Happy Pet, Happy Life: How to Pamper Your Pet

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When pets enter our lives, they become part of our family and home. As they give us immeasurable joy and fulfillment, we ought to give them the same care, value, and commitment as we would with other members of the family.

It all starts with showing them how much you love them, as they can thrive in love and a sense of belongingness the way humans can. Pets become our life partners so we need to do our part to keep them happy and healthy. Here are some ways you can create an environment and lifestyle which are beneficial to both you and your pet.

Your home is their home.

Just like children, pets tend to wander curiously around the house and grasp at anything within reach. Scan your house and keep sharp or breakable objects, electrical cords, medicines, and cleaners out of your furbabies’ reach. Keep your trash cans covered, as well as other containers a little paw can reach into. Make your home comfortable for your pet as well, with just the right temperature, a space for them to sleep in, and a spot where they can be trained to do their potty business.

Visit the veterinarian and groomer regularly.

Schedule check-ups with your veterinarian to always be on top of your pet’s health and development. Make sure they’re vaccinated from common pet illnesses and parasite-proof them by using antiparasitic supplements and soaps. And on top of the regular baths, take your pet to the groomer for a general clean-up from fur trimming to brushing, and nail clipping to teeth cleaning. Your pet wants to look good too!

Get the correct food type for your pet.

Most people think that pets can just eat leftovers or bland combinations of meat and rice. However, pets not only have their own preferences, but also recommended diets based on factors such as breed, size, age, health condition, and more. The vet should be able to recommend the kind of food for your furbaby, but you can also ask pet store staff about the best food and treats for your pet.

Take them out for exercise and nature.

Just like with humans, regular exercise helps improve pet health by working their muscles and organ systems to help them perform their best, which prolongs the life of your pet. Expose them to fresh environments with regular walks outside, or take them with you when you go for your daily walk or jog. Exercising is good but exercising with a pet is a completely different experience!

Be prepared for emergencies.

While we want our pets to stay healthy, there might be some cases wherein they would need extra medical care. As a life partner in financial needs, universal bank EastWest understands and values your aspirations for your pet and has services which cater to them as well. Its Save & Pawtect pet insurance offers PHP 50,000.00 medical reimbursement and PHP 500.00 daily hospitalization with one-year coverage, eligible for pets aged five months to 10 years old.

For those who are considering getting a pet, these ways can help guide you in giving it the love and care it deserves, which will give you the happiness and reward you deserve.

Igloo protects Southeast Asia's multi-billion dollar coffee industry with innovative weather insurance for farmers

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Regional insurtech Igloo expands its blockchain-based parametric index insurance to coffee farmers in Southeast Asia, showing commitment to covering more underinsured communities and industries after successful product implementation with rice farmers.

Southeast Asia - a part of what is called the coffee belt - is one of the biggest coffee producers in the world. While Vietnam and Indonesia are responsible for the majority of global coffee output, the Philippines is also an important global producer with industry revenue expected to reach US$6.7 billion in 2023, according to statistics portal Statista. The local market is also expected to grow annually by 5.69% until 2025.

Coffee production is not only a long-term and labor-intensive investment, but it is also one that is constantly under threat of climate hazards which provide difficult growing conditions due to extreme climate–affecting farmers and disrupting supply chains.

“Weather Index Insurance is a product that we introduced in order to protect farmers and communities across Southeast Asia from unforeseen climate hazards. While initially introduced for rice farmers, we’ve seen from its success the product’s scalability to cover other sectors like coffee farms, which is one of the robustly growing segments in the region,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

Protecting the coffee industry and its farmers

There are currently several insurance products on the market for coffee farmers. However, they share a common problem of incompatibility with the real, frequent risks faced by coffee farming families. The damage assessment process is also complex and time-consuming, which creates the risk of additional financial hardship for farmers.

The Weather Index Insurance eliminates the need to individually verify claims thereby reducing transaction costs and enabling faster payouts to farmers. This is done by collecting and monitoring rainfall data to calculate claims using pre-assigned values for losses due to natural causes. The business rules governing claims payout being hosted on a public blockchain help leverage the attributes of transparency, consistency, and unbiasedness, thereby making the setup credible.

While Weather Index Insurance is currently available in Vietnam for rice and coffee farmers, Igloo expects to roll out Weather Index Insurance to more countries in Southeast Asia including the Philippines soon.

“The Philippines being an agricultural powerhouse and one that is at a higher risk of suffering from the impacts of climate change, is a country we believe will benefit from having Weather Index Insurance. We are currently working with our partners to make this product available in the country and other markets in the near future. In addition, we are also exploring expanding the product’s coverage to include other indices such as earthquakes,” Mario added.

 

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About Igloo:

Igloo is the first full-stack insurtech firm to emerge from Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia,  Thailand,  The  Philippines,  Vietnam  and  Malaysia  and  tech  centers in China and India.  With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies  to  eliminate  their  exposure  to operational  risk,  create  new  revenue  streams,  and optimize  and  enhance  existing  products  and  services.  Igloo  has  partnered  with  over  55  well-known   brand   names   across   the   markets   in   various   verticals,   including   insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services.

For more information, please visit https://www.iglooinsure.com/.

Emma by AXA PH is your road trip buddy this summer

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Download Emma by AXA PH and get a chance to drive away with GCash vouchers worth Php 5,000

This summer, one of the leading insurance providers in the country, AXA Philippines, is thrilled to announce its latest promo that will surely excite everyone who loves to travel and explore the great outdoors.

From May 1 to 31, 2023, AXA customers who download and register to Emma by AXA can have a chance to win Php 5,000 worth of GCash vouchers, which they can use to plan exciting summer road trips with family and friends. This is a great opportunity to experience the best summer destinations in the country and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Emma by AXA PH is AXA Philippines’ award-winning, all-in-one digital platform where policy holders can access a wide range of AXA’s services. It allows customers to manage their health, insurance, and investment policies, claims, and other insurance-related transactions with ease.

Apart from the chance to win GCash vouchers, downloading Emma by AXA PH is a secure and convenient way to make sure you are road trip ready. Emma by AXA PH gives you access to emergency services such as 24/7 roadside assistance, as well as ambulance, fire, and police assistance, giving you better peace of mind before, during, and even after your trip.

Car insurance claim requests can also be done in a tap. Simply take clear photos of your vehicle’s damaged part and the required claims documents such as your Official Receipt, Certificate of Registration, and driver’s license.

Upload these photos and review the info you provided, then just wait for an SMS/email confirmation within 48 hours.

Don't miss this chance to win exciting prizes and make your summer adventures more memorable! Download and register to the Emma by AXA PH app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store or via web to create an account. Once registered, you will automatically qualify for the raffle draw for a chance to win GCash vouchers worth Php 5,000.

For more details about this promo, visit bit.ly/emmasrt.

Bring your 2023 Summer Travel goals to life with these six fascinating PH vacation spots

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The long, hot days of summer are finally here and if you’re one of the many who’s up for travel and adventure this season, there are many fascinating tourist and vacation spots around the country you can add to your bucket list.

A recent study by travel and experience platform Klook noted that 87% of Filipinos are raring to travel with many of their destinations of choice within the Philippines as booking for domestic destinations have exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

Domestic travel, according to the Department of Tourism, is expected to make a full recovery this year with the country’s hotel and resorts association reporting that occupancy has breached 2019 numbers and is largely driven by domestic tourism.

With 2023 being dubbed as the year of Revenge Travel, there’s no better time to plan your trip, pack your bags and head-off for an unforgettable adventure. But before you do, ensure your travels are hassle-free by getting Travel Master Insurance with COVID-19.

“It’s summer and we’re sure that many Filipinos are already picking out the destinations they want to travel to, especially since the Philippines has so many beautiful sites to see–from beautiful beaches to beautiful towns and cities–there’s something for every kind of traveler. Traveling should be fun, stress-free, and hassle-free, this is why we created Travel Master insurance–to provide our travelers the peace of mind and protection from any kind of eventuality so they can make the most out of their trips,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

Created in partnership with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master with COVID-19 provides travelers coverage including for personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and COVID-19 protection.

To get the Travel Master coverage, simply access the GInsure page available on your GCash app and select Travel and Travel Master with COVID-19. Fill in the form with your travel details and it will immediately provide you with coverage benefits and the premium contribution and you’re set to go.

Travel Master with COVID-19 is available whether you’re planning to travel locally or internationally–making it a flexible and much-needed travel companion anywhere you go.

So if you’re looking for destinations to add to your vacation bucket list, here are six spots around the Philippines to get you started:

Samal Island Tourism Information Center, Facebook

Island Garden City of Samal

Davao del Norte

Located at the heart of the Davao Gulf, the Island Garden City of Samal is known as the largest resort island in the country– home to more than 30 resorts across a 118-kilometer stretch of coastline.

A mere 15-minute boat ride from Davao City, the resort island is a great stop for those who want to soak in the beautiful landscapes and seascapes of the Philippines. Go snorkeling and bask in the beauty of the 150-hectare Coral Garden and Marine Park that includes the Audanao Fish Sanctuary and the Giant Clam Sanctuary. On land, travelers can enjoy exploring the 11.5-hectare government-owned botanical garden and nature park where they can see diverse flora and fauna.

The resort island is also home to the largest colony of fruit bats in the world and they can be seen in their natural habitat at the Monfort Bat cave.

Alona Beach Guide, Website

Alona Beach

Bohol

The Philippines is home to amazing beaches (it has more than 7,000 islands after all) and if you’re on the hunt for a new beach haunt that has white sand beaches like Boracay, Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol is a great spot to add to your travel bucket list.

The white sand beach stretches a good 1.5 kilometers and is in full view of the blue, blue waters of the sea of Bohol. Nature lovers and adventure seekers may also immerse themselves in the rich marine biodiversity of Balicasag Island–a few minutes boat ride from Panglao island. Here you can snorkel and view its 400-meter coral garden and marine sanctuary.

Meanwhile, those who want to get the most out of their vacation and explore more of Bohol can also visit the famous Chocolate Hills, the Mahogany Forest, or take a slow, leisurely ride and a beautiful lunch along the Loboc River with the Loboc River Cruise.

Lacson Ruins, Facebook

The Ruins

Bacolod

Often called the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines,” The Ruins or the Lacson Ruins was the ancestral home of local sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built in the early 1900s in Talisay, Bacolod City. Inspired by Italian architecture, the Ruins was built in the memory of Don Mariano’s wife Maria, who died giving birth to their 8th child.

During the Second World War, the mansion was burned by Philippine guerillas to prevent it from being used by the Japanese. The mansion burned for three days straight but left behind its beautiful foundation. The Ruins has now become a popular tourist and event spot, especially for weddings because of its romantic history.

For those who want to experience more of the old-age architecture of the Philippines, they can–after visiting the Ruins–take a day trip to the neighboring city of Silay and visit its large collection of perfectly-preserved heritage houses including the Golez Heritage House and the Balay Negrense heritage house and museum.

Museo Orlina, Facebook

Museo Orlina

Tagaytay City

For those who want a more leisurely adventure in cooler climes, Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City, is the perfect place for you.

Located at Hollywood St. Hollywood Subdivision in Tagaytay City, the museum houses the many glass sculptures of famed Filipino visual artist Ramon Orlina. Spend an hour or two exploring the four-floor exhibit area including the Reflections Gallery where Mr. Orlina exhibits videos, images, and documents charting his art journey; and the Naesa Gallery which features an ever-changing exhibition featuring up-and-coming Filipino artists.

If you fancy viewing his work alongside nature, take a walk at the Sculpture Garden and Amphitheater, and cap off the visit with a spectacular view of Taal Lake at the roof deck.

Tam-awan Village, Website

Bell Church, Website

Tam-awan Village and Bell Church

As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, many vacationers travel to Baguio in search for respite from the hot weather. The cooler climate alongside the beautiful nature makes it a must-go destination for anyone regardless of their preference for adventure.

Those who’ve been to Baguio several times would undoubtedly know of its most famous landmarks including Wright Park, Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and more. But for those who want to discover more of the city and its culture, there’s no better place to visit than the Tam-awan Village and the Bell Church.

Tam-awan Village located in Pinsao Proper, Baguio City is perfect for those interested in art and history. The village features indigenous craftsmanship and Ifugao architecture alongside art pieces made by local artists set within a sprawling and beautiful mountainside forest.

Bell Church, meanwhile, is a 63-year-old Taoist temple located in La Trinidad, Benguet. Here visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and the quaint lotus pond and even have their fortunes read by the monks of the temple.

Whether your summer plans are for adventure or relaxation, domestic or international, make your travels all fun and worry-free withTravel Master Insurance with COVID-19 available at the GCash’s GInsure marketplace.

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About Igloo:

Igloo is the first full-stack insurtech firm to emerge from Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia,  Thailand,  The  Philippines,  Vietnam  and  Malaysia  and  tech  centers in China and India.  With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies  to  eliminate  their  exposure  to operational  risk,  create  new  revenue  streams,  and optimize  and  enhance  existing  products  and  services.  Igloo  has  partnered  with  over  55  well-known   brand   names   across   the   markets   in   various   verticals,   including   insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services.

For more information, please visit https://www.iglooinsure.com/.

AXA Philippines bags two Gold seals in Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands of 2023

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Leading insurance provider AXA Philippines has been named one of the country’s most Trusted Brands by global magazine Reader’s Digest, signifying consumers’ continued trust in the AXA brand.

Reader's Digest Trusted Brands has been hailed as the preeminent measure of brand trustworthiness both locally and internationally for the past 25 years, rewarding companies that have gained the most customer trust via their products and services. The Trusted Brands survey for 2023 reveals customers’ true, unbiased opinions on each brand and awards those they truly trust.

AXA Philippines received Gold in the category of Most Trusted Health Insurance for 2023. For two decades, the company has provided dedicated quality health insurance services for many Filipinos, becoming one of the most prominent insurance brands in the Philippines. With products like Global Health Access, Health Care Access, and services like the award-winning Emma by AXA PH mobile app, AXA Philippines has made a significant impact in improving the healthcare needs of every Filipino. Health Care Access was also awarded Health Insurance Initiative of the Year at the Insurance Asia Awards in 2022.

AXA Philippines bagged Gold as well in the category of Travel Insurance, with the help of its comprehensive insurance offer, Smart Traveller. This product provides 24/7 emergency travel assistance alongside top-tier medical coverage and compensation for travel-related inconveniences. Smart Traveller’s Classic and Elite variants are also Schengen-accredited, which is helpful for visa requirements.

“At AXA, our customers are at the core of everything we do, and we aspire to be their partner for their financial goals and protection needs. We highly value the trust they have in us, and these awards inspire us to continue building products and services that protect what matters most to Filipinos,” said Bernardo Serrano Lopez, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer.

AXA remains committed to go above and beyond and continues to bring insurance to new heights of innovation, while maintaining the gold standard of trust with consumers. AXA Philippines is a joint venture between the AXA Group, headquartered in France, GT Capital Holdings, Inc., a leading listed conglomerate in the Philippines, and Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank), one of the country’s largest financial institutions. 

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

Igloo underscores importance of device and health protection for mobile gamers

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Unleash your full gaming potential with Igloo’s device and health protection for mobile gamers

eSports is experiencing incredible growth globally with analysts projecting that the eSports market as a whole will grow to US$5.48 billion by 2029 from US$1.44 in 2022.

The Philippines is one of the countries where eSports is becoming increasingly popular. The country is home to the biggest eSports organization in Southeast Asia and to some of the most talented esports players in the world, ranking 8th in the world in terms of skills. As a rising gaming juggernaut, 95.8% of Filipino internet users play video games across different devices. In fact, 76% of Filipino gamers prefer to play on mobile phones due to its affordability and accessibility.

​​With the continued growth of the industry and its recognition as an official sport in events including the Olympics, it’s not surprising that many Filipinos are beginning to view becoming a professional gamer as a career option and are investing in good quality gear to upgrade their gaming experience and performance.

Improving one’s skill takes time and logging in hours upon hours of playtime can lead to the wear and tear and damage in gamers’ devices. Continuing to play on a damaged phone or one with a cracked screen not only presents challenges to gameplay performance, it can also cause injuries to the player.

Regional insurtech Igloo understands that fixing damaged parts or in more serious cases, replacing the entire phone itself, can be very expensive, which is why it introduced various insurance products to not only protect mobile devices from unwanted incidents such as cracked screens and water damage but also the health of mobile gamers.

With the Cracked Screen Protection and the 360-degree Phone Protection, mobile users are provided complete protection for their mobile devices for as low as P21 a month through the GCash GInsure Marketplace and Shopee.

“The global gaming industry is growing at such a rapid rate, with Southeast Asia accounting for over 50% of this growth. At Igloo, we aim to provide insurance products for every kind of lifestyle and that includes mobile gamers,” said Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines Mario Berta. “Through products like the Cracked Screen Protection and the 360-Phone Protection, we aim to ensure that Filipinos are able to access affordable comprehensive protection through convenient, easy-to-use platforms like GCash and Shopee.”

The health risks of mobile gaming

The loss or damage of one’s gaming smartphone isn’t the only risk when embarking on a mobile gaming career as long hours of gaming and spending hours in one position can also lead to health issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome or even heart attacks.

The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm over Video Game Addiction or Gaming Disorder as legitimate illnesses that plague gamers from all over the world. Understanding its role in providing protection to mobile gamers, Igloo, together with leading Indonesian e-wallet platform DANA, introduced Gamers’ Protection last year.

The award-winning product provides coverage for heart attacks and carpal tunnel syndrome, illnesses that can be caused or exacerbated by frequent and long gaming sessions.

“While we share the world’s enthusiasm for mobile gaming, we understand that gaming for long periods of time can also pose health risks for gamers. Understanding our role as an insurtech company providing protection, has spurred us to create Gamers’ Protection,” said Mario. “Gaming is more than just having the best device or skills–it’s also about having protection for yourself and your devices to unleash your full gaming potential.”

Gamers’ Protection is currently available in Indonesia but Igloo is looking to bring the product across Southeast Asia in the near future.

“We’ve seen how this insurance product has benefited gamers from Indonesia and are currently seeking to introduce said product to other countries within the region in the near future as we believe Southeast Asian gamers will benefit from the protection this product provides,” Mario added.

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About Igloo:

Igloo is the first full-stack insurtech firm to emerge from Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia and tech centers in China and India. With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies to eliminate their exposure to operational risk, create new revenue streams, and optimize and enhance existing products and services. Igloo has partnered with over 55 well-known brand names across the markets in various verticals, including insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services.

For more information, please visit https://www.iglooinsure.com/.

Gigacover: Bringing insurance closer to MSMEs through insurtech

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Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprise 99.6% of business in the Philippines, employing around 63% of the country's workforce. Despite its significant contribution to the economy, MSMEs often lack insurance, leaving both employers and employees vulnerable to risks in times of emergency.

This is not to say that MSMEs do not care for insurance. A recent study by Manulife found 36% of small business owners in the Philippines found medical, health, or accident insurance a top priority among financial products. Entrepreneurs in this sector are interested in financial protection products but find them unaffordable and complex.

Gigacover, a regional insurtech firm, shared insights on the fundamental ways technology can change traditional insurance for MSMEs, including tailored-fit digital policies that are more affordable and simple to use.

Rise of digital insurance offers competitive protection for the underinsured

Digital insurance can pave the way for more accessible and affordable policies. These solutions can be more adaptable to the demands of MSME workers and offer reduced premiums by providing coverage for a particular need and making distribution entirely online.

Insurtechs are also better equipped to develop insurance products that are not being addressed by insurers for several reasons, including lack of data for risk assessment, bureaucratic structure, and regulatory constraints, among others. For instance, as ride-sharing and car-sharing businesses flourished, motor accident risks increased. Gigacover’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) product suite helps drivers reduce accident liabilities, improving their financial security.

Seamless management of insurance in unified platform

Customers don't always know when to use insurance products, therefore MSMEs should review their policies on a regular basis to make sure they are valid when the time comes. Analyzing existing policies will also help entrepreneurs better understand new uncovered risks as the business scales up.

However, basic tasks such as reviewing benefits, claims filing, and other processes conventionally require assistance from insurance agents. Gigacover helps companies better administer their insurance through online applications where key processes such as viewing policy information and editing subsidy caps can be done to help businesses act more quickly on their needs. The technology behind it plugs in insurers, lenders, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) into the unified platform for easy access and administration.

Simplifying claims settlement through AI and big data

One of the most innovative ways insurtech is disrupting the insurance industry is by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to help insurers analyze big data and identify risks quickly and accurately. As a result, risk assessment and management strategies become smart and impartial.

Gigacover’s system is able to extract data from claims documents and images, calculate and check against limits, detect potential fraud and also decide if advance claims payouts can be done for specific customer groups. This yields higher client satisfaction and also lower loss ratios for the insurers.

Amerson Lin, Co-Founder and CEO of Gigacover, shared, “By addressing the complexity and high costs associated with insurance, we make insurance more accessible to more Filipino MSMEs. We champion financial inclusion for MSMEs because protecting the vulnerable workers in this sector from health and income risks also financially protects the company, enabling MSMEs to grow sustainably and contribute to improved economic development.”

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About Gigacover

Gigacover was founded in 2017 in Singapore to build digital insurance programs for emerging segments. These include the gig/freelance industry, the mobility sector and now tech companies. Gigacover launched the region's first income protection insurance to meet the needs of the gig economy and then collision damage waiver for the mobility industry. Through technology and data, Gigacover automates distribution, administration and generates insights for risk management in order to bring flexible, affordable and portable benefits to its users. As of 2023, Gigacover has presence in Singapore and the Philippines and is backed by Vectr Fintech Partners, Quest Venture Partners, Alto Partners, M Venture Partners and Farsight Capital.

For more information, please visit: https://gigacover.com

FWD supports financial inclusion with comprehensive health protection portfolio

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FWD Life Insurance (“FWD”) supports financial inclusion to cover the underserved sector of society who are vulnerable to critical illnesses through its comprehensive yet affordable health and wellbeing portfolio, which includes Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance, BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance, and Set for Health Critical Illness Insurance. The portfolio covers costs of hospitalization, recovery from illness, and disease management, offering different premium tiers for customers from diverse financial situations.

“We continue to innovate our products so we can contribute in closing the protection gap, making everyone from all walks of life get the protection they need,” said FWD PH Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer Roche Vandenberghe. “With these health protection plans, we’re changing the way people feel about insurance by encouraging them to invest in their health because they can now afford it.”

Being diagnosed with critical illness can be the beginning of financial concern for patients and their families. Open heart surgery alone, for example, may cost at least Php300,000 in a public hospital, depending on the disease and its severity. Given the grave risks posed by common critical illnesses, FWD took a proactive approach to help people prioritize their health and wellbeing through insurance protection. Filipinos now have access to comprehensive health protection that covers all bases while empowering them to celebrate living.

The Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance offers up to six times the claims for major critical illness, three times maximum claims for cancer and non-cancer respectively. It covers the insured from wellness to recovery, including proper health screening and maintenance, coverage from critical illnesses, and a supplement benefit for treatment and recovery. It also offers maturity or death benefit and minor critical illness benefit, among others. The plan allows consumers to customize their policy as necessary with protection boosters.

The BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance is an easy-on-the-pocket, easy-to-buy, and easy-to-claim health plan that protects against the top three critical illnesses: stroke, heart attack, and early-to-late-stage cancer. It provides high protection at minimum cost, alleviating Filipinos’ health-related financial concerns. At an affordable premium, customers can buy up to a maximum of Php 2 million total aggregated health benefit amount. They may also take advantage of the reward of unlimited consultation with licensed physicians at Aventus Medical Inc. clinics nationwide. The BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance is available via the FWD Online Shop at shop.fwd.com.ph.

The Set for Health Critical Illness Insurance, which covers 42 major critical illnesses and allows up to three times the claims for unrelated major critical illnesses. Dubbed as the zero-waste health plan, Set for Health guarantees that the insured gets a return from all premiums paid as it offers up to three times the claims for major critical illnesses, and 100% refund of the premiums paid if they never make a claim. Additionally, dependents get 100% of the benefit amount should the insured pass away before age 75. This plan is available via reaching out to a financial advisor or the FWD Online Shop, and it offers flexible payment options so customers can pay under their preferred terms.

Important financial decisions require help from professionals. Customers can talk to FWD’s financial advisors to seek expert advice on which plans they need, depending on their background and life plans. For more information about FWD Life Insurance’s health and wellbeing products, visit fwd.com.ph/health-and-wellbeing/.

About FWD Life Insurance

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Life Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2021, FWD Life Insurance ranks 3rd and 5th in terms of Paid-up Capital1 and Total Premium Income2, respectively in the Philippines.

FWD Group is a pan-Asian life insurance business with more than 10 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world. FWD reached its 10-year anniversary in 2023. The company is focused on making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD is committed to changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph.

1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2021 > Based on Paid-Up Capital

2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2021 > Based on Total Premium Income

Gen Z Pinoys have more mind health conditions than the rest of the world’s youth

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AXA Mind Health Index reveals more than half of Gen Z in Asia

are suffering from poor mental health, affecting their professional lives

According to a study by leading insurance provider AXA, the Filipino respondents in the 18- to 24-year-old bracket that admitted going through bouts of depression and anxiety were higher than global numbers. In the Philippines, responses for depression kick in at 35% (vs. 27% globally) while anxiety is at 16% (12% globally). While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on mind health across society, the latest findings from the annual AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 has revealed that Gen Z (aged 18-24) appears to be taking the brunt of the impact, with more than half of Gen Z globally (54%) and in Asia (51%) experiencing poor mental health. The Survey identifies specific challenges they face in today’s workplace, while also highlighting the need for employers to explore tailored support to address a potential surge in turnover in young talent.

The research found that Gen Z have the highest proportion of those struggling (associated with emotional stress and psychosocial impairment) at 18% globally and 14% in Asia, more than any other age group. Globally, only 13% of young people aged 18-24 are flourishing at the pinnacle of mind health, with the proportion being 15% in Asia, both the lowest across all age groups. This makes 18-24 the only age group globally that has more people struggling than flourishing.

Gen Z show greater ability to work under stress, though most likely to resign

In Asia’s workplaces, the survey reveals that Gen Z talent are affected by several key challenges that pose a potential threat to their mind health. These include uncertainty about the future (69% vs 59% globally), struggling to separate work life and non-work life (49% vs 39% globally), finding it hard to keep up with the pace of change at work (47% vs 38% globally), and a lack of job-skill fit (14% vs 9% globally). This last factor has a very strong correlation with mental wellbeing, as those that have the right job skill fit are 2.5 times more likely to perform their best according to the research.

The results also show that the 18-24 age group in Asia has the highest percentage of people who intend to resign in the next 12 months (21%). Yet the survey found a clear indication that those in the 18-24 age group who are flourishing are less likely to resign, with the rate being only 16%, highlighting the importance of effectively enabling positive mental health in supporting employee retention.

Workplace mental health support plays a vital role in overall mental wellbeing

Support for mental health in the workplace has risen up the agenda during the pandemic. The research also reveals that in Asia, companies that provide mind health support are 2.5 times more likely to have employees that are flourishing. In particular, while 1 in 4 Gen Z employees who feel they are getting good mind health support at work are flourishing, the rate is only 1 in 100 among those that do not see such support, which is the biggest difference among all age groups. This indicates mind health support in the workplace also has the greatest impact on the mental wellbeing of Gen Z, making this group a priority target for such solutions.

Gordon Watson, CEO of AXA Asia and Africa said, “While mind health has rightly attracted greater attention in the wake of the pandemic’s disruption on our lives, these findings emphasise that the next generation of talent across Asia are facing severe challenges. Companies need to examine how they can make a tangible difference with support relevant to the needs of their Gen Z employees, not only to help with productivity and retention, but to tackle this urgent issue affecting societies across the region.”

Bernardo Serrano Lopez, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer, adds, “While we see a considerable improvement in mind health globally, this does not mean that we can just sit back and simply let things run its course. The insights from this study helps organizational leaders and people managers steer their initiatives to better benefit our employees’ physical and mental health. At AXA, we take pride in consistently supporting programs that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. And we take these learnings to continue evolving our programs to better suit our employees’ needs and to further our vision to become a company where they are #FitToFlourish.”

Overall people in Asia are getting mentally healthier, believe that stigma is declining

Despite this concern, the research found that the proportion of people flourishing in Asia[1] climbed from 19% to 22%, with Asia seeing a bigger rise than the global average. By contrast, the proportion of those struggling in Asia fell to 12%, a year-on-year decrease of 2%. This speaks to improving mental wellbeing across the board. In addition, 36% of respondents globally agree that stigma related to mental health is declining, compared to 31% last year.

The findings show that 25% of people globally are flourishing, with Thailand (37%), a new entrant this year, topping the list and Italy (18%) showing the lowest level. A closer look at Asian countries and territories in the survey finds that the Philippines had the largest proportion globally of people getting by, at 39%, followed by Hong Kong at 37%. Across the region, the largest proportion of languishing and struggling were both in Japan, at 31% and 14% respectively.

Access the AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 at axafittoflourish.com.

[1] Asia year-on-year comparison only relates to Hong Kong, mainland China and Japan.

Start the year strong by setting purposeful intentions

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A new year brings with it a lot of hope and new beginnings, which is why many set resolutions for the year ahead in terms of their physical, financial, professional, and other life goals. However, many struggle with seeing them through. According to a Forbes article, more than half of these resolutions will be abandoned just after one month.

In case it has been a struggle a month or so into the year, we can try taking a different and more flexible approach by setting intentions instead of resolutions. These are like guides that could help condition our mindset and make our goals more flexible, helping take some of the pressure off. According to the 2022  Mind Health Study of leading insurance provider AXA Philippines, which examines the building blocks of mental wellbeing in Europe and Asia, one of the skills needed to achieve the top mental health state –  the state of flourishing - is to reflect on one’s meaning and purpose. Looking inwards and asking ourselves what really matters to us is a good starting point to having more meaning and purpose in our lives.

AXA Philippines advocates protecting what matters and encourages everyone to take care of their physical, mental, and financial health. Here are some intentions to consider for the new year for better holistic health:

Be open to new experiences. What the recent years have taught us is the possibility of life being put to a halt at any moment. This year, why not try being on the lookout for new opportunities and experiences, especially as the world opens up more. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” try saying “why not,” so you can make the most of what life has to offer. Your next big adventure might just be waiting for you to make a move.

Explore different fitness routines. In the same study, AXA shared that physical health behaviors can have a significant effect on a person’s mental health. Becoming fit is one of the most common new year’s resolutions, and possibly one of the hardest to sustain. Instead of aiming to lose a specific amount of weight, focus first on finding the right routine that you truly enjoy and can motivate you long enough to form a habit. In the end, having fun aids in consistency, so you can see the results of your hard work.

Protect your financial and physical health. Having financial freedom is one way to ease your worries. This year, make an effort to be more mindful of your expenses and find ways to grow and protect your wealth. Instead of instant gratification, create a plan for big ticket items and start thinking of ways to save up for it. Aside from just saving and investing money, protect your health as well by getting an insurance plan that fits you and your family’s needs.

Make mental health a priority. Just like physical health, mental health should also be treated with the same importance. In a 2021 survey conducted by health and fitness app REBEL, only 16% of the 500 Filipino respondents targeted to reduce stress and take care of their mental health. This 2023, aim to be more kind to yourself, promise to find more time to do something you love, seek help when needed, and overall aim to be more mindful of your mental health. Avoid burnout and learn to listen to your mind and body to know when you need a break and make time for some me-time.

As we get ready to take on the year, remember to take care of yourself to better care for those who matter to you most. To care for your holistic wellbeing, AXA Philippines has multiple insurance plans available for added health protection and coverage. Health Care Access is a comprehensive health plan that takes care of your overall wellbeing - from prevention, diagnosis, hospitalization, and treatments, and even includes coverage for mental health services.

AXA Philippines also has Health Start, which covers critical illnesses including cancers common to women such as breast and ovarian cancer, while also providing you with coverage for your child. Their Health Start Lite plan also covers the top three critical illnesses and starts at as low as Php 535 per month.

Lastly, AXA’s Global Health Access has an extensive worldwide medical coverage for the prevention and diagnosis of critical illnesses. Since caring for yourself also means taking vitamins and supplements, you can have these reimbursed as part of your plan’s coverage, which is also applicable for pregnant women and their specific needs.

For more information or to consult with an advisor, visit the AXA Philippines website www.axa.com.ph.

FWD launches “The One” to offer customizable coverage for Filipinos across multiple generations

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FWD Life Insurance (“FWD”) launches FWD The One, a customizable coverage plan to meet the lifestyle and financial needs of multiple generations of Filipinos, from Gen Z to 70 years old.

Easily accessible online, FWD The One reflects the current generation’s definition of what finding ‘the one’ means for them: a perfect partner; a lifelong passion; an advocacy; or, a personal goal. FWD designed the product to be flexible for different life stages and to support customers’ evolving digital habits. This makes FWD The One customizable, with benefits that will serve as the ideal lifelong insurance for different generations.

Roche Vandenberghe, FWD Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer

“Gen Zers are living their lives very differently to those of previous generations – this means there is no longer a one size fits all model for addressing people’s financial needs across their lifetimes. As an innovative, caring and different insurer, we’re also aware that older generations need access to coverage that meets their specific needs. To support our vision of changing the way people feel about insurance, we designed FWD The One to be digitally accessible, affordable, and customizable to help Filipinos across generations get the protection they need with ease and confidence,” said FWD Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer, Roche Vandenberghe.

FWD The One is available to Filipinos aged 18 to 70 who are legal residents of the Philippines for at least six months, with no medical tests required during application. It’s easy to buy through FWD’s online shop, with the starting premium as low as Php 330, based on the customer’s age, budget and protection needs. Customers can customize their plan and add coverage on top of life insurance, such as coverage against 42 major critical illnesses and accidental death benefit. For those who want a higher benefit amount, they can reach out directly to FWD financial advisors.

FWD The One Media Event on January 31, 2PM - 4PM at Bloom Cafe + Bar 2 Greenbelt Dr, Makati, Metro Manila.

This latest innovative product comes with four options: 

The One for Life, which offers death benefit; The One for Life and Critical Illness, which provides a combination of both death and critical illness benefits; The One for Life and Accident, which bundles death benefit with accidental death benefit; and The One for Life, Accident, and Critical Illness, which covers all three benefits.

The death benefit is renewable until age 99, while the accidental death and critical illness benefits are renewable until the insured reaches 79 years old. Upon purchase of FWD The One insurance plan, customers will be rewarded with a cup of coffee redeemable within 20 days.

“FWD The One is really for everyone, whether you’re just starting your career or already planning for retirement. You can create your own The One so you can celebrate living with no limitations,” said Roche.

To learn more about FWD The One and customize the right protection for you, visit shop.fwd.com.ph/bundled-insurance/the-one/.

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About FWD Life Insurance

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Life Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2021, FWD Life Insurance ranks 3rd and 5th in terms of Paid-up Capital1 and Total Premium Income2, respectively.

FWD Group is a pan-Asian life insurance business with approximately 10 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest growing insurance markets in the world. Established in 2013, FWD is focused on making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD is committed to changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph

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1 www.insurance.gov.ph>Statistics>Life>2021>Based on Paid-up Capital

2 www.insurance .gov.ph>Statistics>Life>2021>Based on Total Premium Income