Improving women’s health and wellbeing
Advancing health equity by supporting women at every stage of life.*
Keeping women healthy
At Pacific Blue Cross, we’re committed to improving health and wellbeing for British Columbians. This commitment drives our partnership with the Women’s Health Research Institute and the BC Women’s Health Foundation. Our work sheds light on the real experiences of women in our province, promotes equitable access to care that supports diverse health and wellness needs, and guides the development of health plans that empower women to thrive. Together, we can ensure that all women receive the highest quality health care, when and how they need it.
* We acknowledge that the topics and health equity challenges discussed here may apply to many individuals beyond the gender identity of "woman”.
How we’re championing women’s wellbeing
Advancing women’s health research
Despite scientific advancements, many common conditions associated with women’s health are still not fully understood or effectively treated. We’ve partnered with the Women’s Health Research Institute and the BC Women’s Health Foundation to bridge gaps in women’s health research and inform plan design.
Enhancing plan design
We launched a first-of-its-kind Personal Health Insurance plan that includes family planning benefits, incorporating fertility drugs, fertility treatments and adoption costs, as well as plans offering a new parent boost for additional physiotherapy and mental health support for new and expecting parents.
Breaking the silence
Stigma continues to surround women’s health, leading many to feel uncomfortable voicing their concerns, even with their health professionals. We’re opening up the conversation on women's health to break the silence, challenge taboos, and ensure women have access to the innovative and supportive care they deserve.
HER-BC: Health and Economics Research on Midlife Women in BC
Our latest research partnership, the HER-BC study, points to the need – and the opportunity – to open up the conversation on menopause and support women as they adjust to midlife hormonal changes. Conducted by the Women’s Health Research Institute, in partnership with the BC Women’s Health Foundation and Pacific Blue Cross, the study revealed the hidden impacts of menopause on women’s physical and mental wellbeing, and how these influence daily living, career, and quality of life.
Help employees thrive in midlife
The evidence shows a clear need—and opportunity—to support the health of midlife women in the workplace. As an employer, you can foster a healthier, more inclusive work environment with practical and culturally sensitive solutions to address the unique challenges of menopause. Here’s what you can do to help:
Optimize your benefits plan
Talk to your account executive or advisor to understand your coverage details and get recommendations supportive of your plan members (e.g., adequate levels of Extended Health coverage for mental, physical, and medication needs, Health Spending Accounts, virtual care options to accommodate geographical barriers and time-constraints, and Employee Assistance Programs for timely mental health, relationship, and work support).
Promote digital services
Support your plan members to access their Pacific Blue Cross Member Profile, so they can check their coverage details online and find Insta-Claim providers nearby, reducing out-of-pocket costs. Plan members can download our mobile app to access Member Profile on the go.
Educate your employees
Educating employees about their available coverage, training managers to discuss menopause openly, and providing related resources promote awareness, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of understanding and support in the workplace.
Adopt flexible work options
Implementing policies that promote work-life balance – such as flexible work options – can help address the physical discomforts associated with menopause. These measures help employees stay focused and comfortable at work, ultimately enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.
Past research
Since 2019, we’ve been proud partners in landmark research to uncover healthcare realities for women in BC.
In Her Words
Get the 2019 report and accompanying stories that uncovered the stark realities of how women of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups interact with the health care system in BC.
Unmasking gender inequity
Get the 2020 report that examined the disproportionate socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s health.
Additional women’s health articles and resources
We’re committed to supporting our plan members’ health journeys with reliable information, signposting to credible sources of specialized support, and our complementary health tools.
Learn about menopause
Menopause will affect around half of British Columbians, yet many people don’t know what to expect during this phase of life, or how to access help.
Mental health supports
Women are more likely to experience stress, depression, and anxiety during their lifetime. Find a list of mental health supports.
Health Connected
Pacific Blue Cross members can access our free Health Connected tool, offering health assessments, coaching, and health-promoting challenges to help them better understand their health risks and receive actionable insights on how to improve them.