Manulife Canada will provide eligible group benefits plan members with access to Maven Clinic’s virtual women’s and family health services starting this fall.
The partnership addresses significant gaps in women’s healthcare that cost the Canadian economy billions annually. Unmanaged menopause symptoms during critical career years cost Canada $3.5 billion each year and cause one in 10 women to leave the workforce, according to research cited by the companies.
Maven Clinic operates the world’s largest virtual clinic for women’s and family health, serving members across more than 175 countries. The partnership will give Manulife members 24/7 access to a global network of healthcare providers across more than 30 specialties who speak more than 35 languages.
Economic impact of women’s health gaps
Research shows that narrowing gaps in women’s healthcare could contribute as much as $1 trillion per year to the global economy by 2040. Women globally spend 25 per cent more time in poor health compared to men, with nearly half of this health burden occurring during prime working years.
“Together with Maven, Manulife is not just responding to gaps in women’s and family health—we’re redefining what comprehensive support looks like during key life transitions like family planning and menopause,” said Jennifer Foubert, head of product at Manulife Group Benefits.
The program will complement existing healthcare rather than replace in-person care. With more than one in five Canadians lacking access to a primary care physician, Maven’s platform helps members navigate the healthcare system and find in-person care when needed.
Four pillars of care
Maven’s services focus on four key areas that most impact women’s and family health:
Fertility and family building includes support for preconception, trying to conceive, fertility treatments like IVF and IUI, adoption, and surrogacy.
Maternity and newborn care provides extensive support during pregnancy, postpartum, and return to work, including virtual consultations with OB-GYNs, doulas, lactation consultants, career coaches, and mental health providers.
Parenting and pediatrics offers resources and consultations for parenting challenges and pediatric care as children grow.
Menopause and midlife health supports women through every phase of menopause and provides midlife health support for men, covering hormonal changes, mental health, sexual health, and overall well-being.
Platform access and implementation
Beginning this fall, eligible group benefits members and their dependents will access Maven through the Manulife Mobile app or plan member site. Employers must enroll in the program for their employees to gain access.
“We are excited to partner with Manulife to help women and families receive comprehensive, personalized care,” said Stephanie Glenn, chief commercial officer at Maven Clinic. “As an organization, we set out to address the fragmented experiences women and families often face in health care through offering a holistic approach with tailored support, leading to better health outcomes and smoother journeys through life’s critical phases.”
Maven’s diverse network of providers helps ensure that support is accessible and inclusive for individuals from all backgrounds. The platform provides unlimited access to virtual care, with personalized support tailored to individual health needs.
More than 2,000 employers and health plans currently use Maven’s platform. The company was founded in 2014 and has raised more than $425 million in funding from healthcare and technology investors.
