AXA Philippines and GrowSari offer free insurance to sari-sari store owners

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Many small businesses like sari-sari stores are constantly at risk of encountering financial challenges. According to the World Bank, at least 81 percent of informal retailers like sari-sari stores suffered job losses at the height of the pandemic in 2020. With a relatively small capital, which they use to sustain daily operations, these micro enterprises are badly affected when the owner gets sick or hospitalized, especially when this is their main source of income.

AXA Philippines and GrowSari representatives during the memorandum of agreement signing. The partnership will offer free life insurance and a Daily Hospital Income benefit for Gold members of GrowSari’s Loyalty Program.

To help sari-sari store owners and their families during health emergencies, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, recently partnered with GrowSari, a tech-enabled B2B platform that supports MSMEs in the Philippines, including sari-sari stores, carinderias, pharmacies, and other roadside and market shops, to provide protection during emergency situations by offering free insurance coverage to member sari-sari store owners. The coverage includes a death benefit as well as a Daily Hospital Income (DHI) benefit in case of hospitalization.

“Our partnership with GrowSari is in line with our advocacy of providing better protection and financial literacy among micro, small, and medium enterprise owners. Through this partnership, we hope we can better the lives of Filipino entrepreneurs amid this pandemic and beyond,” said Alok Rungta, AXA Philippines Chief of Retail Proposition.

Attesting to this was Mai Mai Punzalan, GrowSari Chief Marketing Officer, who said, “It’s important, in terms of financial inclusion to drive awareness and education among MSMEs such as sari-sari store owners, to let them know that there are a lot of financial products that can help them during health emergencies. We are happy to have this partnership with AXA Philippines because their mission of promoting health and protection is aligned with the more secure future we envision for sari-sari store owners.”

The free insurance coverage is part of GrowSari’s Loyalty Program that is available to its Gold members who opt to be part of the program. It offers life insurance worth P35,000, as well as a DHI benefit amounting to P1,500 for 3 days of confinement. The DHI helps alleviate the burden of income loss should the beneficiary need to be confined in the hospital.

From only 1,000 members in 2018, GrowSari’s members grew to 50,000 at the height of the pandemic in 2020, and doubled in number in 2021 to 100,000 active stores in 220 municipalities. The partnership with AXA has so far protected over a thousand GrowSari members, as more sari-sari store owners embrace the importance of insurance in ensuring a more secure and safer future for their families.

To know more about AXA, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/.

#TakeChargeOfYourHealth: AXA unveils Health Care Access to allay concerns on rising medical costs

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A virtual family day with the theme #TakeChargeOfYourHealth was hosted by AXA Philippines on August 11, Wednesday in line with the latest developments that constantly threaten ours and our families’ health and safety. Medical persons and celebrity guests Dr. Randy Dellosa, Megan Young, Mikael Diaz, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Edric Mendoza, and Niña Corpuz discuss how we can take charge of ours and our family’s health.

AXA empowers Filipinos to take charge and protect themselves against financial uncertainties
with its new affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan.

According to a report on health spending released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in late 2020, paying for one’s medical needs grew in the country by 11% in recent years.

 

On this spending, a staggering 48% of the expenses came from “household out-of-pocket”—meaning Filipinos have resorted to digging into their hard-earned savings or worse, turning to loans from well-meaning families, to be able to pay for the cost of hospitalization or other medical expenses that they did not have the capacity to cover.

 

In a separate report from the National Economic Development Authority, it was cited that 96% of Filipinos are concerned about their own and their family’s health, but only 16% are prepared to pay for medical costs. But it does not have to be this way.

Take charge of your future through AXA Health Care Access

 

With this as a backdrop, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, introduced its latest health insurance plan Health Care Access via a virtual press conference on August 11, 2021.

 

“We know all too well that sudden medical emergencies can happen to anyone, much worse if it rears its head during a pandemic,” said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and CEO. “We developed Health Care Access as a way for Filipino individuals and families to protect themselves from life’s unexpected moments—freeing them from their worries while affording them a more secure future.”

 

An inclusive and value-for-money health care solution

 

AXA Health Care Access offers a comprehensive and affordable health care solution for one’s hospitalization and medical needs through a modest monthly or annual premium.

 

It comes in two plan types: Health Care Access Prime and Health Care Access Lite.

 

Health Care Access Prime provides comprehensive coverage of up to five million pesos (PHP5,000,000) annually. This plan is ideal for those who have no HMO like entrepreneurs, freelancers, and consultants. Health Care Access Prime offers inpatient and outpatient care, and emergency care treatment up to the Annual Benefit Limit (ABL). This also includes an Annual Physical Exam starting from seven basic exams, with a life and accident insurance benefit of up to PHP500,000. Moreover, customers can include optical care benefits to the plan by paying a small additional annual premium.

 

For those with HMO coverage from their employment but need additional protection, Health Care Access Lite is designed to provide just that on top of one’s existing health care plan or personal health fund. Health Care Access Lite offers inpatient and emergency care treatment up to the ABL. It also includes life and insurance accidents from PHP50,000 to PHP500,000. Moreover, you can enhance the coverage of your plan with outpatient care, optical care, or dental care benefit by also paying a small additional premium.

 

Full coverage in a pandemic plus other benefits

 

AXA Health Care Access provides full coverage and cashless payment arrangements which is advantageous given today’s ongoing pandemic. It also comes with free access to 24/7 teleconsultation via voice or video call with a medical professional.

 

Other superior benefits include the Longevity Health Fund, which one can tap into for health setbacks as they grow older and when they need it the most—beyond the age of 75. Customers get guaranteed renewability, family coverage within one plan, and even a premium reduction of 10% when the plan is extended to at least one family member, plus the option to add a ‘booster’ or add-on depending on your specific needs.

 

The Critical Illness Booster provides additional cash benefit if one gets diagnosed with any of the 56 critical illness conditions, and may be used for other medical expenses or as income replacement. The Annual Benefit Limit, on the other hand, automatically increases one’s annual benefit limit by 10% every three years to help keep up with rising medical costs.

 

AXA Health Care Access, which will be available starting August 16, encourages a more proactive and preparedness-oriented attitude towards health for everyone, allowing Filipinos to take full charge of their physical wellbeing for the future.

 

For more information on Health Care Access, visit https://bit.ly/3xwunlp.

Filipino families need to take charge, make better decisions due to the pandemic, says psychologist

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Because of its unprecedented nature, something never experienced in our lifetime, the present pandemic has indirectly brought about the rise of mental health issues in the Philippines, according to recently published data. Specifically, a rise in moderate-to-severe clinical anxiety, as well as moderate-to-severe cases of depression, have been recorded, meriting much-needed psychological support for sufferers.

Bolstering this fact is how renowned psychologist Dr. Randy Dellosa, in his private psychotherapy practice and as a life coach, saw a surge in clients seeking his consult, relating how some people have “turned pessimistic and cynical, in light of the current state of affairs.”

For entrepreneurs, for example, ensuring business continuity, taking care of employees, and having access to funding are but some of the challenges that they’ve had to address.

Yet, in the face of these difficult times, it is reassuring to know how the family remains as the most important social group in Filipino culture—our identity distinctly marked by close-knit family ties that include even extended family members: grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

This presence of family has greatly helped in alleviating the difficulties brought about by the current pandemic, says Dr. Dellosa, who’s also known for his wholistic and creative approach to healing.

“There are extended families that offer good support,” he says. “We are truly lucky and blessed if the extended family is supportive.”

Feelings of isolation and uncertainty

Dr. Dellosa further observes that among the negative feelings that families have had to deal with at this time, one of the most pervasive is the sense of being trapped and isolated, an unfortunate consequence of the imposed quarantines and the extended lockdowns. Adding to that is the seemingly unshakable feeling of financial insecurity coupled with an uncertainty about the future – the feeling of not being in control and having no plan in place.

“It’s the unexpectedness of what can happen, the fear of getting sick – whether it’s oneself or a loved one,” he says.

Stress and our physical health

These pent-up feelings, as they continue to build up, can adversely influence both the mental and physical health aspects of people.

An example Dr. Dellosa cites is how anger – “kumukulo ang dugo (makes my blood boil)” – can lead to high blood pressure. Or how irritation can be the trigger for psoriasis, as well as headaches. Even the stress of having a sick family member or experiencing an unplanned medical emergency in the family can have a physical effect on our bodies. All these manifestations, he says, are a form of communication, and show that we’re keeping too many negative feelings bottled up inside, which, has been found to cause more serious physical issues in the long run.

So, keeping stress in check is not only important but vital to good health. Says Dr. Dellosa: “Whenever we feel emotional stress, it carries with it toxic energy. If there’s no way to vent this out and express it externally, it then gets trapped and piles up in the body. And where does this negative energy transfer to? It manifests itself in our body organs.”

A shift in family dynamics

Fortunately, helping keep things together and easing the various tensions in these trying times, is healthy family dynamics. “Just the mere fact that the family is still the basic unit of society is already, in itself, protective,” says Dr. Dellosa. “Mentally, emotionally, physically, and health-wise.”

While Dr. Dellosa concedes that some family members may not see eye to eye, which in turn can cause friction or worse, break-ups, the cases of which increased globally last year, he nevertheless stresses how the family unit is inherently protective against feelings of isolation. “Filipinos are social beings,” Dr. Dellosa says. “The family has been indispensable in averting further mental issues that may eventually lead to physical illness.”

Keeping a proactive attitude

Because preserving our overall health while also safeguarding the future is of utmost importance, Dr. Dellosa emphasizes that there should be a shift in our mindsets. It is important to keep a proactive attitude and be open when facing difficult truths, for the sake of ourselves and our loved ones.

“One has to set aside being emotionally reactive while maintaining an attitude of being proactive,” he says. “If you allow your emotions to get the better of you, you’re bound to lose.”

Proactivity, Dr. Dellosa further explains, means that it’s better to confront and openly discuss the potentially problematic situations head on and to look for and mobilize contingency plans in order to be prepared even before these problems arise. Families need to sit down and talk, no matter the differences in each of their opinions. Specifically, setting priorities and identifying what’s urgent is key, so you can face these problems squarely, taking hold of your feelings to fuel positive, proactive action.

In line with Dr. Dellosa’s valuable words of advice, one thing is clear. Having a trusted partner, whether family or another ally, is crucial in tiding over difficult times. Having a solid partner like AXA Philippines by one’s side, with their goal of reducing financial vulnerability due to sickness, you can confidently take charge and secure the wellbeing of our loved ones and ourselves. With its suite of robust insurance and investment products, including an all-new offer coming soon, peace of mind and a secure future may be easily within reach. 

To learn more, book an appointment with an AXA financial partner today by visiting https://bit.ly/AXAHCA_DRD

What you should know if you choose to be vaccinated for COVID-19: What to do before, on the day, and after getting the COVID-19 vaccine

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The maximum efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine can only be achieved after you receive the two doses; and even after receiving both doses, make sure to still take preventive measures, especially when you’re in common public places. 

As vaccination programs against COVID-19 are underway in most local government units, many are still in doubt and are not yet fully prepared to get inoculated. When deciding on whether or not to get a jab, it’s important to consider that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 adds a layer of protection from the virus. Full vaccination will not only help reduce the risk of infection and suffering from severe symptoms. Doing so will also protect your loved ones and the community as we strive to achieve herd immunity. 

For those who may still have questions about the vaccination process and what to expect when their turn to get vaccinated comes, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, has enlisted the help of Dr. Nina Gloriani, head of the vaccine development expert panel of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to share expert advice on what to do before, during, and after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Before your appointment. Individuals with comorbidities or those classified under the Department of Health’s A3 eligibility category should first discuss vaccine-specific risks and benefits with their attending physicians and obtain medical clearance. These include people with immune deficiencies and senior citizens with special conditions (bedridden, in vegetative states, or with limited life expectancies). Meanwhile, individuals without health issues may have their health profiling, provision of informed consent, and screening on the day of vaccination. Everyone who’s going to get a vaccine is advised to eat healthy balanced meals, drink plenty of fluids, and get enough rest and sleep before the appointment. 

Vaccination day. On the day of your appointment, always wear a face mask and face shield and bring hand sanitizer or alcohol with you. If you belong to the A3 prioritization group, bring any proof of comorbidity. These may include a medical certificate, prescription for medicine, hospital records or surgical records and pathology reports. Don’t forget to bring any valid government or company ID, and your own ballpen for filling out forms. Be sure to take your maintenance medications before getting vaccinated unless your doctor says otherwise. 

At the vaccination center. Upon arrival at the vaccination site, be ready to present required IDs and documents. Depending on your municipality, expect to wait for some time. Most LGUs have online registration in place and this significantly cuts the waiting time as you can already supply personal information and send consent online. If you did not go through online registration, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form stating that you agree to be vaccinated. After that, you will undergo a health screening to check if your vitals are stable and if you’re fit and qualified to get the vaccine at that time. If everything checks out, the medical staff will vaccinate you and observe you for 15-30 minutes, in case of an allergic or adverse reaction. They will also provide contact details or references so you can report any adverse effects after getting vaccinated. 

After getting vaccinated. Like all medicine, vaccines may have side effects, most of which are mild and short-term, and not everyone experiences them. Common adverse effects, such as numbness or pain at injection site usually last for one to three days. If you experience fever, or flu-like symptoms, pain, or muscle aches, you may take paracetamol every four to six hours as needed. Make sure to report any adverse effects through the local vaccination site hotline, especially if symptoms or side effects persists after one to three days or if the symptoms become worse. Go to the nearest hospital if you experience severe or unusual symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, or tightening of the throat. 

Remember, the maximum efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine can only be achieved after you receive the two doses so mark your calendar for both appointments. Even after receiving both doses, make sure to still take preventive measures, especially when you’re in common public places. 

Aside from getting the vaccine, there is more you can you do to protect your health and that of your family, especially with hospitalizations, lab tests, medicines, and the negative impact that this pandemic can have on your health and finances. As such, AXA Philippines offers its Global Health Access insurance product which provides comprehensive coverage worldwide of up to P175 million including coverage for epidemic and pandemic diseases such as COVID-19. Apart from this, it also covers reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccination which policyholders can avail until December 31, 2021. Furthermore, it also covers the treatment cost for complications or allergic reactions arising from approved COVID-19 vaccines. 

Beyond comprehensive coverage worldwide and the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccination, Global Health Access policyholders can enjoy cashless payments in over 1,400 hospitals and clinics in the Philippines and over 9,000 hospitals globally. Plus, policyholders also have access to AXA’s global network of top-rated hospitals and doctors with the option to consult even those who are outside AXA’s network. Furthermore, also available are 24//7 health support anywhere in the world, international emergency medical assistance, road ambulance transport, and global concierge services. 

To learn more about this health protection plan from AXA, visit www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/global-health-access.

AXA PH names new exec leaders

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AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, is proud to welcome three new members to its dynamic executive leadership team: Gaël Lapie as Chief Finance Officer, Rose Musico as Chief of Commercial Business, and Fernando “Nandy” Villar as Chief Customer Officer.

“We’re very thrilled to have Gaël, Rose, and Nandy on board the AXA Philippines team. We hope that under their leadership, the company will continue to thrive and cement its position as one of the most established names in the insurance industry,” said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer.

Gaël Lapie as Chief Finance Officer

Lapie, a financial leader with over 18 years of senior management experience as chief and director of AXA SA and AXA France, has been named CFO of AXA Philippines. Lapie most recently served as the AXA Group Operations, Chief Financial Officer & Head Compliance for IT, Security, Procurement, Group Strategic Program CA, and AXA Business Services. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles in established financial and insurance firms.

 Rose Musico as Chief of Commercial Business

Musico joins AXA Philippines as the newest Chief of Commercial Business. She has over 31 years of non-life insurance experience—16 years as a broker and 15 years as an insurer. As an in-house broker of three banks, she has handled bank clients across all divisions from head office to branches. As an insurer, she spent more than three years of her career as the Commercial Lines Head, handling underwriting head of five key lines: Property, Engineering, Liabilities, Financial Lines, and Cargo. Before joining AXA, she was the distribution head in another multi-national insurance company. She also became the president of an in-house broker of a bank earlier in his career.

Fernando “Nandy” Villar as Chief Customer Officer

Villar, who has over 20 years of leadership experience in marketing communications, advertising, and media, will take on the new role of AXA Philippines Chief Customer Officer. Before joining AXA, he worked at a leading media conglomerate in the Philippines. There, he served as the head of customer relationship management from 2012 to 2016 and then head of marketing from 2016 to 2020. In his eight-year stay with the company, he spearheaded their mobile division for three years. From 1992 to 2012, he was with a leading international ad agency where he became president from 2011 to 2012 after working there as managing director from 2006 to 2011 and the chief strategy officer from 2000 to 2006. He handled market leader and blue chip brands in various industries such as telecommunications, banking, food and beverages, personal care, fashion and retail, and pharmacy. He also served as the chairman of the 4A’s for two terms and vice chairman of the Ad Board.

For more updates, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Six tips to help female leaders achieve their goals

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As more and more women take top leadership roles, it becomes even more apparent that they are just as capable of being strong commanders in politics, business, health, and beyond.

Women are capable of being strong commanders

in politics, business, health, and beyond.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, offers goal-setting tips for female leaders who want to achieve more for themselves and for the people around them:

Write your goals down. 

Using a visual tool, such as writing, makes goals more tangible and gives you a clearer picture of what you want to achieve, be it in life or at work. When you write down your goals, not only do you become emotionally engaged, but you are also able to set deadlines and actionable steps on what needs to be done to achieve them.

Say no to fear. 

For many years, most women lived in fear of being judged and talked down to, thus preventing them from reaching their full potential. Break down these barriers by focusing on yourself: practice positive self-talk, never be afraid to ask for help or a second opinion when you’re doubting yourself, and don’t be concerned about what other people might think.

Turn weaknesses into strengths. 

Society has ingrained in women that their capabilities are limited. Use this as motivation to turn weaknesses as opportunities for self-growth. If a project you’re working on didn’t work the first time, consider another approach until you reach your goal. If you hit a roadblock, think through the problem. Just don’t give up and walk away.

Delegate and utilize people’s talents. 

Working closely with a team helps you know their strengths and skills and gain different perspectives. Their talent is a strategic asset, so keep them involved and encourage them to pursue creative ways to utilize their skills to achieve your shared goals.

Invest in yourself. 

It’s natural for women to wear many hats. Even with so much on their plate, they are flexible, agile, and able to take on many challenges. As a female leader, you’re more than capable. Start by learning more, develop new skills, or explore your creative side. When you know more, you’re able to discover your limitations or explore different ways to realize your goals or ambitions.

Celebrate your wins. 

Achieving your goals takes a lot of work. So revel in the feelings of pride and satisfaction when you’ve accomplished a goal. Take time to celebrate your little wins with the people who have helped you get to where you are. You deserve it!

In AXA, we recognize the important role played by women not just at work but also at home. Since January 2017, AXA has implemented the global parenting policy, which provides 16 weeks paid maternity leave and four weeks paid paternal leave for newborn parents.

As part of AXA’s corporate social responsibility, we launched Finlit 101: What’s Your Game Plan, which aims to provide grassroots training on the topics of financial planning, savings, and investment for public schools, universities, cooperatives, and micro-finance institutions. Through this program, AXA is able to empower educators and women in local communities to raise awareness on the value of savings and to highlight the importance of insurance in proper money management.

In observance of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month, AXA Philippines participated in the global theme of #ChooseToChallenge through social media posts of CEO Rahul Hora and other members of the executive leadership team. As an internal campaign, employees were encouraged to post a “Choose to Challenge” statement on Workplace@Facebook to raise funds for the Virlanie Foundation, an NGO that cares and provides for young girls and boys in need of protection.

To know more about AXA Philippines, visit www.axa.com.ph.