Sun Life Canada has started to roll out free access to virtual health care services for its group benefits clients with an Extended Health Care (EHC) benefit. In partnership with Dialogue, clients will be able to use the virtual clinic to connect directly with a health care professional.

The service – Lumino Health Virtual Care – is being offered free of charge for an initial period to support clients through the COVID-19 pandemic. Sun Life is including the service into clients' EHC benefit, giving employers, employees and their families convenient access to health care, when and where they need it.

Lumino and Dialogue form basis of digital platform

Lumino Health Virtual Care brings two offerings together – Lumino Health and Dialogue. Lumino Health is Sun Life's online digital platform that connects Canadians with local health care providers, offers health-related content and shares innovative health solutions to help Canadians live healthier lives. The virtual care service will be powered by telemedicine provider Dialogue.

The right thing to do, says Sun Life Canada president

“Our country is in the middle of a health crisis,” said Jacques Goulet, president, Sun Life Canada. “Offering free virtual health care services to our clients will hopefully relieve some of their stress, support social distancing efforts across the country and alleviate some of the load on Canada’s emergency health care system. We are offering this service free of charge because it is the right thing to do.”

The service provides clients with acute physical and mental health care, similar to medical services provided at a primary care clinic. A multi-disciplinary team will review symptoms, provide an assessment, create a personalized care plan, write prescriptions and make referrals to specialists or in-person care if necessary.