Norwich Union Deals with Back Pain

Back pain is a huge problem not just for the individual but for business. According to Government statistics eighty percent of British people will suffer from it at some point in their lives and 1 in every 6 working days lost due to ill-health is caused by back pain.

Earlier this month Norwich Union announced an improvement to its Optimum Private Medical Insurance policy. Back-Up offers a support and rehabilitation programme aimed at taking care of back and neck pain. Optimum Private Medical Insurance Policy is available to companies with over 250 employees. According to their website Back-Up is a

'self-help programme backed up by telephone support, education and specialised literature. At Norwich Union Healthcare, we believe that understanding your symptoms and condition is key to your recovery and we will take the time to explain all the necessary information to you.'

Norwich Union's Head of propositions management and market development, Rebecca Freebody said that Back-Up had, 'been extremely well received and offers tangible employee and employer benefits. Employees have prompt access to expert support and employers control both their absence, and Private Medical costs."

With Back-Up employees with back problems do not need to go to their GP to get authorised treatment but can have access to the scheme's clinical case managers who can provide advice and support and referral if necessary. Norwich Union are keen to state that the treatment and advice offered is based on stringent clinical evidence. Back-Up also enables the patient's line-manager to work with them in order to get the best of out their work life despite their back problems. This is offered only with an employees consent.

The Scheme was trialled during 2008 on corporate clients and on Norwich Union staff. Claim costs were down with a 60% reduction in the number of Physiotherapy sessions required and 50% of those who used the service said that it prevented them missing work or curtailing their normal duties.