New medical assistance program empowers Canadians

Sun Life Clients receive customized support while navigating the healthcare system

TORONTO, Dec. 7, 2017 /CNW/ - No one plans to be on disability leave, but this is a reality for many Canadians, who find themselves experiencing difficulty navigating the healthcare system and arranging the right treatment for their medical condition. During a time of uncertainty, facing these challenges can be one more unwelcome thing to manage. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada ("Sun Life") is partnering with Medical Confidence Inc. to change that reality for Clients across the country who receive disability benefits.

"Dealing with a medical issue and being on disability is stressful enough – getting treatment shouldn't be," said Jean-Michel Lavoie, Assistant Vice-President, Product Development, Group Benefits, Sun Life Financial Canada. "Our goal is to help make our Clients' journey be as seamless as possible while guiding them on their road to recovery. This new tailored approach provides a unique support platform that will provide a sense of empowerment while they are improving their overall health and well-being."

Medical Confidence works hand-in-hand with those on disability to understand their medical condition and needs. A dedicated healthcare professional provides one-on-one support, arranges accelerated access to physicians and specialists, and guides individuals though their treatment and recovery.

Medical Confidence has an unmatched network of more than 11,000 leading Canadian specialists across more than 800 subspecialties. Starting in 2018, this third-party service will be progressively available to all Sun Life Clients receiving disability benefits. This partnership further supports the company's commitment to providing innovative and effective solutions to help Clients live healthier lives.

"The majority of Canadians do not know what to do or where to turn when faced with a serious medical condition. The ever-increasing wait times have become the norm, making it challenging even for primary care practitioners to find an available specialist," said Angela Johnson, President of Medical Confidence. "We are delighted to be teaming with Sun Life. Through an innovative navigation platform, we will provide Sun Life Clients a customized and caring approach to obtaining the right treatment at the right time. The result is reduced wait times and improved outcomes for patients and their physicians."

Group Benefits are offered by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.

About Medical Confidence
Medical Confidence is a Canadian organization founded in 2009 whose mission is to empower consumers of the Canadian healthcare system. Aligned with the Canadian Health Act they help individuals understand their health-related circumstances, access the ideal physician specialist(s), and ultimately become informed and actively engaged in decisions to lead to the best possible outcome. Medical Confidence espouses the belief that the education of empowered healthcare consumers also benefits employers, insurance providers, associations (etc.) through reduced benefit costs and minimizing the impact of presenteeism and absenteeism. The Canadian healthcare system also benefits as individuals are better able to navigate the system resulting in increased efficiencies. For more information, please visit www.medicalconfidence.com.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of $934 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars except as otherwise noted. 

Media Relations Contacts:
Kim Armstrong 
Manager, Media & PR, Sun Life Financial
T. 416-979-6207
kim.armstrong@sunlife.com

Angela Johnson
President, Medical Confidence
T. 289-201-1583
ajohnson@medicalconfidence.com

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada