Manulife Philippines announces the launch of two new health and life insurance plans

Manulife Philippines, the local business of global financial services provider Manulife Financial Corp, today announces the launch of two new health and life insurance plans to extend its range of products aimed at protecting the well-being of Filipinos.

 

The two new plans are:

 

·       365 Ready Health -- an easy, affordable, and hassle-free digital health and life insurance plan that provides coverage for six (6) most common critical illnesses in the country, namely: cancer, heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, stroke, end-stage lung disease, and kidney failure.

 

·       MCBL Health Hero, a simple and affordable health and life insurance plan launched by Manulife China Bank Life, (MCBL) that provides 100% coverage for the same six critical illnesses. China Bank and China Bank Savings customers who can stay healthy can also enjoy 30% money back of their premiums paid every five years.

“We recognize that purchasing insurance plans has historically been complicated and prohibitive due to medical requirements and the high cost of premiums. At Manulife, we are committed to providing affordable and accessible solutions to enhance Filipinos’ health and financial protection, and help make their lives better every day,” Rahul Hora, President and CEO, Manulife Philippines. 

 

Manulife’s 2023 Asia Care Study recently revealed that among Filipinos surveyed, there is significant concern about medical treatment costs, with 49% saying they are most worried about the expense of treatment. Moreover, 98% of Filipinos surveyed are worried about at least one illness, with heart disease, diabetes and cancer being their top three main fears.

 

From the survey, 87% of the respondents said they intend to buy insurance in the next 12 months, with health (36%), life (34%), and hospitalization (33%) insurance topping the list.

 

365 Ready Health is a hassle-free health and life insurance plan available to Filipinos aged 18 to 45 years. It can be purchased for as little as PHP1,499 per year through Manulife’s digital platform, Manulife Shop. Customers can apply online with a simple health declaration and are also guaranteed yearly renewability with no health questions asked. No medical check-ups are required for application.

 

MCBL Health Hero, available to China Bank and China Bank Savings clients from 0 to 50 years old, is designed to be a start-up affordable critical illness plan that provides bonuses for staying healthy. China Bank and China Bank Savings customers can also avail Health Hero for as low as PHP13,632* per year or PHP37* a day through MCBL Financial Sales Advisors by answering a simple health declaration form with no medical check-ups required. They can also renew their plans every five years. 

 

“As many Filipinos continue to sacrifice their savings to fund medical expenses, we hope MCBL’s newest offering can provide a much stronger shield against the financial strain brought by expensive healthcare costs, and provide health protection that they can count on,” added Neil Bowyer, President, MCBL.  

 

To learn more about 365 Ready Health and MCBL Health Hero, visit www.manulife.com.ph and www.manulife-chinabank.com.ph.  

 

*Terms and conditions apply

Manulife Philippines has recently launched its newest digital film, "Define the Relationship,"

The Philippine arm of global life insurer Manulife Philippines has recently launched its newest digital film, "Define the Relationship," a tale about two people who do not let relationship labels define them, directed by award-winning filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone. 

 

The film, which features "We and Us," a song by performer and songwriter Moira Dela Torre, tells the story of two friends who have developed deeper feelings for each other over time but whose relationship status remains a mystery to those around them. Throughout their journey together, the couple seems to have ticked the proverbial boxes – public display of affection, present during each other's milestones, and supportive of each other through life's ups and downs. Define the Relationship begs the question, What kind of future awaits a commitment not bound by labels?

 

"Amid life's uncertainties, it has become more important to us to be secure about the things that truly matter. Through this film, directed by the very talented Antoinette Jadaone, we offer a fresh, romantic take on how young Filipinos today are more confident and empowered to take charge of their future, especially in finding and choosing to love on their terms," Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines, said. "When a couple takes bold and necessary steps to protect each other and build a future together, we are reminded that it may be all the certainty they need."

 

In Manulife's latest study, "Know Your Ys and Zs: A Closer Look at the Financial and Mental Well-Being of Filipino Millennials and Gen Zs," these generations recognize the role of financial preparedness to build a secure future and achieve financial peace of mind. 92% of Gen Zs consider buying insurance in the next 1-2 years, and 79% of millennials have become investment-savvy and are looking to grow their money. Such behavioral shift can show how the pandemic has sped up many Filipinos' "adulting" process, as financial protection plays a crucial role in helping secure their future. 

 

"We at Manulife are always focused on helping our customers protect themselves and their loved ones, no matter their relationship status or where they are in their life journey. As their behaviors and priorities evolve, we also grow with them – helping ease their worries, addressing their unique needs, and genuinely committing to make their every day better," Henson added.  

 

Define the Relationship is currently streaming on Manulife Philippines' Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

Manulife Philippines recently partnered with healthcare experts and health advocates in their latest webinar

As more Filipinos become more conscious about their health and wellness because of COVID-19, global life insurer Manulife Philippines recently partnered with healthcare experts and health advocates in their latest webinar titled, “Health Matters: Caring for your mental and physical well-being.” 

 

Dr. Vicki Belo, founder and medical director of Belo Medical Group; Dr. Ed Tolentino, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Quirino Memorial Medical Center; Rose Montenegro, former President and CEO of Makati Medical Center, and celebrity fitness advocate Julia Barretto shared how taking care of your overall health and well-being can help you adapt to the changes brought by the pandemic, reduce stress during challenging times, and live every day better. 

 

Actor and host Luis Manzano hosted the event. 

 

“Filipinos love to help other people, making sure that their loved ones are protected no matter what happens to them. But if you give too much of yourself to others and have nothing left, you won’t be able to support them anymore,” shared Dr. Vicki Belo. “So, investing in yourself is a good way to show how you love and support the people you care about the most.”

Dr. Ed Tolentino discussed the importance of seeking and giving support when needed and how taking care of your mental health helps you envision a better future. “In as much as we need to cultivate relationships, it is important to be able to accept help and support when we do need it,” he said. “Part of that is supporting others when we have the means to do so. In the new normal, resilience is not the ability to bounce back, but rather bounce forward. We will not go back to the way things were. Everything is going to be different moving forward. In this marathon race, we will all cross that finish line with new thoughts, feelings, and approaches to the way we live our lives.”

 

As the extensive pressures and stressors of the limelight may impact the mental health of celebrities, actress and fitness advocate Julia Barretto shared the importance of mental wellness when coping with and managing malicious rumors, public scrutiny and social media bashing that may come with a career in showbiz. “Surround yourself with people who motivate you to become better. In my case, it’s my family. No matter the challenges I face in life - may it be my career, personal goals, or financial goals - I always compartmentalize things so I won’t get overwhelmed. Learn to focus on things that matter to you.”

 

Lastly, Rose Montenegro talked about the value of healthy living and how prevention is always better than cure. “Health matters, and health costs. If you want to have the best medical treatment, you have to understand how much it entails to achieve it. So, don’t be afraid to know upfront costs on things that will help your health and well-being, so you are better prepared mentally, physically, and financially.”

 

Health Matters is the latest in Manulife’s series of wellness webinars, which are all available for viewing on Manulife’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ManulifePH) and website (www.manulife.com.ph).

 

Secure your future in a time of uncertainty

As everyone adapts to the next normal brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have become more concerned with keeping ourselves safe and secure – physically, mentally, and financially. Even those with job security and a stable amount of savings are now revisiting savings and retirement plans. So how do we proceed in this time of uncertainty?

 

“As many are learning first-hand how unforeseen circumstances can disrupt our lives and livelihoods in an instant, we have found that there is an increased interest in availing of insurance protection,” said Melissa Henson, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “More Filipinos now realize that being insured can help them get ahead of their concerns about what tomorrow may bring, can and also help them build toward achieving their goals.” 

For those looking to get started, here are some ways life insurance can help keep your priorities in track and make every day better:

 

• Be financially protected on your own terms. Insurance companies offer affordable and customizable plans that let you choose how much and how long you want to pay, and give you options to renew. These provide you and your family protection on your own terms. For those who may not be ready for big financial commitments yet, Manulife Philippines has made its term insurance products more affordable to help more Filipinos get protected during these times. Its one-year term product now costs as low as Php 28*/day, while the five-year term REACT5 — that is bundled with Accidental Death Benefit for select amounts* — can be purchased for as low as Php 23*/day. Being financially free doesn’t need to cost you a lot after all.

 

●      Strengthen health and wellness protection. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened the eyes of many Filipinos to the importance of being financially prepared in the event of critical illness. Manulife recently released a health study that revealed how many Filipinos face barriers in embracing better financial and lifestyle habits, and financial worries have a strong impact on Filipinos’ sentiments toward health protection, especially amid the COVID-19 crisis. Having the right insurance coverage can help you weather such uncertainties, to ensure health and the safety of yourselves and your loved ones. For instance, Manulife Philippines’ HealthFlex is designed to enable Filipinos to choose the best critical illness plan with life insurance to meet their needs. Customers can choose which types of illness they would like to be covered, along with other benefits to enhance coverage. 

 

To support Filipinos living through the challenges brought by COVID-19, the company also conducts wellness webinars to help people deal with the effects of self-isolation and quarantine, by providing helpful tips for self-care and mental health.  

 

●      Provide financial security for the whole family. There are various types of life insurance plans to choose from, depending on your family’s needs and goals. They can be structured to help you achieve the goals you have for yourself or your family – whether you aim to prepare for the rising cost of higher education for your children, or save up for a comfortable retirement. Life and health insurance not only cover costs that arise from the onset of an accident or critical illness, but can also help provide for your family’s financial needs when you can no longer provide for them yourself.  Insurance plans offer peace of mind that, no matter what may come, you can rest assured that there is a secure future for you and your family.

 

●      Build funds for your dreams. It is still possible to invest in your personal goals during these times. You don’t have to choose between life insurance protection and investment. Many insurance products now offer life and health coverage with investments in a variety of funds that cater to different financial goals and risk appetites. Manulife Philippines offers an array of investment-linked life insurance products that can provide you with protection, while helping achieve your longer-term financial goals. Manulife’s fund managers also publish insights, market updates and fund reviews at assetmanagement.manulife.com.ph to guide you in making better decisions for your future. 

 

●      Make it easy and safer to transact as most still prefer to stay home.  Once you have decided which insurance product is best for you, Manulife Philippines makes it convenient for you to manage your finances with help from a financial adviser, but without face-to-face interaction. Policy holders are given access to Manulife Online, an online facility that allows you to access your policy information, check your funds’ performance, and make online payments anytime and anywhere. Filing claims for benefits is also made easier for customers through online submission at www.manulife.com.ph. Manulife is also now present on Viber so policyholders can get updated with key information about their policies and other important advisories in real-time, helping them experience everyday conversations better.  

Although uncertainties remain, we can always turn them into possibilities. With the right insurance plan, Filipinos can have more confidence to make the right decisions today, and have financial peace of mind knowing that tomorrow is covered. 

 

With so much uncertainty in the world today, having insurance protection as one of our “essentials” can help us manage our worries, embrace our aspirations, and focus on how to make our every day better. 

 

To know more about Manulife Philippines, its offerings and its initiatives during the COVID-19 crisis, visit https://www.manulife.com.ph/.

 

*Actual premiums, face amount and coverage may vary. Terms and conditions apply.

Manulife Flex your Future: Alden shares how he dealt with stress and anxiety

In these difficult times, we should prioritize our health before anything else. Manulife PH through Flex your Future webinar shared Iza Calzado's battle with COVID-19, Alden's spoke about anxiety together with other celebrity guests. 

Manulife Philippines organized the "Flex Your Future: Personalize your journey to health and wellness" webinar, with celebrities Alden Richards, Iza Calzado-Wintle, Jessy Mendiola, and mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison as guest speakers, and Luis Manzano as host. They shared their health goals, habits, tips, personal experiences and even discussed challenges they’ve faced, especially during the pandemic, to give Filipinos insights into starting their wellness journeys based on their needs. 

 

The up-close-and-personal virtual meet was held in line with Manulife's launch of HealthFlex, the first and only flexible life and health insurance solution in the market, which empowers Filipinos to personalize their critical illness coverage and choose the plan that best meets their needs. 

 

"The pandemic has been a strong reminder that taking care of our health is of utmost importance. However, caring for our physical well-being is not just about being physically healthy. We also need to build our financial muscles and make sure we are prepared for unexpected medical concerns and expenses. Based on Manulife's study Understanding Filipinos’ Sentiments Toward Health and Critical Illness, there is a mismatch between our desire to live healthy and our actual lifestyles. Likewise, there is a gap between our expected expenses, in the event of critical illness, and how much we are actually able to save. We must improve our physical health to prevent critical illness, and also improve our financial habits, to be prepared should illness still strike," said Melissa Henson, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines. 

 

"These insights helped us in creating HealthFlex, which enables Filipinos to choose the life and health insurance plan that suits them best. This new product was developed to cover critical illnesses that are top-of-mind for Filipinos and are perceived to be the most expensive to treat. As there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to insurance protection, customers can personalize their HealthFlex plan based on their protection needs,” added Henson.

 

Kicking off the webinar, health advocate Dr. Gia Sison spoke about how Filipinos can stay physically and mentally healthy during COVID-19. She also shared her own cancer journey, and how her fight against the Big C emboldened her to remain strong in overcoming any challenges in life, and to share her lessons with people who have fought or are fighting the same battle. 

 

“Anyone can be diagnosed with the Big C. While many of us may be aware of the things that we need to do to live a healthier lifestyle, often we do not always convert these into actions. We should learn how to walk the talk as having the right mindset can lead us to our health goals,” Sison said. 

 

Meanwhile, Calzado-Wintle shared her story as a survivor of COVID-19, and what she went through after being diagnosed positive for the coronavirus. While it derailed many of her plans, the support of her husband, and the care and service of medical workers helped her make it through the ordeal. The experience also made her a stronger person and an even more passionate advocate of taking care of one's health, including body and self-love.

 

“Having gotten sick, I realized that health is really the most important thing we have in life. It made me reflect on what I should do. I learned about the acronym LIFE. L stands for learning how to face our struggles and turn them into strength. I stands for interconnectedness - about connecting with the people you love. F refers to forgiveness - of yourself and of others. Lastly, E stands for enjoy - enjoying and valuing the one life we have,” Calzado-Wintle said. 

 

For Mendiola, grappling with societal pressures to conform to narrow beauty standards had been a huge challenge, and really affected her health. Learning from her experience, she now advocates for body positivity and personalizing your health journey to what serves you best. 

 

“The only way to be truly happy and healthy is to accept yourself. You have to learn to recognize your insecurities, accept them, and do something about them. Learn to become the best version of yourself by building up your spiritual, mental, and physical well-being,” Mendiola shared.

 

As an entrepreneur determined to keep his businesses afloat and support his employees despite the pandemic, Richards spoke about how he dealt with the stress and anxiety he faced. He believes that keeping healthy is vital, even in the context of meeting one's business and career goals. He also shared his fitness transformation journey that made him better, physically, emotionally, and mentally. 

 

“Self-discipline is very important as the road to fitness can be challenging. Find a routine that you will enjoy so you can be consistent with your workouts. While it is important to also eat in moderation, you need to also find a way to reward yourself from time to time. Lastly, respect your efforts. A small progress is still progress. If you work out and eat right regularly, you will achieve powerful results,” Richards said. 

 

Based on the abovementioned Manulife’s study, most Filipinos feel financially unprepared to cover healthcare expenses in the event of critical illness, believing that the cost of treatment is more than they can afford. HealthFlex is thus designed to enable Filipinos to choose the best protection plan that is made more affordable to meet their needs, and to make their every day better with financial peace of mind in case critical illness strikes. To know more about HealthFlex, you can visit http://manulife.pub/health_flex, and a financial adviser will reach out to you. 

 

To watch the full webinar, visit and follow Manulife’s Facebook page.

 

Manulife Philippines offers free webinars to help Filipinos live every day better

To support Filipinos living through the unprecedented challenges brought by COVID-19, Manulife Philippines has launched a series of free webinars to help address some of Filipinos’ most pressing concerns on health and wellness, and finances. 

Manulife Philippines has invited experts from a variety of fields to provide insights into topics that have been top of mind for Filipinos since the start of the community quarantine. These include how to stay physically and mentally healthy; how to earn, save and invest; and how to start and re-start a business during these trying times. 

“COVID-19 has brought on a period of unprecedented change, which has affected each of us personally. Given the limitations on mobility and the need for physical distancing, Filipinos now spend more time online -- not only for communication and entertainment, but also to seek advice, tutorials, and tips that can help them adapt to the changes, and cope with the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic,” said Melissa Henson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “We recognize that there is a need for knowledge and information to help us navigate the current environment, and we’d like to help Filipinos make every day under community quarantine better, by providing access to relevant and timely insights and information.” 

Manulife Philippines’ webinars are available for viewing on the Manulife website www.manulife.com.ph.  

The series was kicked off by a session about navigating the current market volatility for long-term investments. Manulife Asset Management hosted a market outlook webinar focusing on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Philippine Equities, led by Hui Min Ng, Portfolio Manager of Equities, Manulife Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., and Mark Canizares, Head of Equities of Manulife Asset Management and Trust Corporation. While they acknowledged that many may hesitate to invest in light of the global uncertainty, historical precedence showed that long-term fundamentals can win over short-term volatility.

Manulife Philippines invited celebrated dermatologist, President and Medical Director of the Belo Medical Group Dr. Vicki Belo to discuss self-care during community quarantine. Dr. Belo shared advice focusing on four key pillars - Balance, Exercise and healthy eating, Learning new skills, and Offering gratitude. She emphasized how embracing self-care can help manifest stronger physical and psychological wellbeing amid the evolving realities brought about by COVID-19. 

To help Filipino entrepreneurs start or restart a business during a crisis, Manulife Philippines invited some of the country’s inspiring tech leaders like Jacqueline Lim, Head of GrabExpress, Grab Philippines, Martha Sazon, President & CEO, Mynt, and Ragde Falcis, CEO and Co-Founder, ChatGenie.PH, to help guide both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs, as they find new ways to continue serving their communities and reach more customers in the age of quarantine and social distancing. 

Coming soon: More webinars on key aspects of Filipino life amid the pandemic

Since the community quarantine, many Filipinos have expressed concerns on how to adjust their day-to-day life given the uncertainties brought by COVID-19. Manulife’s upcoming webinars will help address these issues by inviting top experts who can share their insights into important topics like personal motivation, love and relationships, self-care, family life, nutrition and entrepreneurship amid the pandemic. These aim to equip more Filipinos with the right information so they can live every day better, protect their loved ones and achieve their personal and financial goals, even during these trying times.  

For more info and updates on Manulife’s upcoming webinars, visit www.manulife.com.ph