Canada Life has expanded its WeCare wellbeing service, making it available to all 2.8 million employees covered by its group protection policies.
The partners and immediate families of covered employees will also be able to access the benefits.
The provider said the policy change, available from the date of an employer’s annual policy renewal, was made to help employers and workers adapt to the challenges of an ageing workforce and growing demand for preventative health support.
The expansion is backed by Canada Life’s research into “longevity-ready” workplaces, conducted with 3,200 UK adults and 600 employers of varying sizes in March 2025.
It showed that one in six UK adults (18 percent) reported retiring early for physical health reasons, and 11 percent for mental health reasons before they reached state pension age.
More than three-quarters (77 percent) said employers should play a greater role in supporting people to work for longer, a view shared by 68 percent of employers surveyed.
Canada Life’s own analysis highlights mental health and musculoskeletal conditions as key drivers of GIP claims, underscoring the potential value of virtual physio and counselling services.
WeCare services are now accessible through a single app and portal, with two levels of support designed to help employers address longevity, health and wellbeing.
Group scheme members, including those covered by group life, can access a 24/7 phone and video GP service, mental health counselling, a 24/7 helpline, bereavement and probate support, nutrition services, an upgraded Get Fit programme, self-help articles and the myStrength wellbeing app.
Members with group income protection (GIP) and group critical illness (GCI) cover will now have additional benefits. This includes a new virtual physio service, which combines video consultations with chartered physiotherapists and tailored exercise plans.
It is supported by AI tools that give patients real-time feedback. Members will also keep access to financial and legal support, as well as second medical opinion services from a network of 50,000 medical experts worldwide.
Chris Morgan, head of product and proposition strategy, protection at Canada Life, said: “Taking care of our health is vital if we’re to continue to enjoy a long and happy working life, and it’s clear both employees and employers need to adapt to do that. We’ve upgraded WeCare access to expand on the positive impact its wellbeing services already provide to customers who have used it.”
The provider said that the impact of WeCare is already visible.
In 2024, Teladoc Health UK, which delivers the service, supported more than 24,000 remote GP appointments, with 53 percent of patients avoiding time off work and 30 percent returning more quickly.
It also delivered nearly 3,000 second medical opinion consultations, which resulted in a change of treatment for 25 percent of patients and a new diagnosis for 22 percent.
More than 12,000 mental health consultations led to improvements in 85 percent of cases, increased happiness for 77 percent, and reduced anxiety for 59 percent.
Morgan added: “By opening WeCare access to all insured members and adding virtual physio, the service becomes even more relevant to the health situations many workers face. It encourages day-to-day preventative healthcare and allows people to continue to enjoy the benefits of work life while reducing the time they might need out of work to manage health issues.”
