Empire Life Insurance Company is adding telemedicine services – provided by Teladoc Health – to its group benefit plans.

All group plan members with Empire Life group health benefits will have automatic access to the new service starting September 01, 2020.

"We're hugely excited to bring this timely and convenient service to our customers," said Empire Life vice president of group product and marketing Vanessa Lycos.

Lycos noted that nearly two in five Canadians say they have faced COVID-19-related barriers to medical care. But thanks to telemedicine, they no longer have to worry, since virtual meetings with a doctor are safe, fast, and easy.

“And with no travel time or time in the waiting room, it may also help reduce absenteeism, which is a growing problem for employers,” the vice-president added.

"As a result of the pandemic, consumers are more open than ever to telemedicine, and we're delighted to continue to support Empire Life and their members with access to quality care," said Teladoc Health Canadian medical director Dr. Tim Foggin. "For well over a decade we've been reimagining how care can be delivered so as the evolution of healthcare delivery continues, Canadians know they can trust Teladoc for a range of their care needs."