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Dubai – Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company, in collaboration with Aetna International, a leading global health benefits provider, announced the launch of Focus, a product intentionally designed to deliver value, convenience and peace of mind to SMEs across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Focus is designed and developed by Aetna and insured by Al Ain Ahlia.
“The small business sector is a significant part of the economy here in the UAE. In fact, 94% of companies in the UAE are categorised as SMEs and according to reports from the Ministry of Economy, the sector employs approximately 86% of the private sector workforce,” commented Mr. Mohamed Mazhar Hamadeh, General Manager at Al Ain Ahlia. “Given that the health insurance requirements of SMEs can vary greatly from those of larger enterprises, as a local insurance provider, it was important for us to work closely with Aetna to understand these unique needs and provide flexible health insurance plans that are both comprehensive and financially viable.”
To ensure it provided the benefits that are valued by SMEs, Aetna International conducted an in-depth survey of more than 400 employers in the UAE. According to survey results, level of security and safety advice and extent of wellness and healthy living support programs offered by the insurer were key section criteria. Working with an insurer that has a local presence in the UAE and doesn’t increase premiums significantly at time of renewal were also cited as important factors. However, the single biggest factor was the identification of a plan that was better suited to business needs.
“At Aetna, we always leverage extensive local market knowledge, underpinned by our global experience, so we can be sure that we’re consistently delivering comprehensive health-benefits solutions that meet our clients’ specific needs,” said David Healy, CEO – EMEA at Aetna International. “In the UAE, our research revealed the need for a flexible health-insurance product for the smaller enterprises – one that not only brings enhanced simplicity, convenience, value and peace of mind, but is a differentiator that will help them attract and retain talent.”
Having discovered that UAE SMEs want a flexible product built around a quality core with strong benefits, Aetna developed Focus, which is a tailor-made solution for organisations employing less than 100 people. Offering two core plans, one for the UAE and one for Abu Dhabi, with four variants of cover and a host of benefits – such as full payment for cancer care, maternity options, choice of medical network, and vHealth, a new virtual healthcare service for members in Dubai – the Focus plans simplify the selection and set-up process. Offered with fast quote turnaround times, a single point of contact and transparent reporting, the product provides convenience and the opportunity to build a lasting, trusting relationship between employer and insurer.
Focus customers can take advantage of a wide range of choice of medical providers with lower out-of-pocket expenses. Employers should see the benefit of a healthier, happier workforce, which drives productivity. Brokers offering health insurance products can now offer their clients an even wider range of solutions, with the commercial advantage of having those products designed specifically for the UAE.
“In this challenging economic environment, flexibility and cost-containment are the two sentiments that resonate in all our discussions with our clients. As such, we are extremely excited about Al Ain Ahlia’s partnership with Aetna International to launch a brand-new, high-quality product that caters specifically to the needs of SMEs. We see Focus as a flexible midrange product that is competitive to offerings from local players while still retaining an international flavour. This makes it an industry game-changer and allows us to further attract and serve a larger portion of this market segment,” said Najib Chebli, Director of Sales at Nasco Middle East Insurance Brokers.
“Focus is Aetna’s clarion call to the region,” David continued. “SMEs, you can offer your people top-grade health benefits that enhance your allure as an employer and allow you to attract the best talent. Members, you can have the peace of mind that you will always be in the best hands in terms of health and wellness. And brokers, you now have the capacity to add value for customers as never before and increase customer loyalty. Aetna International is delighted to be celebrating our 20th anniversary in the UAE and the region. Focus is just one more step in our continuous innovation journey.”
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About Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company
Al Ain Ahlia Insurance is a National Insurance Company, incorporated in Abu Dhabi at the end of 1975. The Company began Underwriting in 1976 and is one of the largest and leading insurers in the region. With a current paid up capital of Dh. 150,000,000/- and total assets exceeding Dh. 2.3 Billion, the Company has established an excellent relationship with worldwide markets enjoying first class security and writing all classes of business, predominantly Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits and Motor Insurance. Al Ain Ahlia is rated A3 by Moody’s for insurance financial strength (IFSR). Backed by first class security and strong financial position spanning over four decades, affirms Al Ain Ahlia’s reputation in the market for providing competitive services and continuous commitment to settling claims promptly.
For more information, visit the Company website www.alaininsurance.com. Also, download app on Play Store or App Store to get an instant quote or purchase Motor Insurance Policy.
About Aetna International
Aetna International is committed to helping create a stronger, healthier global community by delivering comprehensive health care benefits and population health solutions worldwide. One of the largest providers of international private medical insurance, Aetna International serves more than 800,000 members worldwide, including expatriates, local nationals and business travellers. Its global benefits include medical, dental, vision and emergency assistance and, in some regions, life and disability. Aetna International also offers customised technological and health management solutions for health care systems, government entities and large employers to improve people’s health, enhance quality of care and contain costs. Aetna International is a subsidiary of Aetna, a CVS Health company, which serves an estimated 39 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. For more information, see www.aetnainternational.com or LinkedIn.
The Focus plans are designed and developed by Aetna Insurance Company Limited. The Focus policies are underwritten by Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Co. (PSC) and administered by Neuron LLC in collaboration with Aetna Global Benefits (Middle East) LLC.
Media Contact
Vernon Saldanha
Procre8 (on behalf of Aetna International)
+971 52 288 0850
vernon@procre8.biz
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