Filipinos only somewhat prepared for medical emergencies -- Allianz PNB Life

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A recent study published by Allianz PNB Life reveals how Filipino millennials have adjusted to work and earning income during the pandemic. While some FIlipinos adjusted to working from home for the first time, some struggled to find other sources of income amidst rising prices, pay cuts, and unemployment.

While job and income security became a main concern among many Filipinos, Allianz PNB Life reveals it was only second in the list of challenges posed by COVID-19. According to the study, 80% of respondents were most concerned about keeping their families safe and healthy.

“The pandemic has definitely made more people conscious of their health. Besides making simple yet significant changes to their lifestyles such as eating more nutritious food, Filipinos are also starting to consider boosting their protection with insurance,” said Allianz PNB Life CEO Alex Grenz. The survey shows 76% of Filipinos without coverage are expected to avail of a health plan soon, especially within the year.

Despite most respondents claiming to already have Philhealth or HMO coverage, only 22% can say they are fully prepared for a medical emergency. Majority consider themselves only somewhat prepared for these emergencies, while the rest have much less confidence. Conditions like cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and dengue continue to burden Filipinos and lead them to borrowing or using up life savings to pay for exorbitant healthcare fees.

“In the Philippines, the protection gap remains at trillions of pesos. A single crisis like cancer could instantly cost a family no less than Php 300,000 and lead to eventual financial ruin, which shouldn’t be the case when flexible and viable coverage plans are widely available,” said Grenz.

This is why Allianz PNB Life is pushing more future-proof plans like Allianz Well!, which covers vaccination and treatment for COVID-19 and Php 100 million for in-patient hospitalization, one of the highest limit-plans in the market today. There’s also eAZy Health, an affordable and renewable option that offers life, accident, and disability benefits along with more comprehensive coverage for critical illnesses, including cancer.

The major life insurer is also growing its online presence to keep in step with Filipinos’ current shift to digital. From telemedicine to online yoga, they now maximize digital means to take better care of their health. Platforms like Allianz’ Health Concierge and Life Changers help more Filipinos access quality insurance 100% online and from the safety of their homes.

“Inadequate coverage remains a common problem that only worsens in the time of COVID-19,” said Grenz. “Allianz PNB Life aims to raise awareness on the importance of good health and protection while providing sustainable and timely solutions for it.”

Read the full report on Allianz PNB Life’s official website.

Allianz makes quick and easy health insurance the new normal

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Even in the midst of a pandemic, securing one’s health does not have to be complicated. With the demand for health insurance plans on the rise, Allianz PNB Life makes availing of an extensive coverage plan easier and more convenient than ever by going where the customers are. Now, Allianz PNB Life is expanding its reach on social media.

“We have seen increasing interest from customers on social media who are either first-time insurance buyers or insurance-savvy customers. They are looking for the best health solution for their needs,” said Allianz PNB Life CEO Alexander Grenz. “By boosting our digital presence, we are able to better serve these customers who need special attention and care.”

As the pandemic continues to change the way people secure their essentials, Allianz PNB Life also continues to bridge the gap between them and quality health insurance. Its newly automated lead management process on Facebook can attend to customers’ needs in real-time or within 48 hours, depending on the volume of sign-ups on a given day.

“Customers on social media are used to instant gratification and deserve instant responses to their inquiries. Building our competency in this space is a priority for us, so Allianz PNB Life hopes to make instant service and short sales cycles the new normal for both customers and insurance providers,” said Grenz.

Customers who have availed of the Allianz eAZy Health plan can testify to being contacted within minutes of signing up, with a number of their applications already getting completed on the same day.

“I saw the ad on Facebook and found that the policy fits my needs. It's affordable with great health coverage, which was one of the reasons why I signed up. Plus, it was a real breeze to apply,” shared Joey, one of Allianz PNB Life’s customers.

As the only enhanced critical illness plan, Allianz eAZy Health covers cancer, heart attack, stroke, and other critical illnesses. It also provides life, accidental death, disability, and dismemberment benefits for 360° protection.

As an example, a 2018 study revealed that cancer can cost a patient at least Php 180,000 yearly. Allianz eAZy Health can help ease worries over huge medical expenses and prevent further financial burden for patients and their families.

For a female client aged 30 years, the premium is as low as Php 800 a month with coverage of Php 500,000. The plan is available in a range of flexible options depending on a client’s needs and budget. It comes as a renewable 5-year insurance solution that returns 30% of total premiums if no claims are made at the end of that period.

Learn more about Allianz eAZy Health here.

Bike Safety 101: things newbies should know before hitting the road

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 Ride Safe with these bike safety tips from Allianz PNB Life!

With the ongoing pandemic, transport options have narrowed down for many Filipino commuters. Due to limited transport options as well as strict health protocols that make public transit more difficult, a number of people in the metro have turned to biking as an alternative means to get around.

Since launching its Ride Safe campaign last year, Allianz PNB Life has been hard at work promoting bike safety and green mobility across the metro, partnering with the San Juan City government to make San Juan one of the most bike-friendly cities in Metro Manila. They collaborated on new bike lanes around the city, as well as  set up the country’s first solar-powered pit stop for cyclists.

“At Allianz PNB Life, we want to encourage more Filipinos to think of cycling as an alternative and more sustainable means of transportation,” said Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer for Allianz PNB Life and an avid cyclist himself. "A very big part of that is of course safety, which is why we put a primer on promoting and spreading awareness on bike safety and education.”

Riola shares the following tips to help new commuters-turned-bikers navigate the busy streets of Metro Manila safely:

1. Find the right ride. The right bike ensures comfort and safety while cycling. Hybrid bikes or road bikes are usually an amateur’s best bet for navigating a mix of bumpy to paved roads and slow-moving traffic. Additionally, a bike with the correct size should correspond to a rider’s height. 

2. Gear up. When it comes to cycling gear, the first and most important one to get is a safety helmet. A proper fitting helmet should cover the forehead about an inch above the eyebrows and not tip forward or backward. Bright, reflective clothing is another must while riding. Neon or fluorescent-colored wear such as hi-vis (high visibility) jackets or stick-on reflectors is recommended, especially when biking during early morning, cloudy days or evenings.

3. Practice biking techniques. Practice is key to building confidence on the road. Ascending, descending, keeping balance when turning corners, and looking over one’s shoulder without swerving are basic skills to master. Even knowing how to change flat tires using a patch kit could come in handy. In San Juan, riders can actually rest and repair their bikes through pit stops.

4. Check equipment. Before setting off, it’s important to ensure all parts of a bicycle are secure and working. Tires should be properly inflated, and the seat should be adjusted to and locked at a proper height, ideally at the same level or just slightly lower than the handlebars.

5. Follow traffic rules. Bicycles are vehicles, and obeying traffic rules is a must, not just out of respect to drivers and pedestrians but also to avoid any accidents. Cyclists are more vulnerable than their driver counterparts and should be extra careful. Riding a bike does not mean one is exempt from following stoplights.

6. Know hand signals. Signals are another key aspect to following traffic rules. When turning, cyclists are urged to signal left or right. The same is true for slowing down or stopping. Learn more basic hand signals here. 

7. Join a cycling group. There are many cycling communities in the Philippines where new riders can learn valuable knowledge from their more experienced counterparts. Riding in a group is also a lot safer than riding solo. Plus it’s just more fun to ride with buddies.

8. Enjoy the ride! Last but not least, it’s important to enjoy the ride! Biking is a great way to get exercise, spend time with family and friends, and reduce carbon emissions. Much like insurance, biking is a long-term investment for your health, your loved ones, and the environment.

 

About Allianz PNB Life

Allianz PNB Life began its operations in 2001 and is among the major life insurers in the Philippines. Worldwide, Allianz is also considered the most sustainable insurer from 2017 to 2019 according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. We are a leading provider of Variable Life products, complemented by a full line of Life protection offerings for individuals and institutions. All our products and services are designed to meet the lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations of every Filipino Family.

Allianz PNB Life’s main headquarters is in Makati City, the country’s main business district, with eleven business centres strategically located in key cities across the archipelago. It has the support of over 220 employees and more than 1000 financial advisors to serve our dear policyholders and deliver great customer service experiences. For more information, visit allianzpnblife.ph or facebook.com/allianzpnblifeofficial.

 

Allianz PNB Life calls on motorists to support bike safety and green mobility

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Why sharing the road safely with bicycles is good for the environment

As the need for social distancing forces governments around the world to reduce public transportation services, many have turned to bikes instead. In the Philippines, the uptick of bike users is even more notable not just because it has one of the highest coronavirus caseloads in Asia, but also because it has some of the region’s tightest urban congestion.

Despite the increased ubiquity of bikes due to the pandemic, Manila’s roads remain particularly hazardous for biking, in part because some drivers regard cyclists as obstacles. In fact, monitoring data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority indicated that bicycle accidents increased to 2,606 last year, compared to 1,759 during the previous year.

The Allianz PNB Life Ride Safe Pit Stop, the country's first solar-powered bike pit stop, is unveiled in San Juan City.

As part of its Ride Safe campaign, Allianz PNB Life is urging motorists to be more proactive participants in making the roads safer for bicycles. “Ride Safe is a campaign in support of cycling for sustainable cities. As a global sustainability leader, Allianz launched this campaign to encourage more Filipinos to rekindle an interest in cycling, which promotes low-carbon emissions and safe, green transport,” said Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz.

Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alex Grenz (left) and Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola at the pit stop's repair station. The pit stop also has a resting and parking area for bikers.

A road for all

Drivers sometimes feel that roads are for vehicles only and that bicycles have no right to be there. Allianz PNB Life urges motorists to change this mindset, especially now that bikes are a lot more common due to necessity.

“We need to think of bike riders as equals who are just as entitled to the roadway as car drivers,” said Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer of Allianz PNB Life and a bike rider himself. “When we consider bikes as vehicles, we treat cyclists the same as motorists.”

One reason for the lack of awareness regarding road safety for cyclists is the absence of any law governing cycling and cycling safety standards. But with government officials working towards making the roads safer for bike riders, cars will be sharing the road with other modes of transport more safely than before.

According to Riola, a national law that promotes bike safety on the road is a very welcome change for the biking community, especially as more and more Filipinos now turn to bicycles for their daily commute.

Grenz and Riola stand with San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and First Lady Keri Zamora at the blessing of the pit stop and the city's initiative of bike-share program.

Biking towards sustainability

Globally, Allianz has always been a staunch advocate of the environment and has topped the Down Jones Sustainability Index from 2017 to 2019, making it one of the world’s most sustainable insurers. With its Ride Safe campaign, Allianz PNB Life looks to encourage more Filipinos to cycle as a means towards more sustainable and livable cities. Last year, Allianz provided the City of San Juan new protected on-road cycling facilities, such as bollards and safety signs, as well the country’s first solar-powered bike pitstop.

According to Allianz PNB Life, bike safety is an essential component of this mission. “The national bike law is a much-needed step towards not just creating bike-friendly roads and communities, but towards building more sustainable cities,” said Riola. “After all, a bike lane isn’t just a bike lane that keeps riders safe, it’s also allowing people to switch to another mode of transport—to one that promotes health and doesn’t consume fuel.”

 “Cars and bikes can co-exist. Other cities around the world have proven that,” said Riola. “What is needed is that motorists and bikers respect each other and the rules of the road are followed.”

If the many newly opened bike stores are any indication, bikes are here to stay. And that is good for drivers, the environment, and the community.

Allianz PNB Life Launches Allianz Shield to Protect Filipinos from the Unexpected

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The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most challenging and life-changing event for today’s generation. Some have lost their jobs, while others have lost their lives. Needless to say, this health crisis has underscored the need for people’s safety and protection from the unexpected.

To answer today’s growing need for better safeguards, Allianz PNB Life, one of the major life insurers in the Philippines championing sustainability has launched Allianz Shield, a regular pay, a unit-linked insurance plan that protects policyholders against unexpected situations, such as the diagnosis of a critical illness or accidental death and dismemberment. It covers at least 10 times the annual premiums depending on the insured’s age upon application, for as low as PHP 15,000 annually.

“The previous year showed that many Filipinos are vulnerable to health and financial crises. Not everyone has a backup plan in times of need. And unfortunately, many have been challenged economically because of the domino effect of COVID-19,” said Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola. “With Allianz Shield, we want to make sure the unexpected expenses are taken care of as well.”

According to Rio, Allianz Shield can help people build a well-rounded protection plan that gives them PHP 1 million coverage upon death, PHP 1 million coverage upon diagnosis of a critical illness and another PHP 1 million coverage for accidental death and dismemberment*. “This plan comes with an additional rider coverage that waives succeeding premiums until age 65 of the insured upon diagnosis of a critical illness or upon contracting total and permanent disability. It gives our clients the option to withdraw their investment funds, which are free of charge for up to four times in one year,” he said.

Allianz Shield also comes with a Loyalty Bonus, giving funds a boost every five years, as long as the policy remains in force and your premiums are paid regularly.

Additionally, Allianz Shield also offers a complimentary Life Event Benefit Rider, which credits back to the policyholder a part of the insurance charges you have paid, in the event of marriage, birth of a child, demise of a family member, involuntary loss of employment, divorce, or separation.

Interested applicants can contact a Life Changer, message the Allianz PNB Life Facebook page (facebook.com/allianzpnblifeofficial), or visit the Allianz PNB Website at www.allianzpnblife.ph.

 

*This example is for a female aged 30 years old with quarterly premiums of PHP 6,000, payable in 10 years.

About Allianz PNB Life

Allianz PNB Life began its operations in 2001 and is among the major life insurers in the Philippines. Worldwide, Allianz is also considered the most sustainable insurer from 2017 to 2019 according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. We are a leading provider of Variable Life products, complemented by a full line of Life protection offerings for individuals and institutions. All our products and services are designed to meet the lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations of every Filipino Family.

Allianz PNB Life’s main headquarters is in Makati City, the country’s main business district, with eleven business centres strategically located in key cities across the archipelago. It has the support of over 220 employees and more than 1000 financial advisors to serve our dear policyholders and deliver great customer service experiences. For more information, visit allianzpnblife.ph or facebook.com/allianzpnblifeofficial.