2026-09-30 · Source: Insurance Business Canada
Summary in 3 Points • Manulife Canada introduces virtual physiotherapy for disability claimants with musculoskeletal conditions through a partnership with Sword. • The program initially targets members on disability leave, expanding to all group benefits members with extended health care in 2024. • This initiative aims to improve rehabilitation access and reduce claim durations, aligning with industry efforts to streamline disability claims. --- Manulife Canada has launched a virtual physiotherapy programme for group benefits members suffering from musculoskeletal conditions, partnering with digital health company Sword. The initial phase targets those on disability leave, allowing them to engage with licensed physiotherapists remotely using Health Canada-approved motion-tracking technology. The programme is set to expand in 2024 to include all members with extended health care coverage, aiming to enhance access to timely rehabilitation services. This initiative responds to the significant impact of musculoskeletal conditions on long-term disability claims. By facilitating faster access to physiotherapy, Manulife hopes to improve claimant engagement and reduce overall claim durations. The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association's recent efforts to standardise medical forms and simplify access to physiotherapy services further support this trend. However, the success of the programme will ultimately depend on measurable outcomes and its ability to demonstrate cost-effectiveness to plan sponsors. For the London Insurance Market, the introduction of virtual physiotherapy could influence the health insurance sector, particularly for institutions like Lloyd's of London, which may need to adapt to similar digital health innovations.
For the London Insurance Market, the introduction of virtual physiotherapy could influence the health insurance sector, particularly for institutions like Lloyd's of London, which may need to adapt to similar digital health innovations.