AIA Australia launches wellbeing coaching service

To encourage Australians to check in with their health and wellbeing, life insurer AIA Australia has launched a new service for users of its science-backed health and wellness program AIA Vitality.

The AIA Vitality Wellbeing Check-In Program gives Priority Protection policyholders access to two free ‘wellbeing check-in’ telephone sessions with an experienced Mindstar wellbeing coach.

Following the launch of Mentemia in mid-2020 — a free digital app encouraging users to check in with their mental wellbeing each day — the pilot program is the next step in AIA Australia’s investment in customer wellbeing, and an example of its commitment to shared value.

“The past 12 months have created significant levels of stress and concern, which we know is having an impact on mental health, the long-term implications of which are not yet known,” CEO and Managing Director of AIA Australia and New Zealand Damien Mu said.

“We don’t want to wait until our customers have an issue that precludes them from being able to work or take part in other life activities before we step in to support them; we want to be their partner throughout their life, and inspire and support them to live healthier, longer, better lives. This benefits our customers, our business and the community more broadly.

“We are excited to pilot a service that will provide our customers with tools and strategies to check in with themselves, improve their resilience and assist them with where to go for further help if required,” said Mu.

Mindstar CEO and co-founder Aaron Williams said, “We live in an increasingly busy, stressful and often overwhelming world. As we each come to terms with the rapid changes around us and the uncertainty of COVID-19, many of us are feeling exhausted and stretched pretty thin.

“The truth is that everyone struggles from time to time, and that sometimes we all just need a helping hand. That’s exactly what the wellbeing coach program provides.”

To take up the offer, eligible AIA Vitality members complete a health review self-assessment, which operates as a baseline from which members can take small steps to improve their health over time.

Research released by AIA Australia in 2020 in partnership with Quantium Health found that if Australians made healthier lifestyle choices and practised at least average health habits, this could result in 300,000 fewer depression incidences per year, 4.7 million recovered working days for employers and a saving of $3 billion per year to the economy.

Mu said that right now health is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, and it is important for Australians to understand that small lifestyle changes can have a significant positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

“At AIA our purpose is to make a difference, and to champion Australia and New Zealand to be the healthiest and best-protected nations in the world. We want to inspire our customers to take small steps that lead to long-term improvements in their health and wellbeing, and checking in with our wellbeing coaches is a great opportunity to do that,” Mu added.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/HQUALITY