Aviva launches company health insurance plan for gambling addiction
Employees can now receive treatment through their employer under new plan
UK insurance firm Aviva has launched a new mental health option for its corporate health insurance plans, specifically targeting addictions including online gambling, gaming and social media.
Aviva said the Mental Health Pathways Plus plan is a response to growing evidence that smartphone use is enabling “easy, round-the-clock access to online gambling, gaming and social media,” and leading to new addictive behaviour.
The cover forms part of its Optimum private medical insurance scheme, which targets companies with more than 250 employees. Treatment for drug and alcohol addictions are also included within the policy.
Treatments offered under the plan include online cognitive behavioural therapy, remote sessions by phone or video link, face-to-face therapies and in-patient treatment where clinically necessary.
Under the terms of the policy, children aged 13 and over who are covered by their parents’ policy can also access these mental health support services.
Aviva has said the decision to allow this is due to “rising concern about the impact of social media on the self-image of young people and easy access to mobile gaming apps.”
Dr Doug Wright, Aviva medical director, said digital technology was driving behaviours which increased health risks to individuals.
“Previously, addictions have mainly been associated with drugs and alcohol, but now the internet and smartphone apps are leading to technology-driven addictions such as online gaming and sensation-seeking entertainment as well as preoccupation with social media,” Wright added.