TORONTO – Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada announced today that it is the first Canadian insurer to offer access to coast-to-coast virtual healthcare services to clients across the country.

From the comfort of home, individuals can connect with a range of medical professionals including doctors, registered nurses, and mental health professionals. Through live video, telephone or text, a virtual visit provides individuals with immediate care and peace of mind, helping them on their road to recovery.

“We’re excited to offer this innovative healthcare solution,” said Jacques Goulet (pictured), president, Sun Life Financial Canada. “It is another great example of how we are using technology to meet the growing needs of our clients. Virtual care will empower and engage Canadians as they manage their health and wellness, anywhere, anytime.”

Sun Life’s virtual care referral network will initially include three innovative companies: Akira, EQ Care, and Maple – offered to individual and group clients at a significant discount. Each company delivers online healthcare services including online visits with medical professionals, prescriptions, and convenient hours of operation, often including evenings and weekends.

(On a related note, Maple recently raised an additional $4 million in Series A funding from a group of strategic investors to further support its growth and expansion. The MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, Ontario’s most active seed fund focused on early stage technology companies, participated in the oversubscribed round led by a large private corporation with expertise in medical cost containment and operations, as well as Jeff Fettes, co-founder of 24-7 Intouch.)

“Whether you are bedbound fighting a nasty virus or running a busy schedule with back-to-back meetings, fitting in a doctor’s appointment can be tough,” said Dave Jones, senior vice-president, group benefits, Sun Life Financial Canada. “SunLife’s virtual care referral network will help individuals get quick and reliable care, save precious time, and focus on what matters the most.”

Sun Life’s virtual care referral network is available via the my Sun Life mobile app, offered on the Apple App Store and Google Play. This is the latest move by Sun Life as it continues to transform its business by expanding its digital offerings and collaborating with innovative partners.

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual 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 December 31, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management (“AUM”) of $975 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.