Unum has overhauled its optical cover with a series of updates to its policy.
The cover is now available at four different reimbursement levels and includes the ability to claim for more expenses and pre-existing conditions.
The insurer said it was making the changes to offer greater choice and a more comprehensive policy while raising awareness of the importance of good optical heath during prolonged remote working.
Its updated policy gives immediate eligibility to claim for eye tests, lenses and frames paid for after the date the policy goes live, and they can visit any optician and buy frames and lenses from any provider, anywhere.
There is also a one-off payment of £10,000 in the event of loss of sight as a result of an accident is included.
A 10% discount is available for employers who take optical and dental cover together, both for new and existing customers, and the online claims management process has been improved to speed up reimbursements.
The product is available on employer and employee-funded basis.
Glenn Thompson, chief distribution officer at Unum UK, said: “Given the risks that exist to optical health from screen time, the concern is that, with UK employees reporting a 25% increase in their workload and being online for an additional two hours a day during lockdown, optical health issues may soon be on the rise.
“As the UK starts to transition into hybrid working, we hope to bring about more awareness to the importance of employers facilitating easy access to regular eye tests for their staff, as well as encouraging employees to take an active interest in their optical health.
“As always, we will continue to provide additional support to all employers who have a legal obligation to arrange and pay for regular eye tests for display screen equipment user employees, if requested.”
