Bombay, Maharashtra [India] : Mental illness is an unresolved problem in India. One in five Indians suffers from some sort of mental health problem, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Covid-19 pandemic and the extended lockdown in 2020 have only made the situation worse. In addition to concerns about physical health, isolation and depression due to long periods of social disconnection during prolonged confinement, anxiety related to fear of losing one’s job, and increased stress due to coping with the new normal.
Mental illnesses constitute one-sixth of all health-related disorders, and India accounted for almost 15% of the global burden of mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders (Source: WHO). A report from the 2015-2016 National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) further found that the treatment gap – the presence of mental illnesses and the proportion of people accessing treatment – was over 70%.
These are alarming numbers and yet most people want to be silent about it. The subject continues to be viewed under a lens of stigma. Most people with mental health problems live in denial and receive very little support from family and friends. It is time for that to change.
As a brand whose goal is to be a lifelong partner for customers, and to lead with empathy, human contact and innovation, Future Generali has taken a huge step in this direction by undertaking multiple initiatives to raise awareness and raise awareness around of the mental health issue.
The starting point was the introduction of health insurance coverage that includes mental health. Recognizing the prevalence of the mental health problem and its severity, the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) said insurers should keep mental illness on par with physical illness in health insurance coverage. regular. Future Generali India Insurance has taken a further step.
Ruchika Varma, CMO, Future Generali Insurance, says: “Most health insurance policies in the Indian market only cover inpatient treatment. However, in the context of mental health, most people begin their treatment with consultations with medical practitioners on an outpatient clinic (OPD) basis. Mental health experts tell us that less than 1% of patients require hospitalization. In order to be truly effective in the management of mental illness treatment, policies that cover OPD treatment are the most desirable and the need of the hour. And that’s exactly what our Total Health policy offers. The all-new Future Generali Health Total insurance policy is a breath of fresh air in these difficult times. The coverage understands the seriousness of the problem and is positive action that will encourage more people to talk about mental illness and seek treatment. The policy covers the hospitalization of patients hospitalized for mental illness. Notably, OPD treatment for mental illness is also covered under the senior and prime plans of this policy.
The Future Generali Health Total insurance policy covers an amount of up to Rs. 1 crore. People can benefit from a reduction of around 15%. And if the sum insured has been exhausted, the amount for that year will be returned, subject to the terms and conditions. With a vast network of over 6,000 hospitals offering cashless choices, you no longer have to worry about organizing cash urgently when needed. Integrating mental health into policy is a welcome move – before such coverage is offered based on factors such as data and cost.
Future Generali India Insurance has also undertaken other initiatives beyond the product. The brand started the conversation about mental health issues with its #HealthInsideOut campaign, which aims to de-stigmatize the problem by showing that it is a common problem; communicate that some of these seemingly common symptoms could be signs of mental illness and let people know that help is available, whether medical or financial.
Approaching the delicate subject with a touch of levity, the brand showed inanimate objects such as a torn stress ball, a broken vase, a pillow, etc., complaining in a human voice of being treated harshly by their owners – a sign that mental Health experts say it could be an early symptom of underlying mental health issues.
Ruchika Varma adds: “In our multiple conversations with mental health experts and stakeholders, we have found that the first manifestation of mental health problems is inflicted on inanimate objects. Humanizing these objects, our campaign tells a compelling story from their perspective, urging the public to seek timely help and be aware of the seriousness of these issues ”https://www.youtube.com/watch ? v = hYeUqON3PhU https: // www. youtube.com/watch?v=7ZYzpcSc9dw In order to get people to start taking their mental health as seriously as their physical health, Future Generali also created the Total Health Score, launching over 25 fitness influencers. famous form, including Shilpa Shetty and Mandira Bedi participate in the test to assess their well-being.
Ruchika Varma adds: “We have created the Total Health Score, a simple assessment tool available on our website and mobile app, with the help of therapists and exercise counselors, who understand the early signs of health problems. mental potentials. Once you complete the assessment, you are assigned a score that describes your Mental Wellbeing Quotient, as well as any potential issues or mental wellbeing issues that you may be experiencing at the moment. “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5_lhKj7BCk” Future Generali wants to lead the mental health narrative and turn it into a movement. In the future, we plan to roll out multiple initiatives around health mental health and well-being, whether it is product, service or differentiated and innovative partnerships to support customers, “adds Ruchika Varma. With influencers and campaigns that speak unabashedly about mental health, tools that help people analyze their mental and physical health, and inclusive health insurance coverages such as Total Health, Future Generali hopes to spark a change in people’s mindset and help them cope to the elephant in the room.
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