Vitality, the innovative health insurer, has today announced a new partnership with Peppy, an expert personalised support service, to provide dedicated menopause support to its members from early 2021. The announcement, in advance of World Menopause Day this Sunday, makes Vitality the first health insurer in the UK to provide its members this level of menopause support.

Women over 50 are the fastest-growing workforce demographic in the UK and whilst the average age for menopause is 51, symptoms can affect those who are much younger or older. In the UK, over 60 percent of people who go through menopause will experience symptoms at some stage and one in four will suffer severe, even debilitating symptoms that require adjustments to their life at home, and also in the workplace. Making the right medical and lifestyle changes can improve outcomes for cardiovascular, bone and mental health.

Vitality members will be able to access a wealth of resources through Peppy’s app-based digital health platform, to help them manage their symptoms, access expert advice and receive support from others also going through the menopause. They will have access to one-to-one text chat and phone or video consultations, as well as online webinars and exercise classes, with their expert practitioners able to refer members directly back to Vitality for treatment where required.

Through this new partnership, Vitality will also work with employers as part of its health insurance offering, to consider the potential debilitating effects of menopause on women, and the support they can offer to consider any potential impact on productivity, presenteeism and absenteeism.  

Dr Keith Klintworth, Group COO and Managing Director, VitalityHealth said: 

“Going through menopause can be a challenging and isolating time for many, with the symptoms of menopause particularly debilitating for some, significantly impacting their day-to-day lives and in particular their work.

“With this in mind, we are proud to be the first insurer to provide a specific service to support our members physically and mentally through the menopause, further reinforcing our holistic approach to healthcare.”

Mridula Pore, CEO and Co-Founder of Peppy, said: 

“Menopause can be a life-changing event. We’re thrilled to be able to extend our support and to see Vitality become industry leaders, ensuring their members have the menopausal support they need when they want it and all at the touch of a button.

“In the future, we hope the provision of expert menopause support will be standard for all health insurance companies and we are proud Peppy is playing an integral part in that change.”