58% of respondents say work commitments get in the way of improving their health and wellbeing

80% want more information about their health and wellbeing

Oman Insurance Company and Bupa Global launch online wellbeing assessment to help consumers have more access to information about their health and expert advice on improving their wellbeing

19th October 2015: Oman Insurance Company (OIC) and Bupa Global today unveiled their latest independent research that shows 89% of UAE residents believe they could live a healthier life. Furthermore, nearly 40% of respondents claim they do not have sufficient time to manage their wellbeing and 58% of these respondents state work commitments are the main barrier to doing so.

Despite this, 80% of respondents would like more information about their health and wellbeing, and 57% want more support from their friends and family to manage their wellbeing.  The research also highlighted that 61% of UAE residents believe their health is important.

"The research results are compelling and indicate a gap between people's health goals and the level of support and information available," said Christos Adamantiadis, Chief Executive Officer, OIC. "With these results in mind, we are delighted to collaborate with Bupa Global to provide new and comprehensive global health plans and wellness support to the UAE market."  

Karim Idilby, General Manager for Bupa Global in the Middle East, said: "Our research and market knowledge clearly indicates that consumers recognise the importance of good health and are looking to take steps to improve their wellbeing. A crucial element of good health is insurance that focuses on all-round health with wellness services included. We have listened to UAE consumers and have launched the OIC and Bupa Global Wellness Assessment to help them better understand their health, make informed decisions plus gain expert advice on how they can improve their wellbeing."

Silvena Rowe, Celebrity Chef and brand ambassador, said: "Food is one of the biggest pleasures in life; it celebrates all the senses and is the most powerful medicine. The survey demonstrates that UAE residents spend time researching healthy foods and recipes and looking for information to improve their health.  I believe people can cook for pleasure, for health and for inspiration. Food is a vital element of a holistic health approach."

"I am delighted to be associated with OIC and Bupa Global and their wellness initiatives in the region since healthy food is my passion and very close to my heart," she continued. 

OIC and Bupa Global have launched their new tiered range of international private medical insurance (IPMI) products in Dubai: Premier, Elite and Ultimate Health Plans. These Health Plans are tiered on coverage and price and focus on customers' all-round health with a broad level of benefits and wellness services. Health insurance is compulsory for all nationals and expats in Dubai, following the passing of recent regulations by the Dubai Health Authority.

For more information on OIC and Bupa Global's free Wellness Assessment visit wellness.bupaglobal.com/

The research was conducted by YouGov omnibus survey online with a sample size of 723 during the period of 14th - 21st September 2015.  

About Oman Insurance Company
Oman Insurance Company (P.S.C.) (OIC) was established in 1975 and is one of the leading insurance providers in the Middle East. OIC has operations across Emirates in the UAE as well as in Oman, Qatar and a subsidiary in Turkey. OIC also owns a medical third-party administrator in Iraq operating under the name of "Support Management Services".

OIC provides a wide range of insurance solutions for individuals and enterprises in Life, Medical and General insurance. With a gross written premium of AED 3.25 billion in 2014, OIC is rated 'A Excellent' by AM Best and 'A- Stable Outlook' by Standard & Poor's.

Additional information about Oman Insurance Company can be found at www.tameen.ae 

About Bupa Global
Bupa Global is the international health insurance arm of Bupa, serving over 1.9 million customers around the world.  We provide products and services in a 190 countries for globally minded and mobile people who want the most premium coverage and access to the best healthcare anytime, anywhere in the world, whether at home or when studying, living, travelling or working abroad.

Bupa Global employs over 1,600 people and has offices in London and Brighton (UK), Cairo and Alexandria (Egypt), Miami (USA) and Copenhagen (Denmark), as well as in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Panama and Ecuador.  

Media Contacts
For further details, please contact:
Diana Estupinan
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Email: Diana.Estupinan@hkstrategies.com
Telephone: 04 33 44 930

© Press Release 2015