Consumer confidence and the use of virtual healthcare is skyrocketing, and many Canadians are coming to prefer virtual services whenever possible. Virtual care has moved from progressive to mainstream because of the value it delivers by improving access to services you need.

Now, Manulife’s Flexcare®, FollowMe™ and Association Health and Dental Insurance plans include access to Akira to help you do just that — from the privacy of your own home. Here is what you need to know.


What is Akira?

Akira by TELUS Health is a national on-demand virtual care solution. It gives Manulife health plan members and their families direct access to secure medical consultations with friendly, knowledgeable clinicians. Akira is available in French and English, via smartphone or computer.

You and your family can conduct secure medical consultations with clinicians on your mobile smartphone or tablet by text or video chat whenever and wherever you need them, including:

  • Unlimited 24/7 access without an appointment
  • Screening and assessments to detect potential health disorders or diseases
  • New prescriptions or existing prescription refills
  • Referrals for testing and diagnostic services, like blood work or specialist visits for further investigation
  • Text and video conversations to answer health questions
  • Personalized mental wellness plans and referrals to therapists

The Akira clinician team has healthcare professionals all across Canada, including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and a few physicians. You will always talk to a registered nurse first, and if you need a prescription, diagnosis, mental health support, referral to a specialist, or to have lab work done, you will be connected with an Akira team member who can help you.

Manulife health insurance plan members can access the Akira service by registering on Manulife’s SecureServe (see your insurance policy for details). Once you are registered, you will be able to download the Akira app by visiting manulifehealthcareonline.ca or from your cellphone’s app store.


Akira works for your whole family

With your family health insurance plan, your spouse and dependents under 26 years old have access to Akira at all times and from anywhere so the whole family can stay healthy. Imagine how Akira can help you:

  • Your child suddenly has a rash
    Use your app for a secure video and real-time image transfer where you and your child can meet your Akira clinician for a consultation, diagnosis and even a prescription for treatment, which can be faxed immediately to your drugstore for you to pick up or have delivered.
  • You experience concerning symptoms
    Your virtual consultations may go through few steps, each one seamless and easy with caring, considerate and helpful health professionals. You can get a referral, lab work and results often in just a few days.

You can use the app anywhere in Canada, even when you travel. And if you work, having access to virtual care means you no longer have to worry about taking time off to visit the doctor’s office or wait for an appointment.

Your Akira health professional will even follow up with you to ensure you have all of the information and health support you need.

You can also choose to keep your family doctor informed, and follow up your consultation with virtual appointments with other healthcare practitioners, including

  • Audiologists
  • Chiropractors
  • Dietitians
  • Naturopaths
  • Physiotherapists
  • Psychologists
  • Psychotherapists
  • Social workers
  • Speech therapists

Akira is just one more reason to choose Manulife Health Insurance

If you’re a Canadian citizen, you have access to a provincial health plan. But that doesn’t cover everything — and healthcare costs are on the rise.

With Manulife Health & Dental Insurance, you can save on many of the costs not covered by your provincial plan.

Special Benefits Insurance Services (SBIS) offers a broad range of products from Manulife Financial for our clients. Check out what Manulife has to offer here, and choose from affordable insurance plans to save on these costs and more:

  • Prescription drugs
  • Vision care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Travel medical
  • Dental care
  • Hearing aids
  • Massage therapy
  • Homecare

Choosing the perfect health insurance plan takes some thought, but at SBIS, we make applying for coverage easy so you can get access to the financial protection and health services you need today.

If you have any questions, would like more information or need assistance selecting a plan, please do not hesitate to call us. Our business hours are Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. ET at 1-800-667-0429 or 416-601-0429.