‌‌.

Laya Healthcare cuts prices on 'Create Your Scheme' by up to 30 per cent

LAYA HEALTHCARE CUTS PRICES ON ‘CREATE YOUR SCHEME’ BY UP TO 30 PER CENT

laya healthcare reduce premiums to make healthcare insurance more affordable

30 June 2014: Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest healthcare insurance provider, has cut the cost of some of its most popular products to ensure members have access to the best value health insurance. The premium reduction of up to 30 per cent ensures health insurance in the Irish market remains affordable.

Effective from 1^st August, members who create a policy tailored to their own needs can avail of a price reduction that will range from 10 to 30 per cent for adults and children. In addition to the price reduction on ‘Create Your Scheme’, laya healthcare is also reducing the adult rate on five other products by up to 22 per cent; Essential Connect, Essential First, Essential Connect Saver, Essential Starter and Essential Plus Excess. These price reductions will also come into effect from 1^st August 2014.

‘Create Your Scheme’ is a revolutionary way for Irish consumers to buy health insurance, allowing them to take control of the cost of their health insurance. Consumers can build a policy around their individual needs by considering the level of hospital cover they want, the level of in-patient excess they are prepared to pay in order to reduce their costs, and the out-patient cover to suit their needs.

Since its launch in December 2013, ‘Create Your Scheme’ has been hugely successful and now accounts for over half of laya healthcare’s online sales.

“Our promise to our members is that we are looking after you always. We are continuously striving to do that in every way possible and we are now offering major reductions on our most popular products. Laya healthcare is absolutely committed to providing best value, affordable health insurance solutions to our nearly half a million members” said Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare.

Following the price cuts, consumers will now pay as little as €44.18 per month for an adult and €12.49 per month for a child for health insurance cover with ‘Create Your Scheme’.

Laya healthcare is also cutting the cost of cover for kids by 50 per cent on the Essential Connect Family product. The offer, which runs from 1^st July until 31^st October, now means that kids and students can be covered for just €13.21 per month.

Medical Costs Management Achieves Reductions in Admissions & Claims Costs

LAYA HEALTHCARE’S MEDICAL COSTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ACHIEVES REDUCTIONS IN

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS AND CLAIMS COSTS

~ Estimated cost savings of up to €100 million by 2016 already yielding better care outcomes for patients ~

Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest healthcare insurance provider, has today announced the results of a major medical costs management programme, which has already resulted in significant claims cost savings. The health insurance provider is predicting total savings of almost €100 million as a result of the review over the five year period from 2012 to 2016. The company believes that the savings over time from its medical cost management programme can be passed on to its members and will lead to better value for consumers.

The medical costs management programme has also led to a significant reduction in hospital admissions through the promotion of better practices and efficiencies.

Included in the broadened medical costs management review is a clinically led utilisation review programme - which strives to deliver better patient care and outcomes through medical reviews undertaken against international best practice guidelines. The review also encompasses hospital rate negotiations, changes to orthopaedic policy and the on-going identification of potential overcharging for a wide range of hospital procedures by laya healthcare’s medical costs management team.

The utilisation review programme, and its associated cost savings, has enabled laya healthcare to reinvest in initiatives such as in-home healthcare options allowing members to be treated in their own home which has a positive effect on a patient’s care pathway. Through this programme, laya healthcare has already seen a reduction in hospital admissions, where patients are not admitted to hospital unless medically necessary. Laya healthcare also encourages the use of pre-assessment clinics by hospitals, which is international best practice, to facilitate same-day surgery where possible.

Laya healthcare is the first private healthcare insurance provider to implement a medical costs management programme which is largely clinically led. The framework for the review programme was designed in conjunction with US utilisation review expert Dr. Ben Safirstein who is Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical School in New York. Dr. Safirstein collaborated with laya healthcare in developing an improvement process tailor made for the Irish healthcare sector. These internationally recognised best-practice medical reviews will enhance patient care and outcomes. This process is designed to ensure that laya healthcare’s almost half a million members receive best quality healthcare in the most appropriate setting for their medical needs.

Dr. Ann O’Doherty, Medical Advisor at laya healthcare explains the benefits of medical costs management: “The Irish health system has been under the microscope in recent times with particular focus being placed on cost efficiencies and best care pathways for patients. While better practices, high-spec technology and improved treatments are all translating into best patient outcomes, they are driving medical costs higher, which in turn has a negative impact on premiums.

By successfully containing our medical costs we can help ensure that consumers continue to have access to quality, affordable healthcare solutions.”

Dr. O’Doherty continues: “While cost savings are important for the business, it is never at the expense of ensuring the best outcome for the patient. Laya healthcare believes strongly in investing in the nation’s health and our unique HeartBeat benefit is a good example of this. HeartBeat is a free cardiac screening initiative that is available to all laya healthcare members to detect for underlying heart conditions that can lead to Sudden Adults Death Syndrome (SADS).”

Looking forward, laya healthcare is confident that it can continue to successfully implement cost efficiency measures that keep its average cost of claims lower than the market average across all age groups as is currently the case. In doing so, laya healthcare can continue to keep private health insurance affordable for its members, and invest in healthcare initiatives that benefit and support not only laya healthcare members, but all patients.

Major advance in Irish Healthcare as eClaims comes to Market

Major advance in Irish Healthcare as eClaims comes to Market

Irish healthcare industry introduces eClaims to promote faster submission of claims and faster payment

4^th April, 2014 – Electronic claiming has been successfully introduced for the first time in two key private healthcare providers in Ireland, it was announced today. eClaims will revolutionise the way claims are processed in the Irish healthcare industry. It is a joint initiative spearheaded by three of the key health insurers, Aviva Health, laya healthcare and Vhi Healthcare and is being co-ordinated by Insurance Ireland.

eClaims is well established worldwide in countries such as the United States, Australia and the UK. The aim of the initiative has been to rollout a national standard for electronic claims, which will benefit all parties, achieving savings through the reduction of paper work and providing healthcare providers with improved cashflow and resources to focus on patient care. eClaims will ultimately mean faster submission of claims and faster payment and will enable greater control of the claims management processes.

Last year, two private healthcare pilots were successfully completed and over recent months both have been submitting live electronic claims to the three health insurers for processing:

Euromedic Ireland, a leading provider of diagnostic healthcare, supported by service provider Medserv; and
Beacon Hospital, a Full Service Hospital, successfully went live with the SoftCo Claims Management Solution that supports the new eClaims Standard. The Beacon Hospital have led the way by delivering the first eClaims solution in a Full Service Hospital. The SoftCo eClaims solution in the Beacon Hospital is also integrated with the service providers, Hospital Accounting Services and Medserv.

Commenting on the introduction of eClaims, Michael Horan, Insurance Ireland said: “As the Irish healthcare industry looks to the future, eClaims will be a key driver of change across the sector. All parties recognise the need to phase out the current inefficient paper claims process in favour of electronic processing. International best practice demonstrates that eClaims is the way forward, and it is imperative that the Irish healthcare industry develops its processes in line with these standards. I am delighted to see all parties coming together to bring this initiative to market and this demonstrates real success by the private healthcare providers in Ireland”.

Michael Horan added ”The success of the pilot in the private health sector, which is expected to be followed by a rapid adoption by other private hospitals, should serve as a model for the public sector to follow and help address the delays in submission of claims by the hospitals to the insurers. eClaims will also be a critical enabler for the Universal Health Insurance, where all healthcare facilities will be required to process a much higher volume of claims. This simply cannot be achieved with the current paper process. The three main Healthcare Insurers are now focusing on the rollout of eClaims across the Irish Healthcare market, with the aim of making the current paper-based scanning submission process a thing of the past”.

The success of the eClaims pilot should serve as an impetus to both the Public and Private sectors to engage with this industry initiative and provide appropriate resources and leadership to implement the system. The Insurers have the resources and capacity to engage with any public or private hospital who are interested in pursuing the electronic claims process.

Laya Healthcare opens Dublin office with announcement of 50 jobs

LAYA HEALTHCARE OPENS DUBLIN OFFICE WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF 50 JOBS

- Laya healthcare marks period of significant growth with opening of an official Dublin headquarters and 50 new jobs by 2016 -

Wednesday, 21 May 2014. Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest healthcare insurance provider, has opened an official headquarters in Dublin today with the announcement of 50 new jobs. This follows a period of consistent growth that has seen membership in Dublin grow by more than 16 per cent in the past two years.

At its launch in May 2012, laya healthcare committed to creating 100 new jobs by 2015 and the insurer is delighted to have exceeded this, currently employing more than 440 people between its headquarters in Cork and Dublin. Recruitment has already begun for 50 new jobs, which will be created over the next two years, with growth expected in the sales, customer service and claims teams in particular.

The new laya healthcare Dublin office is located on 1 Hume Street in Dublin City Centre. Welcoming its opening, MD Dónal Clancy said: “Since we first launched laya healthcare in May 2012 we have consistently recorded growth in the Dublin market; overall, our membership in this region has grown by more than 16 per cent since launch to date. Last year, we recorded our strongest performance yet, with corporate sales growing by over 70 per cent.

The outlook for 2014 is equally positive. That we are already ahead of our target membership growth, year to date in a market that continues to lose a record number of people every month is testament to our dedication to providing quality, affordable healthcare solutions at the best possible price.”

In the past 12 months, laya healthcare has made a number of key appointments to its Dublin team recruiting Ronan Whelan as Head of Sales, with Joyce Kellett and Brian McKiernan recruited as Major Account Manager and Strategic Account Manager respectively.

“We have made some key strategic appointments in recent months,” said Mr Clancy, “and we are not stopping there. I am delighted to announce that we have already begun recruiting for 50 new jobs, which demonstrates our commitment to the market and to growing our team. In formally establishing a presence in Dublin, we are consolidating our position as Ireland’s second largest healthcare insurance provider. More importantly, we are reinforcing our commitment to looking after our almost half a million members always and will continue to offer innovative services and solutions that add genuine value to our members’ healthcare needs.”

Innovation

Innovation is a driving force behind growth for laya healthcare in 2014; the healthcare insurance provider has already revolutionised how health insurance is purchased in Ireland with its ‘Create Your Scheme’ tool. Create Your Scheme delivers a healthcare insurance policy tailored to individual needs and budgets, allowing consumers – for the first time – to take control of the cost of their health insurance.

Expanding on the benefits of Create Your Scheme, MD Dónal Clancy said: “We developed Create Your Scheme in response to market demands and since its launch in December 2013 it has changed how private health insurance is sold in Ireland. Members have three options to consider: the level of hospital cover they want, the level of in-patient excess they are prepared to pay in order to reduce their costs and the out-patient cover required to meet their specific needs.

“With our competitors now following our lead, the key differential between our solution and others on the market is that we continue to include, at no additional cost to the member, specialist cardiac procedures as a core benefit on the majority of the solutions. Members can also choose an out-patient level of cover that suits their needs, regardless of their in-patient cover.”

Create Your Scheme now accounts for more than half of laya healthcare’s online sales. Plans start from just €463.29 per year, which currently includes a 10 per cent discount when bought online.

Control the cost of your health insurance with ‘Create Your Scheme’

‘Create Your Scheme’ is driving sales and offering flexibility and value for Irish consumers

Thursday 1st May 2014: Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest healthcare insurance provider, has revolutionised how health insurance is purchased in Ireland with ‘Create Your Scheme’. The innovative solution allows consumers take full control of the cost of their health insurance. By simply picking the level of cover required and the amount they wish to pay, ‘Create Your Scheme’ delivers a healthcare insurance policy tailored to individual needs and budgets. Members have three options to consider the level of hospital cover they want, the level of in-patient excess they are prepared to pay in order to reduce their costs and the out-patient cover to suit their needs.

Since its launch in December 2013, ‘Create Your Scheme’ has led the way in changing how private health insurance is sold and has now given consumers control over the cost of their policies. Developed in response to market demands, ‘Create Your Scheme’ has proven hugely successful, accounting for over half of laya healthcare’s online sales.

The flexible options start from just €463.29 per year. This includes a 10 per cent online discount currently available on all ‘Create Your Scheme’ plans when bought online.

Laya healthcare has always emphasised the need to deliver the best levels of care and choice for all its members.

The difference between our solution and others on the market is that laya healthcare continues to include, at no additional cost to the member, specialist cardiac procedures as a core benefit on the majority of the solutions. Members can also choose an out-patient level of cover that suits their needs, regardless of their in-patient cover.

Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare, commenting on the success of Create Your Scheme to date, said: “With ‘Create Your Scheme’ we are putting control in the hands of consumers so that they can now select the level of cover they want as well as the cost they wish to pay. This innovative solution has already proven successful and is a clear indicator that this is something that members have been looking for in order to manage their health insurance needs. Through ‘Create Your Scheme’, we are opening the door for new and existing members to access quality health insurance at a price affordable to them.”

Annual Report 2012

Click here to view the full report in PDF format.

Laya Healthcare's statement on levy increase - Nov 2013

Statement from laya healthcare in response to the Government's decision to increase the levy on health insurance.

All comments to be attributed to Dónal Clancy, MD at laya healthcare

As Ireland’s second largest private health insurer, laya healthcare is very disappointed by Minister Reilly’s announcement regarding increases to the health levy. Since its introduction in 2009, the health levy has jumped from €160 to €399 per adult, representing a total increase of 149%. The cost per child is also set to increase to €135 representing a hike of 155% since its introduction.

At laya healthcare, we strongly believe that increases to the health levy, which follows the recent cap on tax relief and the public beds re-designation charge, will drive more people out of the health insurance market that has already seen record numbers of people drop their cover. Rather than protect the most vulnerable patients as outlined by the Minister, the levy hike will only increase the burden on an already struggling public health system.

The increased levy will affect almost all our members, and families in particular will be the hardest hit. The levy is currently costing laya healthcare €60 million in 2013 alone, which is €14 million more than in 2012. We are expecting the announcement to further significantly impact on the cost of providing affordable healthcare.

While we fully support community rating, it is fundamentally wrong that a member who is finding it extremely difficult to continue to pay for private health insurance on a relatively low-level scheme is paying the same levy rates as those on higher level plans. Any level should be based on a standard, core set of benefits and not on the entire market. Risk equalisation can only work if a level playing field exists in the market.

Despite our frustrations, we will continue to participate in Government forums and meetings to ensure that the consumer above all is protected. We firmly believe that the future of the Irish healthcare system MUST be built on an industry–led solution and we are committed to being a part of this important process.

Laya Healthcare announces half price kids offer

Save 50% on kids’ health insurance with laya healthcare’s FamilyCare Scheme

Thursday, 1st August 2013: Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest private health insurance provider with more than 475,000 members, today announced details of its new 50% discount on kids’ cover as part of its FamilyCare scheme. This offer is available for tots to teens from 1^st August until 30^th September.

With back-to-school currently front of mind for parents, laya healthcare is conscious of the consequent strain on Mum’s and Dad’s purse strings. Uniforms, books and new stationary are just some of the additional costs associated with this time of year. Laya healthcare would like to alleviate some of this financial pressure by offering 50% off kids’ premiums on one of their most popular family schemes, FamilyCare, which will cost just €212.97 per child/student and €179.72 for a 3^rd or subsequent child/student. The discount is activated immediately upon switching and is valid for 12 months.

Children on the FamilyCare scheme receive access to both public and private hospitals, a 50% refund on everyday medical expenses such as GP visits, and 24-hour access to both the laya healthcare GP Line and Nurseline.

Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare says this latest offer is a result of members’ feedback: “Affordability and cost remain the number one concern for our members. We regularly ask for ideas on how we can help and offering a discount on children’s premiums was one of the most popular ‘asks’. We made a promise to our members to look after them always. This new offer is just another example of how we continue to strive to keep this promise and, moreover, keep quality private health insurance accessible to families acrossIreland.”

The 50% off kids offer is available from 1^st August until 30^th September. Call laya healthcare now on 021 202 2000 to find out more, or visit laya healthcare at www.layahealthcare.ie or www.facebook.com/LayaHealthcare.

Laya Healthcare launches the "Big Screen"

LAYA HEALTHCARE LAUNCHES BIGGEST-EVER CARDIAC SCREENING CAMPAIGN

FOR SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUBS TO MARK 1^ST BIRTHDAY

- €100,000 worth of FREE heart screenings up for grabs –

Tuesday, 14 May 2013: In the biggest free cardiac screening initiative of its kind, laya healthcare today announced that it will give away €100,000 worth of cardiac screenings to thousands of members of sports and social clubs around Ireland this summer.

The laya healthcare ‘Big Screen’cardiac campaign is being rolled out as part of laya healthcare’s celebrations to mark a successful first year in business and will provide vital and potentially life-saving screenings for people aged 12+ years to help detect underlying conditions that may lead to or cause Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

The Big Screen is open to all types of sports organisations, no matter how big or small, or what level of skill or fitness is involved. Laya healthcare today issued a call to action to all such clubs – rugby clubs, swimming groups, dance troops, hill walking societies, karate clubs, GAA clubs and more – to submit their nomination today on www.facebook.com/LayaHealthcare.

Commenting on the Big Screen initiative, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director at laya healthcare, said: “To mark the launch of laya healthcare last year, we launched HeartBeat, our free cardiac screening benefit available to all laya healthcare members. We have been overwhelmed by the response. While we made a promise to our members to ‘look after them always’, we had a lot of queries from those who weren’t members, mostly sports and fitness clubs who would have an obvious interest in our HeartBeat screenings. As a thank you for supporting us in our first year, we are now extending the free cardiac screening offer to the family and friends of our members who are active in sports clubs around the country. If our Big Screeninitiative saves just one life, then it’ll be the best first birthday present we could have ever asked for.”

The Laya Healthcare Big Screen will be live on the laya healthcare Facebook page, www.facebook.com/LayaHealthcare, where club members are encouraged to click ‘like’ to find out more and nominate their club. Each week one lucky club will be selected at random for free heart screening.

Since its launch last May, laya healthcare has screened over 15,000 members through HeartBeat. The health insurer has also marked its first successful year in business by announcing significant growth achievements across the business. Operating in the toughest market for health insurance in decades, laya healthcare today revealed that it has bucked the trend by growing its customer base from 450,000 to over 475,000 members in just 12 months. The company also revealed that it is on track to create 100 new jobs by 2015, with 58 positions filled in the past year in its Dublin and Cork offices.

Laya Healthcare announces significant growth in first year of business

Tuesday, 14^th May 2013: Laya healthcare, the second largest health insurer in Ireland, today marked its first successful year in business by announcing significant growth achievements across its business. Operating in the toughest market for health insurance in decades, laya healthcare today revealed that it had bucked the trend by growing its customer base from 450,000 to over 475,000 members in just 12 months.

The company also revealed that it is on track to create 100 new jobs by 2015, with 58 positions filled in the past year in its Dublin and Cork offices. Significant and ongoing investment in the areas of Customer Service, Claims and Sales has resulted in a 58% increase in year-on-year sales at laya healthcare. This growth has fuelled aggressive expansion targets with the launch of laya healthcare’s first Dublin office last September designed to address increased sales volume, especially in the corporate health insurance market which has grown by 31% when compared to 2012 figures.

To mark the important milestone of a healthy first year in business, laya healthcare today announced that it is to give away €100,000 worth of FREE cardiac screenings - vital, potentially life saving screenings for people aged 12+ years which can help detect underlying conditions that may lead to or cause Sudden Adult Death Syndrome - to sports and social clubs across Ireland this summer. The laya healthcare ‘Big Screen’ initiative is open to all kinds of sports organisations, no matter how big or small, or what level of skill or fitness is involved. Laya Healthcare today issued a nationwide call to action to rugby clubs, swimming groups, dance troops, hill walking societies, karate clubs, GAA clubs and so on, to submit their nomination today on www.facebook.com/LayaHealthcare

Forensic cost savings:

An expansive drive for growth has been coupled with the pursuit of significant cost savings, while ensuring best outcome for members. Laya healthcare today announced that it is on track to deliver savings of €18 million by the end of 2014 through forensic analysis of operational costs along with a wide range of clinical reviews & claim audits. As well as identifying cost saving opportunities, the reviews are conducted to ensure that members are receiving efficient and quality healthcare in the most appropriate settings for their medical needs.

Reflecting on a successful first year in business, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said, “It’s been a remarkable year for laya healthcare, and yet the most challenging one we’ve ever faced as a business. That we have significantly grown our members in a market that is hemorrhaging about 5,500 customers a month is testament to the hard work of our team, and moreover our obsession with providing affordable quality healthcare with best outcomes for our members.

“2013 will be about renewing our focus on value - we will fight tooth and nail to maintain our current position as the insurer offering best value in health insurance in the market. Driving cost efficiencies across the business is critical to this. Our savings target of €18 million is just the tip of the iceberg and will be delivered via a significant ramping up of claims investigation audits in 2013 and 2014, which will yield greater savings and ensure the best outcomes for our members.”

Commenting on the roll out of €100,000 worth of free heart screenings, Clancy added, “when we launched last year we offered free screenings for all our members and were overwhelmed by the response. We got a lot of queries from those who weren’t members too, mostly sports and fitness clubs who would have an obvious interest in these screenings. While we made a promise to our members to ‘look after them always’, we wanted to show our thanks for supporting us in our first year by extending the free cardiac screening to the family and friends of our members who are active in sports right across the country. If our ‘Big Screen’ initiative saves just one life, then it’ll be the best 1st birthday present we could ever have asked for.”

Key Highlights of laya healthcare’s first year in business:

Growth in membership from 450,000 members to over 475,000 members.
58 per cent increase in sales.
31 per cent growth in corporate sales.
In Dublin, sales have grown by 79 per cent; corporate membership is up by 30 per cent.
58 new hires bringing work force to 399 employees.
On track to deliver savings of €18million by year end 2014 through “forensic drive for efficiencies
Focus on Innovation is strong with 11 new products were introduced, plus a range of special offers including HeartBeat (over 15,000 screenings carried out to date)
Laya Healthcare was voted Top 100 Great Places to Work in Ireland and recognised in Excellence Through People awards.

Laya Healthcare donates €5K to Daffodil Day!

Friday 22^nd March: Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest private health insurer, is celebrating the launch of its official twitter handle – @layahealthcare – with a donation of €5k to The Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day.

The fundraising campaign was driven through social media and coincided with laya healthcare’s sponsorship of the 9th annual National Healthcare Conference. Beginning on the day of the conference, laya healthcare called for people to tweet using the official hashtag, #layanhc, with the health insurer looking for 5000 tweets to help meet its drive for €5K. The campaign was so successful, the hashtag #layanhc was trending as the most talked about topic on Twitter in Ireland at lunchtime on Wednesday.

Lorraine Walsh, Marketing Manager, laya healthcare commented: “When we decided to join twitter, we wanted to do something to mark the occasion. When we realised our launch coincided with Daffodil Day, it was an obvious choice as a superb charity to support. Even though we were slightly shy of reaching our target, we’re still delighted to donate €5k to the Irish Cancer Society for Daffodil Day, as it is such a fantastic cause.”

Laya healthcare is delighted to donate and support such a worthy cause and to help create awareness for the Irish Cancer Society by spreading the word on Social Media about Daffodil Day this Friday 22^nd March. Laya healthcare would like to thank everyone that used the hashtag and helped contribute to the €5k for Daffodil Day.

For more information, find laya healthcare on Facebook/LayaHealthcare or follow the health insurer on Twitter at @layahealthcare.

Private health insurance market is critically sick, maybe terminal

Wednesday, 20th March 2013. One of Ireland’s largest health insurers, laya healthcare, has today challenged Health Minister Reilly to address the price spiral that’s forcing a record number of people - 64,000[1] last year alone, and mostly the young and healthy - to drop their cover.

Managing Director, Dónal Clancy, said the private health insurance industry was critically sick, perhaps terminal, unless the price spiral issue was addressed by Government. He issued the call to action at the National Healthcare Conference in Dublin today, which was attended by Minster Reilly. His call comes on the back of new research commissioned by laya healthcare which reveals that one in three private health insurance holders with children plan on cancelling their cover in 2013, with one in six (17%) claiming they can no longer afford it.

But cancelling and downgrading their cover will put huge strain on young families with children with a staggering number (87%) admitting they are worried about falling ill and having to rely on the public health system and 79% say that they will delay non-emergency medical procedures and going to their GP (86%) to keep costs down.

Commenting on the findings, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said, “We are very conscious that affordability and the consumer’s ability to pay are front of mind in the current economic climate. The current system is unfair in that the majority of people on more basic plans are cross-subsidising those on the premium top-tier plans with all the frills. This is unjust and is fuelling a record market decline. Applying risk equalisation to a core, standard set of benefits would help stabilise the market and address the issue of fairness. We must reform health insurance if it’s to survive and provide genuine benefits for our 465,000 members, BUT we must do it within the context of reforming the health system as a whole.”

“The most fundamental change the Government can make is to start incentivising, NOT dis-incentivising young, healthier people to take up health insurance. The introduction of lifetime community rating would mean that the younger you enter the private health insurance market, the more affordable it is. This would serve as a compelling financial incentive for younger people to enter the market, and stay in it”, Clancy concluded.

[1] Health Insurance Authority (HIA) report, March 2013

Laya Healthcare announces private health insurance research results

Tuesday, 19th March 2013. New research commissioned by laya healthcare reveals that one in three private health insurance holders with children plan on cancelling their cover in 2013, with one in six (17%) claiming they can no longer afford it. Almost half of all young families with children (49%) admit they are unhappy about the upcoming increase in the government levy charge* which comes into force on 31st March and will review or downgrade their health cover to more basic benefits as a result.

The research was commissioned by laya healthcare in preparation for a keynote address by Managing Director, Dónal Clancy, at the National Healthcare Conference tomorrow, Wednesday, 20^th March. His keynote will explore the question, ‘Is the future of Ireland’s health insurance a healthy one’.

The research confirms a widespread fear that the price spiral affecting Ireland’s health insurance industry is driving a record number of people - 64,000[1] last year alone, and mostly the young and healthy - to drop their cover.

But cancelling and downgrading their cover is a huge worry to private health insurance holders with children:

- An overwhelming number (87%) say they are worried about falling ill and having to rely on the public health system

- 74% plan to fast track medical procedures while they have private health insurance in place - this will almost certainly place a burden on the public health system

- Worryingly, better outcomes are at serious risk for those who plan to downgrade or cancel their cover: 79% say that they will delay non-emergency medical procedures while 86% will delay going to their GP to keep costs down

Of those parents planning to drop out, the majority (66%) are young aged between 30-44 years. This threatens the current system as younger, healthy people are needed to support community rating.

Commenting on the findings, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare said, “The research confirms our worst fears that the price spiral affecting private health insurance will force more people to drop their cover this year. Finding ways to incentivise people - especially the young and healthy - to take up private health cover will be critical if we are to transition successfully and seamlessly to the new Universal Healthcare system promised for 2016.

“The current system is unfair in that the majority of people on more basic plans are cross-subsidising those on the premium top-tier plans with all the frills. This is unjust and is fuelling a record market decline. Applying risk equalisation to a core, standard set of benefits would help stabilise the market and address the issue of fairness”, he concluded.

Little support for Universal Healthcare

There was little support among consumers for the Government’s plans for Universal Healthcare, promised for 2016. Only 20% supported the new system, compared to 11% who say they oppose the plan. Lack of understanding is widespread with two in three (64%) admitting they don’t know enough about Universal Healthcare to have an opinion on it.

Poor outlook among Ireland’s health professionals

Laya healthcare also explored the outlook of the future ofIreland’s private health insurance among a nationwide sample of 100 GPs, hospital consultants practice and hospital nurses.

A staggering majority (76%) of health professionals do NOT think thatIreland’s health system is designed to protect the people that need it most and ensure better outcomes for patients. In line with this, 100% of health professionals say thatIreland’s health system is in need of URGENT reform.

Other research highlights:

- The majority of Irish health professionals (77%) think that there’s an urgent need to incentivise younger people to take out health insurance in order to maintain and protect the principle of community rating

- 95% support the Government’s plan for Universal healthcare

- It’s a 50:50 split among health professionals on the Government’s ability to deliver Universal healthcare on time by 2016. 50% say yes it will, 50% don’t think the government will succeed in rolling Universal healthcare out in time

- 82% of health professionals say that health insurers have an important role to help the government + other regulators shape the future ofIreland’s health system

Both sets of research - among consumers and health professionals - was carried out by independent research groups in March 2013. The consumer research was carried out by Spongeit Research. The telephone interviews among 100 health professionals was carred out by Real Insights research company.

[1] Health Insurance Authority (HIA) report, March 2013

Laya Healthcare to raise €5K for Daffodil Day!

Thursday, 14^th March 2013. Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest private health insurer, is celebrating the launch of its official twitter handle – @layahealthcare – with a donation drive for Daffodil Day.

The campaign coincides with laya healthcare’s sponsorship of the 9th annual National Healthcare Conference. Beginning on the day of the conference, laya healthcare will be calling on people to tweet using the official hashtag – #layanhc – with the health insurer looking for 5000 tweets to help meet its drive for €5,000. The Twitter campaign will continue until Daffodil Day on Friday, 22^ndMarch.

Live from Thursday, 14^th March, the @layahealthcare Twitter account will be another vital way for the Irish health insurer to outreach to its almost half a million members, kicking off with regular updates on the progress of its Daffodil Day campaign

Laya Healthcare recognised as one of Ireland's Great Places To Work

Friday, 8^th March 2013. Laya healthcare,Ireland’s second largest private health insurer, has been officially recognised as a Best Workplace 2013 at the annual Great Place to Work Awards. This prestigious accolade was announced in front of a packed house at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, which was attended by Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ms Creighton complimented all the organisations for creating high trust workplaces which she said leads to a clear competitive advantage especially when trading internationally.

Laya healthcare was announced as the 16^th placed organisation in the Best Large Companies Workplace 2013. Commenting on the award win, MD Dónal Clancy said: “It gives me great pleasure to see laya healthcare recognised as one of Ireland’s great places to work. Everyday, we ensure that ‘looking after you always’ is at the heart of what we do, and we apply this philosophy not only to our nearly half a million members, but to our own team also. We work hard to make sure that everyone has a voice, everyone’s opinion is valued and that, ultimately, everyone is proud to be part of the laya healthcare team. Given that we operate in a challenging and often difficult market, this award acknowledges the strong team ethos that is already in place and that we will continue to nuture and promote going forward.”

Commenting on the wonderful achievement by 49 organisations, CEO of the Great Place to Work Programme, John Ryan, said that competition for places on the list was at its highest in 10 years as more organisations had chosen to go through the assessment process, clearly appreciating the business benefits of having a high performing workplace where employees are seen as having a critical impact.

“This is a fantastic achievement particularly given the difficult economic backdrop, proving that if you invest time and effort in developing the right culture in your organisation your people will be your best asset and will be key to your business success”

ABOUT GREAT PLACE TO WORK IRELAND AND THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Great Place to Work Ireland is part of a Global network with offices in 48 countries using the same assessment methodology to publish 45 country lists, as well as regional and a Global list. The best known is the Fortune 100 list of best companies to work for in the United States. The key defining feature of a best workplace is the levels of trust that exist within it. The definition of a great workplace from an employee’s viewpoint is one where you trust the people you work with, you have great pride in what you do and you enjoy the people you work with.

The Great Place to Work Institute assesses the practices in place in organisations under 9 key areas: inspiring, speaking, listening, caring, developing, thanking, hiring, celebrating and sharing. They then benchmark these practices against other organisations in that country. The second key component of the assessment is an anonymous ‘trust index survey’ that gathers the perceptions of employees under 5 dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. Finally there is a full analysis of open ended comments from employees.

A full list of listed organisations and award winners is available at www.greatplacetowork.ie

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Board of Laya Healthcare is formally unveiled at new Dublin office

Pictured L to R - D.O. O'Connor, Larry O'Dwyer, Brenda Ryan, Kieran Barry, Dr. Ann O'Doherty, Dónal Clancy, Mary Condon and Brendan Tuohy.

Monday, December 17th, 2012. Laya healthcare’s seven member Board of Directors has been formally unveiled at the company’s new Dublin office in Fitzwilliam Hall. The new base in the heart of Dublin will be home to members of laya healthcare’s Corporate Sales and Occupational Health (Health@Work) teams.

The Board is led by Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Kieran Barry, former Managing Director in Ireland with Hewitt Associates. The Board includes three Executive Directors from laya healthcare’s senior management team - Dónal Clancy, Managing Director, D.O. O’Connor, Deputy Managing Director & Director of Business Development and Mary Condon, Director of Finance.

The three remaining Board members are Non-Executive Directors, Brendan Tuohy, Former Secretary General of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Larry O’Dwyer, a former partner at Ernst & Young and current member of the Audit Committees of University College Cork and Cork County Council and Dr. Ann O’Doherty, Clinical Director, BreastCheck, Dublin and Consultant Radiologist, St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Brenda Ryan, laya's Director of Operations, has been appointed the new Company Secretary. Brenda helped steer the management-led buyout of QUINN-healthcare in December 2011. She joined BUPA Ireland in 2000 and is an experienced member of the senior management team.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kieran Barry signaled a bright future ahead for laya healthcare: “This is a hugely exciting time for the team and the members of laya healthcare. At our launch on May 14^th, we pledged ourselves to looking after our members always and we will strive hard to fulfill that promise. We also announced our intention to expand the business, with plans to add 100 new jobs over a three year period. I’m delighted to confirm that 30 additional people have already been recruited since the launch with further recruitment planned”.

Laya healthcare is the second largest provider of private health insurance in Ireland, with more than 450,000 members. The company officially launched on May 14^th heralding a new era in Irish private health insurance. The company has positioned itself as the consumer champion in the private health insurance market with its brand promise - ‘Looking After You Always’. This represents laya healthcare’s member-centric approach which is fundamental to its vision and values.

Laya healthcare’s senior management team, led by Managing Director and Board member, Dónal Clancy, has extensive experience in the healthcare industry both in Ireland and internationally. Most of the senior team have been with the organisation since it originally launched as BUPA Ireland in 1997.

Laya healthcare’s policies are underwritten by Elips Insurance Ltd. (trading as laya healthcare), a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Re. The Swiss Re Group is a leading wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1863, Swiss Re serves clients through a network of 56 offices globally and is rated “AA” by Standard & Poor’s. Its global client base consists of insurance companies, mid to large-sized corporations and public sector clients.

Laya Healthcare announces ‘50% off kids’ offer

-Save 50% on kids’ premiums on Health Smart Plans from November-

Dublin, Thursday, 1st November 2012: Laya healthcare, Ireland’s second largest provider of private health insurance with more than 450,000 members, today announced details of its 50% discount for children’s cover on its Health Smart and Health Smart Family schemes.

Switch now to avail of 50% off children premiums on two of laya healthcare’s most popular schemes Health Smart (just €130 per child) and Health Smart Family (just €200 per child) from 1st November. The discount is activated immediately upon switching and is valid for 12 months.

Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare says that the inspiration to offer ‘50% off kids’ on two of its most popular schemes came from members, “Affordability and cost remain the number one issue that’s front of mind with our members. We regularly ask them for ideas on how we can help and giving a discount on children was one of the most popular ‘asks’. At our launch in May we made a promise to our members of Looking After You Always. This new offer is just another example of how we are constantly striving to keep this promise and moreover, keep quality private health insurance accessible to families across Ireland.”

The 50% off kids offer is available for purchase to all consumers nationwide. Call laya healthcare now on 021 202 2000 to get more information, or visit laya healthcare at www.layahealthcare.ie.

About laya healthcare:

Laya healthcare officially launched on May 14th marking a new era in Irish private health insurance. The company has positioned itself as the consumer champion in the private health insurance market with its brand promise - ‘Looking After You Always’. This represents laya healthcare’s member-centric approach which is fundamental to its vision and values. Laya healthcare is the second largest provider of private health insurance in Ireland, with more than 450,000 members.

Laya healthcare’s policies are underwritten by Elips Insurance Ltd. (trading as laya healthcare), a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Re. The Swiss Re Group is a leading wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1863, Swiss Re serves clients through a network of 56 offices globally and is rated “AA” by Standard & Poor’s. Its global client base consists of insurance companies, mid-to-large-sized corporations and public sector clients.

Statement from Laya Healthcare re Risk Equalisation Bill - Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2012

Thursday, October 18th, 2012. Laya healthcare is frustrated by, and disappointed at, the ill-considered way in which the Government is rushing through its proposal for a revised new Risk Equalisation Bill - Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2012 without any proper consultation with health insurance providers.

The focus for the Department of Health should be on affordability and the consumer’s ability to pay. Since February 2012, when the Government first announced plans to revise the Bill, laya healthcare has made several attempts – all futile – to meet with the Department of Health in an effort to review the legislation and offer constructive feedback on proposed amendments and solutions. Despite promises to the contrary, all efforts to engage have unfortunately been spurned or ignored.

Along with a number of other key stakeholders, laya healthcare has been invited to attend a debriefing session in the Department of Health tomorrow, Friday, October 19th. The consultation process has been requested by laya healthcare for some time now. Therefore, it was expected that this session would provide an opportunity for the interested parties to review and provide feedback on the draft Bill prior to its publication. In the meantime, the Department announced its intention to publish the Bill prior to the debriefing session on Friday, negating the chance of any meaningful consultation at this late stage.

Laya healthcare is currently working through the detail of the Bill and reviewing the exact financial implications for consumers. However, at first glance the following points are already clear:

The ability of consumers to avail of new, innovative benefits has been squashed by the new Bill as insurers will only be permitted to alter benefits across its most popular range of schemes, once a year. This will stifle competition in the market and will impact negatively on consumers in terms of genuine choice and affordability.
The way in which the Bill was introduced is extremely heavy handed given that it restricts the private health insurers’ ability to introduce innovative new products to the market. The private health insurers only received sight of the draft legislation on October 17th, the very same day that they were required to give notice to the HIA of all products for sale from January 1st, 2013. This is without full visibility on how risk equalisation will be rolled out.
As the system currently stands, consumers are discouraged from moving provider mid year as the health levy must be paid regardless of movement within the market. This new bill has done nothing to address this. Laya healthcare has a range of innovative benefits in the pipeline which will be welcomed by consumers but will be restricted from introducing these under the new Bill.
The proposed new regime will be much more complex and expensive for the HIA to operate and will require significantly more resources. This will ultimately impact on the cost of the health levy which will be passed on in rising costs to the consumer.
It would appear that this bill is incentivising the market based on the number of nights a person occupies a hospital bed. This will drive inefficiency and increase the cost of claims by encouraging patients to stay in hospital longer than is necessary.

Dónal Clancy, Managing Director, laya healthcare said: “As the second largest player in the private health insurance market, we represent more than 450,000 members who tell us they are extremely worried about the spiralling cost of private health insurance. Reforming the private health insurance sector must include incentivising younger people to enter the market with a standard product or Universal Health Insurance as its heart. For some time, we have been asking Minister Reilly and his officials at the Department of Health to engage in open and meaningful consultation with all key industry stakeholders to move this process forward. Regrettably for consumers, these requests have fallen on deaf ears”.

“Affordability is the number one reason for people exiting the market and it’s primarily young people with families who are cancelling their policies. This is a disaster for the future of the healthcare industry as young people are critical to helping underpin the principle of Community Rating. This principle means that older people should not be penalised by paying more for their private health insurance than younger people in the market. Furthermore, it’s a vicious circle when more people choose to opt out of private health insurance they merely fall back into an already overstretched and overburdened public health system. One of the better ways to make improvements is to incentivise young people to enter or stay in the market”.

“Unless we seriously tackle the cost spiral affecting consumers in the market, which is primarily being driven by an unfair health levy or stealth tax, and look at ways of reducing the cost of claims, we risk facing a serious meltdown of our healthcare system” concluded Mr. Clancy.

Helping one another to piece together the ASD jigsaw

Laya Heathcare Autism Jigsaw Seminar in association with the Shine Centre for Autism

Tuesday 9th, October 2012: The 2012 Laya Healthcare Autism Jigsaw takes place in the Maryborough Hotel & Spa, Cork from 8.30am to 3.45pm on Thursday, 25th October. Building on the fantastic success of last year's event, with over 700 people in attendance, this years’ seminar will include expert speakers from the United States, the UK and Ireland. Covering a wide range of topics around autism and Asperger Syndrome, the purpose of this event is to educate and empower attendees to put the pieces of the ASD jigsaw together. ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorders, refers to any diagnosis within the autism spectrum, from Asperger Syndrome at the high end to “classic” autism at the low end. This seminar will enable parents, educators, carers and professionals living and working with autism to listen to new ideas, strategies and enhance their own knowledge and expertise.

Jennifer Cooke O’Toole, author of the hugely successful book, Asperkids, will be travelling from the United States as this years’ guest speaker. Jennifer will speak of her experiences of living with ASD and the challenges she faced on her path to becoming an award winning educator and author. The speaker line up will also include professionals such as Kevin Baskerville, Leicestershire Autism Service Intensive Support Manager, and Dr. Mickey Keenan Senior Lecturer at the University of Ulster and Behavioural Analyst. The 2012 seminar sponsored by laya healthcare will once again cover a diverse range of topics including; bridging the social gap for children and adolescents with autism, practical strategies to help in the areas of relationships and sexuality, and encouraging and re-enforcing positive behaviour for persons with autism.

A vital element of the Laya Healthcare Autism Jigsaw Seminar is the Q&A session held at the end of each speaker’s presentation. This session gives each attendee the opportunity to ask questions of each of the six expert speakers about specific issues, or challenges that they regularly face. The Exhibitor Area offers those in attendance the opportunity to meet and find out more about companies and organisations who supply services within the autism community.

Laya healthcare Managing Director, Dónal Clancy, is once again delighted to be a part of this fantastic event, saying; “Shine is an organisation which we at laya healthcare are delighted to have an affiliation with. Each day they touch the lives of those they work with, as they help and support adults and children affected by Autism. Last year saw the first Laya Healthcare Autism Jigsaw Seminar which is just one way in which Shine reach out to those with ASD in their lives. I encourage everyone to attend this year’s seminar which I can promise will be beneficial and rewarding to all taking part.”

Tickets for the Laya Healthcare Autism Jigsaw Seminar, which include a light lunch, range in price from €15 for students to only €25 for an adult ticket. Group discounts are also available. For more information on the Laya Healthcare Autism Jigsaw Seminar; running order, speaker information and topics, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.autismjigsaw.com, or www.facebook.com/layahealthcare

Laya Healthcare launches new ‘Aspire’ scheme

Health insurance with Dublin in mind

Wednesday, 18th July: Laya healthcare today announced a new, unique scheme, developed specifically with Dublin-based consumers in mind. The new scheme provides the 5 star cover you do need, without having to pay for the cover you don’t! This new innovative scheme, Aspire, is part of laya healthcare’s consumer-centric focus on listening to its members and delivering the range of schemes they are looking for, at exceptional value. In other words this is part of laya heathcare’s commitment to looking after its members always.

Through listening to their members and, indeed, to the wider marketplace, laya healthcare learned that there is a significant requirement for access to private hospitals at a competitive price. Laya healthcare’s new scheme provides access to two of Dublin’s premium medical facilities, the Beacon Hospital and the Sports Surgery Clinic, as well as all public hospitals in Ireland.

Launched as part of a fantastic 3-2-1 introductory offer, consumers who sign up from now to September 20th, will get three months free (€645 per adult, €180 per child). If they sign up from September 21st to October 21st, they will get two months free (€717 per adult, €200 per child),and from October 22nd to November 21st consumers will get one month free (€788 per adult, €220 per child). This means five star private hospital treatment for members at an excellent price point.

Managing Director, Dónal Clancy talked about the launch of the new scheme: “From listening to both members and potential members, we know that access to private hospitals at a competitive price is an urgent requirement.The range of private hospitals in our capital city allows us to be innovative and to maximise value delivered to members living in this area. Aspire is a bespoke scheme and, through our link with the Beacon Hospital and the Sports Surgery Clinic, offers premium medical care at excellent value for our members. Put simply, it’s 5 star health insurance with Dublin in mind”.

Laya healthcare’s management team, led by Managing Director, Dónal Clancy, has extensive experience in the healthcare industry both in Ireland and internationally, and most of the senior team have been with the organisation since it originally launched as BUPA Ireland back in 1997.

Laya healthcare’s policies are underwritten by Elips Insurance Ltd. (trading as laya healthcare), a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Re. The Swiss Re Group is a leading wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1863, Swiss Re serves clients through a network of 56 offices globally and is rated “AA” by Standard & Poor’s. Its global client base consists of insurance companies, mid-to-large-sized corporations and public sector clients.

The Aspire scheme is available for purchase to all consumers nationwide, satisfying the usual criteria.

Call laya healthcare now on 021 202 2000 to see how Aspire inspires you, or visit laya healthcare at www.layahealthcare.ie.

New scanning facility open to Laya Healthcare members

June 7th, 2012. Laya healthcare today confirmed that it has reached agreement with Alliance Medical, who operate the PET/CT Scanner at Cork’s University Hospital, to provide access to members requiring the use of services at the facility on an out-patient basis.

The new scanner has been operational at CUH since May 18th and has been available across all laya healthcare schemes since June 1st.

PET is a powerful diagnostic tool that is advancing clinicians understanding of the underlying causes of disease and improving the way in which many diseases are detected and treated. It provides physicians with superior information for determining tissue characterisations and classifications, staging of cancers, restaging of cancers, patient prognosis and monitoring the effectiveness of cancer therapies.

Brenda Ryan, Director of Claims and Provider Relations, laya healthcare, welcomed today’s announcement: “We are delighted that from June 1st all our members will be able to avail of cutting edge diagnostic treatment at Cork University Hospital, greatly minimising the need for cancer patients to travel for PET scans. The new PET scanner will be used in the rapid detection of cancers, facilitating the best possible outcome for patients and their families”.

Laya healthcare continually strives to provide the best possible medical outcomes and value for its members. As the newest name in the private health insurance market, laya healthcare currently provides access to PET/CT scanning throughout the country in Galway, Dublin, Waterford and now in Cork.

About laya healthcare

As the newest name in the Irish private health insurance market, laya healthcare’s brand promise - ‘Looking After You Always’ - represents the company’s member-centric approach which is fundamental to its vision and values.

Laya healthcare works hard to offer the best possible benefits and value to its members and has recently launched two new and exciting initiatives. Laya healthcare’s ‘HeartBeat’, the company’s new cardiac screening initiative, allows all laya healthcare members, from 12 years upwards, to avail of free preventative cardiac screening.

In addition, the company’s 3-2-1 product offer on its ‘Health Smart’ and ‘Health Smart Family’ schemes means that consumers who switch to either scheme right away get three months free; if they switch in July, they will get two months free and if they switch in August, they will get one month free!

* Please note, in order to ensure they meet the criteria, any member scheduled to undergo a PET/CT scan at CUH should contact laya healthcare on 021 202 2000.

Laya Healthcare marks launch by announcing 100 new Jobs...14/05/2012

14th May 2012

Laya Healthcare Marks Launch by Announcing
100 New Jobs
New Products Launched – HeartBeat Cardiac Screening for Members and a 3-2-1 Offer on Two New Schemes

Laya healthcare, the new name in Irish private health insurance, today marks its official launch by announcing 100 new jobs over the next three years. Today’s job announcement marks a hugely positive period for laya healthcare.

Laya healthcare’s brand promise - ‘Looking After You Always’ - represents the company’s member centric approach which is fundamental to its vision and values. The company currently employs 343 people at its headquarters in Cork.

Laya healthcare’s ‘HeartBeat’, the company’s new cardiac screening initiative, will also be launched today. This will allow all laya healthcare members, from 12 years upwards, to avail of preventative cardiac screening. In addition, the company’s 3-2-1 product offer on its ‘Health Smart’ and ‘Health Smart Family’ schemes is also being launched today. Available to consumers from May 21st, the 3-2-1 offer allows people who switch to either scheme right away to get three months free; if they switch in July, they will get two months free and if they switch in August, they will get one month free!

Speaking passionately about his vision for the new company at the official launch in Dublin, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director said: “This is a hugely exciting day for the private health insurance market and for all the team at laya healthcare. From today, laya healthcare will position itself as the key consumer champion in the private health insurance market. All of us involved in the sector recognise that there are significant issues and problems which need to be resolved. For our part we, at laya healthcare, will do everything possible to ensure that our members have a strong voice from within the industry to champion their cause and to add positively to the national healthcare debate. Our new company philosophy is totally focused on securing the best possible outcome for our members”.

In conclusion, Mr. Clancy said: “I am making a solemn promise to our members today that we will work relentlessly on their behalf to deliver the very best value available in the private health insurance market by constantly challenging ourselves and our suppliers to ensure we are looking after our members needs, always”.

Laya healthcare’s new HeartBeat initiative, which will be delivered in conjunction with provider HeartAid, is the company’s free cardiac screening for members and was developed specifically to help combat the incidence of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, heart attacks and other cardiac related conditions. Heart conditions including sudden adult death syndrome are a major cause of deaths in Ireland each year. Up to 2 young people die each week in Ireland from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). The European Society of Cardiology &International Olympic Committee recommend cardiac screening, as does the GAA’s Medical Scientific & Advisory committee. HeartBeat will allow new and existing laya healthcare members to avail of this excellent benefit to help early detection and prevention of conditions that may causeSudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

Laya healthcare’s management team, led by Managing Director, Dónal Clancy, has extensive experience in the healthcare industry both in Ireland and internationally, and most of the senior team have been with the organsation since it originally launched as BUPA Ireland back in 1997.

Laya healthcare’s policies are underwritten by Elips Insurance Ltd. (trading as laya healthcare), a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Re. The Swiss Re Group is a leading wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1863, Swiss Re serves clients through a network of 56 offices globally and is rated “AA” by Standard & Poor’s. Its global client base consists of insurance companies, mid-to-large-sized corporations and public sector clients.

Dónal Clancy, QUINN-healthcare's Managing Director, confirms QUINN-healthcare is rebranding to Laya Healthcare.

1st May 2012

Dónal Clancy, QUINN-healthcare's Managing Director, confirms QUINN-healthcare is rebranding to Laya Healthcare.

QUINN-healthcare, Ireland’s leading private health insurance provider has confirmed that it will be rebranding to Laya healthcare.

The new name is derived from the company’s promise to its members – Looking After You Always. The company is currently in the process of transitioning to the new brand which is a very exciting time for all the team and its more than 450,000 members.

There will be no operational impact on members during the transition period, it’s very much business as usual. QUINN-healthcare continues to sell and renew policies and pay member claims in the normal way.

Commenting on this exciting change, Dónal Clancy, Managing Director, said: “As from today, May 1st, our new underwriter is Elips Insurance Limited, a wholly owned subsidary of SwissRe. We are having a formal launch on Monday, May 14th where we’re really looking forward to announcing new innovative initiatives and value to the market. I will be contacting our members over the coming weeks to share these developments with them”.

Further details will be announced at the launch on Monday, May 14th.

1st May 2012

QUINN-healthcare, Ireland’s leading private health insurance provider has confirmed that it will be rebranding to Laya healthcare.

Further details will be announced at the launch on Monday, May 14th.

Workplace Wellbeing Index 23 - Insight

With anxiety and substance abuse causing concern for employers, more businesses are offering wellbeing supports to employees
laya healthcare Workplace Wellbeing Index reports.

- Two in three say it’s important that their employer has a menopause leave policy in place
- 22% are using mental health services provided by their employer
- The percentage of employees struggling with substance abuse as an effect of anxiety has doubled in the last year from 7% to 14%
- Almost One in five female workers feel anxious all the time

Dublin, 16^th November

The results of the laya healthcare Workplace Wellbeing Index this year tells a tale of two halves, with workplace patterns comfortably stabilising alongside concerning trends of increasing anxiety leading in some cases to substance abuse.

Tackling Intense Anxiety

Research shows that overall, while good mental health and wellbeing is rising in employees, so too is very poor mental health which has seen an incremental increase from 5% to 8%. Almost 20% of women and 12% of men report feeling anxious all the time. Financial concerns including the rising cost of living continues to be a main driver of anxiety for 63% of those suffering from anxiety, which has decreased from 71% last year. Worryingly, the percentage of employees struggling with substance abuse, as an effect of anxiety, has doubled.

On a positive note, the stigma around mental health is being reduced. This may be attributed to the fact that more businesses are now offering mental wellbeing services to employees with 70% feeling supported by their employer to take time to look after their mental health, an increase of 10% in the last twelve months. That feeling of support is evidenced from the top, with leaders actively engaging and participating in supports on offer (61%) and promoting a culture of wellbeing support (65%) with employees feeling encouraged by leadership to take care of their health and wellbeing (62%) – a significant increase in all measures year on year.

Unlocking Wellbeing for Women

Women’s health and wellbeing in the workplace has improved this year but still trails men. Females placed significant value on flexibility in the workplace with 78% welcoming the option of wellbeing days at work, 37% explicitly saying that work is damaging their mental health, compared to 29% of men. Two in three women also claimed to have worked when they should have been off sick and were less likely to take a sick day for mental health reasons (37% vs 41%) despite feeling more anxious than their male counterparts.

Two thirds of female employees feel it’s important to have a menopause policy in place with other family friendly supports also welcomed.

Connecting lone workers

Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. Anybody who works alone, including contractors, self-employed people and employees are classed as a lone worker. While working alone remotely works for some people, there are others who relish in office days and welcome the hybrid model.

- This year, there has been a shift in hybrid working and twice as many companies are now mandating in office days. Two days working from home is the new normal for most, compared to three days last year. While this shift is present across both genders, women are working more days from home than men, with 17% working from home four days a week versus just 6% of men. Almost six in ten hybrid workers claim to be more productive working from home

Overall job satisfaction is on the rise for employees with three in ten experiencing higher satisfaction than the year prior. This is in part driven by a greater work life balance and flexibility in the workplace. Further importance has been placed by employees on childcare, with 16% citing the ability to balance childcare needs as a key factor in overall job satisfaction.

Commenting on the research findings, Sinead Proos, Head of Health & Wellbeing at laya healthcare said,

“Overall, we are seeing more positive trends in workplace wellbeing this year. Ways of working have stabilised with an air of optimism among employees and HR leaders surveyed.

We know that issues for employees are changing every year, results we have seen in terms of substance abuse and an increase in very poor mental health means that employers need to remain agile in their understanding of the issues facing people and respond accordingly.

It is encouraging to see so many businesses implementing and indeed benefiting from wellbeing supports but it is important that these are effectively communicated to employees to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace. Having the right supports in place reflects well on wider company values which are of significant importance for job seekers.”

Laya healthcare is helping employers stay a beat ahead by supporting their employee’s mental health through the Workplace Wellbeing Index, one of Ireland’s largest studies among Irish employees and employers in the workplace. The full Workplace Wellbeing Index report and supporting playbooks to support a healthy workforce, can be downloaded from 16 November at (layahealthcare.ie/wellbeingindex).

A 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme is offered by laya healthcare to its members. This confidential service is available at no extra cost. To find out more, visit layahealthcare.ie/yourbenefits/mentalwellbeingsupport

Laya healthcare retains Investors in Diversity Gold accreditation.

Cork, 23^rd January 2024

Laya healthcare has been awarded the Investors in Diversity Gold - the highest accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity, Ireland’s leading equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) body for the second time. The company was first awarded the Investors in Diversity Gold standard accreditation in 2021 and is one of only four companies in Ireland to have achieved reaccreditation for a second term.

The reaccreditation affirms that laya healthcare continues its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within its culture, across its processes and through its external impacts. The gold accreditation reflects the consistently high standard of ED&I within laya healthcare and the commitment to ensuring that this is embedded in the company culture and values.

The recognition received was partly with thanks to several standout initiatives including:

- All new starters meeting with one of the business's ED&I specialists who talks them through the journey so far, the current strategy and any related policies.
- A clear focus on enhancing the diversity data monitoring across the company with the launch of a new Team Demographic Survey. There was a clear internal communications plan in place before the survey was launched and the business’s Diversity Council played a key role in building understanding and trust.
- Laya healthcare continues to be very active in external Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) engagement and advocacy. This includes providing access to learning opportunities, sponsoring events with a D&I element, donations to charities, supporting business partners with their Investors in Diversity journey and more. A partnership with University College Cork's (UCC) Disability Support Services 'EmployAbility programme' was extended by taking on a student as part of the EmployAbility Summer Internship Programme.

Commenting on the news, Director of People and Culture at laya healthcare, Erika O’Leary said,

“We are delighted to have been awarded this accreditation once again and I’m so proud of the team at laya healthcare and the commitment to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across the business. We work hard to prioritise the ED&I journey and to make sure equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the forefront of everything we do. To maintain a gold standard is something that is very important to laya healthcare and further highlights the company values of fair, caring, innovative and grounded. These values are the foundations that are embedded in all we do in relation to the team and more widely with laya healthcare members.”

Caroline Cummins - Managing Director, Irish Centre for Diversity comments:

"I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone at laya healthcare. This accreditation with Investors in Diversity Gold recognises the considerable efforts and investment in advancing Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) across the business. The company now has the welcome goal of becoming the most inclusive workplace in Ireland.”

Investors in Diversity provides a three-tiered framework to holistically transform practices and culture for the journey of continuous improvement. For more information visit - https://irishcentrefordiversity.ie/investors-in-diversity/

To learn more about laya healthcare’s culture of inclusivity and diversity visit www.layahealthcare.ie/diversityandinclusion

Seven in ten women expect employers to have a menopause leave policy in place

Seven in ten women expect their employer to have a menopause policy in place but only 18% do

Laya healthcare opens second Laya Health and Wellbeing clinic in Dublin

AXA announce completion of acquisition of laya healthcare

Member Update

Laya Healthcare extends rugby sponsorship as the official Health and Wellbeing Partner of both Munster Rugby and Connacht Rugby

With record attendance in Ireland’s acute Emergency Departments, new research shows that over a third of visits could have been avoided*

In the past 12 months, what was the reason for you attending the emergency department in your local hospital?

% of people who visited

Lack of awareness of urgent care options in the community

Delaying medical care

An easy service guide for urgent care

Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Galway opens new Diagnostic Imaging Suite with state-of-the-art MRI, X-ray and Dexa services

World Obesity Day

Key research, conducted by Laya Super Troopers ahead of World Obesity Day, finds that 10% of Irish children aged between 9-12 eat fast-food takeaways more than once a week

Stars Johnny Sexton and Anna Geary launch Laya Super Troopers TV as new in-depth research reveals that 68% of children aged 9-12 experience anxiety

Brown Thomas Arnotts, Aon and Laya Healthcare recognised for commitment to diversity and inclusion

Negative impact on physical and mental wellbeing of Irish workers under Covid-19 highlighted in national research

Laya Healthcare to Redirect Claim Cost Savings Back to Members

A Message from Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of laya healthcare

Redirecting Claim Cost Savings as a benefit to Our Members

Providing greater access to essential healthcare benefits & services

Value in maintaining health cover

Looking After You Always

Summary of our Covid-19 Benefits

Notes to Editor

Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic Now Open in Galway

Laya Healthcare Announces Plan to Create a National Network of Health and Wellbeing Clinics

Half of all adults reaching out for mental health support are aged under 45

Record numbers seeking help

Top 5 most popular service requests

About laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme

Research methodology

About laya healthcare

Worrying stats highlight heart disease risk among Irish adults

Heart disease one of Ireland’s biggest killers

Women and heart health

Healthy heart habits

HeartBeat cardiac screening

About laya healthcare

Ireland’s first dedicated Healthcare Concierge Service launched by Laya Healthcare

Laya Healthcare Raise Vital Funds For Charity

Irish Workers Struggling With Day To Day Finances And Health Worries*

Laya Healthcare to offer cardiac screening in Limerick

Laya healthcare to offer cardiac screening in Kilkenny

Laya healthcare announce reduced premiums across 15 schemes during the month of December

A quarter of Irish adults aged over 50 are “too afraid” to switch health insurance provider, despite significant savings to be made

Laya Healthcare named one of Ireland’s First Healthy Places to Work

Almost half of people say their mental wellbeing is of ‘real concern’ to them

Laya healthcare launches 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Programme for members

Gym+Coffee announce the Summer Stretch Series 2018, in association with Healthcoach by Laya Healthcare.

Johnny Sexton kicks off Super Troopers with Laya Healthcare

Laya Life Expands Product Offering to Include Mortgage Protection Cover

Laya Healthcare Announces Major ‘Free Kids Offer’

Laya Healthcare announces plan to provide face-to-face healthcoach consultations to its members in exclusive new private health insurance benefit

Laya Healthcare unveils major new brand repositioning campaign, ‘It’s good to live’

Laya Healthcare partners with Affidea to create new network of consultant-led minor injury and illness clinics

It's unacceptable for health insurance holders to pay twice for treatment in public hospitals

Microsoft Dynamics provides windows of opportunity for Laya Healthcare

US Business Report in Ireland

Health homework programme rolled out to 25% more schools nationwide

Almost half of Irish employees spend four days out of work visiting their GP each year

Laya healthcare & Rob Kearney launch HEAD ON Concussion Management Programme

One in three Irish primary schools sign up to Super Troopers health homework

Laya healthcare kicks off exclusive health & wellness partnership with Leinster rugby

€105,321 - The cost of raising a child from cradle to college

Dramatic increase in numbers of young people taking out health insurance before deadline

Ireland's first health homework campaign

AIG completes the acquisition of Laya Healthcare

Only one in five Irish people aged over 30 is aware of Lifetime Community Rating

AIG invests further in Ireland with acquisition of laya healthcare

Laya Healthcare announces its biggest ever health insurance price freeze

Laya Healthcare diversifies with revolutionary life insurance offering

Laya Healthcare's Pre-Budget Submission 2015

Laya Healthcare cuts prices on 'Create Your Scheme' by up to 30 per cent

Medical Costs Management Achieves Reductions in Admissions & Claims Costs

Major advance in Irish Healthcare as eClaims comes to Market

Laya Healthcare opens Dublin office with announcement of 50 jobs

Control the cost of your health insurance with ‘Create Your Scheme’

Annual Report 2012

Laya Healthcare Marks Launch by Announcing
100 New Jobs
New Products Launched – HeartBeat Cardiac Screening for Members and a 3-2-1 Offer on Two New Schemes