Women’s health issues can be impacted both in terms of absenteeism and performance, and can include:
Menstrual Health and Conditions, which can include Painful periods / Endometriosis/ Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Mental Health:
- Anxiety and depression, which can be linked to hormonal cycles, caregiving responsibilities and workplace stress.
Workplace implications:
- Reduced productivity, Absenteeism, difficulty accessing healthcare during work hours
How can employee benefits like medical aid or GAP cover better support women’s health needs?
Employee benefits like Medical Aid and Gap Cover can significantly improve support for woman’s health when they are thoughtfully structured and inclusive. It can be optimized to better meet the specific health needs of a woman in the following examples:
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Women are statistically more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and postpartum mood disorders.
By having a medical aid, the employee will be able to have access to therapy and psychiatric care without lengthy pre-approvals or high out of pocket costs.
Gap Cover is focused on hospital shortfalls, but some Gap Covers do offer a benefit where the member will be able to claim for an outpatient specialist consultation.
Preventative screenings
This benefit is to encourage early detection and will include:
- Pap smears
- HPV Testing
- Mammograms
- Bone Density scans
- Genetic screening for breast/ ovarian cancer
Employers can:
- Choose a plan with strong woman’s health networks and optional add-ons
- Can Educate employees by providing easy to understand benefit guides and navigation support
- Include female-specific services in company wellness offerings
Are there any specific health screenings or preventive care that women should prioritise?
Yes, there are several key health screenings and preventative care measures that woman should prioritize through different stages of life.
The Top preventative screenings for woman are:
Pap Smear ( Cervical Cancel Screening)
Depending on the Medical scheme, Every 2 or 3 years
HPV testing
Breast Awareness
Mammogram will be done, usually in a 24month cycle, but depending on family history, the Scheme may decide on annually