In March 2019, Oman’s government introduced compulsory health insurance (known as the Unified Health Insurance Policy or “Dhamani”) for private sector employees and visitors.
To finalize the implementation process of the mandate, Oman’s Financial Services Authority (FSA), formerly known as the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), has implemented a new electronic platform for the administration of health care insurance services.
The rise of remote working coupled with advances in digital technology have increased workplace flexibility and, some would argue, fostered better work-life balance. But this trend has also increased the risk of work encroaching into non-working life, extending overall working hours and contributing to heightened stress and anxiety.
The government of Israel recently introduced a health insurance reform establishing a comprehensive Private Medical Insurance (PMI) framework that creates a uniform structure for basic health policy.
The new circular entered into effect on 1 May 2023.
On 12 June 2023, the National Assembly of the South African Parliament passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill (the “Bill”). The Bill aims to establish a universal healthcare system supported by a National Health Insurance Fund (the “Fund”). As it stands, the Fund is expected to be financed by monthly employee payroll contributions and through general tax increases.
The Bill has advanced to the next stage and has been referred to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for review and possible revisions. Once final, the Bill will be sent to the President for assent.
Lockton’s global benefits experts have compiled information on flu vaccines to assist multinational employers in evaluating the ability to provide preventive treatment to their global workforce.
The Dutch government decided at the beginning of 2023 to eliminate the premium discounts that were historically available to group health insurance plans, known locally as collectives (collectiviteitskorting). This has left some employers reconsidering the value of a group plan and whether they should consider offering other benefits to offset the loss of the premium discount.
As a result of recent legislation, supreme court rulings, and new governmental proposals, employees in Chile may soon have a more compelling reason to seek care under the public system, Fonasa.
Beginning 1 May 2023, employees who regularly cycle to work may claim an employer-paid allowance of EUR 0.27 per kilometer based on the recent conclusion of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA No. 164) by the National Labour Council on 24 January 2023.
Please note: For the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine rollout plans, please visit the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulatory agencies. The below information is designed to guide businesses to known, credible resources covering COVID-19 and does […]
Update: The most recent increases to the parental leave entitlements introduced by the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019 will apply beginning 1 September 2020. Employees will now be entitled to take 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave, compared to the […]