Women lead the charge in UAE's insurance sectorWomen lead the charge in UAE's insurance sector

Despite the global underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the insurance industry, the UAE is making significant strides in advancing gender equality. Both the government and private sector are actively implementing diverse initiatives, such as gender quotas on corporate boards and leadership training. These efforts are part of the UAE’s broader national strategy to empower women and ensure their representation at all levels of decision-making, offering a promising outlook for the future.

While the UAE is making progress in gender equality, there is still a pressing need for greater awareness at an organisational level. Traditional societal demands have often forced women to choose between careers and family life. To address this, organisations need to not only encourage women to take leadership roles but also create a flexible work environment that empowers families and promotes gender diversity.

Recently, Cigna Healthcare announced the appointment of Leah Cotterill as the new Middle East and Africa CEO. She is among the first females to lead a global insurance company in the UAE.

In an exclusive interview, she shared: “My latest role is a career milestone I am very proud of. I see my position as an opportunity to break barriers and advocate for women in leadership positions. I am committed to channelling my role to inspire and support other women in their professional journeys while encouraging them to aspire to a career in the insurance industry.” Excerpts from the interview.

Leah Cotterill, Chief Executive Officer, Cigna Healthcare Middle East and Africa (outside KSA)

What are your immediate priorities for Cigna Healthcare in the Middle East and Africa?

Cigna Healthcare has built tremendous momentum over the last few years. Our priority is to strengthen our efforts in the UAE by improving access to care, expand our presence across the African continent to solidify our positioning as a one-stop-shop health insurance partner for employers operating across the Middle East and Africa and intensify our efforts on initiatives that enhance the customer's overall experience while accessing their health insurance needs.

We are consistently driven by our commitment to creating a better future for our customers. Over the next few years, our goal is to ensure customers have easy access to health and wellbeing solutions. Our teams are working closely to develop strategies that meet the unique needs of our customers across the diverse region.

Globally, the cost of medical care jumped by a record high of 11.3 per cent in 2023, with increases in the Middle East projected to rise to 14.4 per cent in 2024. However, the region is well-positioned to weather inflationary pressures impacting the health insurance industry. For example, the UAE’s continued economic growth presents a unique opportunity to drive further investments in the health insurance industry. Strong economies drive investments in advanced healthcare infrastructure, innovative technologies, and comprehensive care solutions. It also provides a stable environment for expanding our services and reaching more customers with affordable healthcare options.

Additionally, the region is expanding its pool of highly skilled healthcare professionals. By attracting and retaining top talent, we can improve the quality of care and manage costs more effectively. The development of a skilled workforce will not only enhance patient outcomes but also help control operational expenses, keeping healthcare costs in check.

We will continue to collaborate with healthcare sector leaders, tech innovators, and community organisations to build a sustainable ecosystem that meets evolving needs. These partnerships will enable us to stay ahead of industry shifts and continue to deliver exceptional value while always keeping sight of the human element.

How do you plan to navigate the unique healthcare challenges in this region?

To address some of these unique challenges and expand access to care within the region, we introduced SmartCare by Cigna Healthcare in 2021. This product, the region's first-ever open-access network health insurance plan, aims to make health insurance more accessible, affordable, and customisable for a wider segment of the population.

With rising awareness about health and wellness, employees in the region are expecting more comprehensive healthcare benefits from their employers. This includes access to mental health services, preventive care, and wellness programmes. Our Cigna Healthcare Survey conducted in the UAE has shown that 77 per cent of employees in the UAE desired more support from their employers for a healthier life.

In 2023, we launched our 5% Pledge initiative, which calls on business leaders to dedicate 5 per cent of their annual working hours to fostering mental health support in the workplace and to impact how mental health is perceived and supported.

We also aim to launch community programmes and health education campaigns. Community-centred activations, such as Cigna Run & Fitness, aim to make a positive impact as we strive to foster healthier, more vibrant societies.

What key trends do you see in the health insurance industry?

A key trend we have observed at Cigna Healthcare is gene therapy, one of the most significant advancements in pharmacological innovation, offering life-changing treatments for various genetic disorders. This form of therapy involves altering the genes inside a patient’s cells to treat or prevent disease, and it has shown remarkable potential in addressing previously untreatable conditions.

While gene therapies provide promising capabilities, they also come with significant costs. For instance, in July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved eight oncologic gene therapies with prices ranging from US$65,000 to US$475,000. Additionally, eight non-oncologic gene therapies were approved, with prices ranging from US$630,000 to US$3.5 million. There are approximately 1,000 gene therapies in the pipeline, indicating a robust future for this innovative treatment approach. This suggests that more gene therapies will become available, potentially leading to competitive pricing and broader accessibility over time.

Additionally, technological innovations such as AI advancements and wearable technology are transforming healthcare. AI-powered virtual healthcare agents can conduct check-ins, health assessments, and check-ups, improving early detection and management of health issues.

We are also seeing a surge in demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are gaining traction due to their efficacy in treating conditions related to obesity and diabetes. These drugs help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite, making them valuable tools in both disease management and weight loss.

Another notable regional trend is the growing recognition of the importance of mental health and wellness in overall health. According to Knight Frank’s Mental Health Report for the Middle East and Africa region, the UAE needs 1,759 psychiatrists and 3,381 additional psychiatric beds to meet the growing demand for mental health services, as the population is expected to reach nearly 11 million by 2030.

Furthermore, data and analytics are being used to understand key drivers that influence the cost of care and work on preventative solutions and effective programmes for our members that help them better manage their situation and positively influence healthcare cost trends. Prevention will play a significant role in the longer-term outlook for health and costs in the region.

The implications of these trends are rippling across the entire healthcare system, starting with the type of care that is demanded, the location where the care occurs, and the treatments that are prescribed, all of which challenge the affordability of care.

How is Cigna supporting the growth and advancement of women in the workplace?

As women leaders, we should be deeply committed to empowering others by fostering a diverse, inclusive work environment and creating a culture where different perspectives are valued and everyone can succeed. This is critical to overcoming challenges and paves the way for more women to become leaders, dismantling stereotypes and proving that effective leadership transcends gender bias.

Cigna’s Women Influencing & Networking (WIN) initiative is a testament to the company's commitment to supporting the growth and advancement of women in the workplace. The WIN initiative is designed to empower women, foster a network of colleagues passionate about breaking down barriers, and create networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Importantly, it also engages male colleagues in women’s empowerment initiatives, demonstrating that gender equality is a collective responsibility.

One of our key strategies for overcoming challenges was building a strong network of mentors who provided guidance and support. A key activation under Cigna WIN is the ‘Rise Up’ mentoring programme, where women in leadership offer shadowing opportunities to other team members, facilitating real-world learning experiences and the exchange of valuable insights.

I look forward to boosting participation at WIN, which provides a platform for women to connect and support each other's growth. By implementing these strategies, I also hope to create a more supportive and empowering environment for women in the UAE’s health and wellness sector, helping them pursue and excel in leadership roles.

References available on request