Merkur Insurance Organized Movember Panel and Highlighted the Importance of Preventive Check-ups

This Thursday in the center of Zagreb, something healthy was cooking, and the healthy reason brought together well-known figures from the world of sports, media, business, and the health sector at Piano Bar – Wespa, in Green Gold at the panel “Movember at Merkur”. The event was organized by Merkur Insurance for the second consecutive year with the aim of marking the global phenomenon of “Movember” and raising awareness about men’s health issues (testicular and prostate cancer as well as mental health). The event provided a more relaxed atmosphere to discuss this serious topic.

This year, the panelists included world rowing champions Martin and Valent Sinković, as well as the exceptionally successful and well-known entrepreneur Ognjen Bagatin. To ensure that the discussion was not solely focused on moustaches, the most recognized Croatian health influencer, Dr. Natko Beck, joined this year’s panel to explain the key health aspects of the Movember movement. Ivan Pažanin also contributed to the Movember panel this year, showcasing his culinary skills. During the panel, Pažanin prepared healthy and simple meals for all attendees, who had the opportunity to taste them, with some even participating in their preparation.

The panel, moderated by Joško Lokas, touched on interesting topics regarding health and balancing business obligations, as well as setting priorities when it comes to preventive check-ups. Panelists shared their personal experiences and advice with the audience, who, due to the nature of their work, must be exceptionally skilled in multitasking. The topic of mental health was also raised, which still carries a particular stigma, and men continue to face discrimination and unrealistic expectations, making them reluctant to seek help in a timely manner.

The event was attended by well-known male figures, many of whom grew moustaches in a traditional show of support for the Movember movement. By the end of the event, all present agreed that while moustaches are important, health is ultimately the most important. Preventive health check-ups should be conducted.

With refreshing drinks and snacks, the panel certainly contributed to the overall raising of awareness about the importance of caring for men’s health, as attested by the panelists themselves.

The management of Merkur Insurance also attended the panel, which aims to support such initiatives both personally and professionally.

– I can confidently say that preventive check-ups, as part of Merkur’s additional health insurance health4me Premium, are the most important cornerstone of our business. Preventive check-ups can diagnose diseases in time and save lives. Therefore, as part of this Movember campaign, we have a promotional action of a 10% discount until the end of November on additional health insurance health4me Premium, and all new users will also have a year of using the Modus Health Card – a card that provides discounts at healthcare institutions across Croatia. Through such actions, we aim to encourage as many people as possible to take care of their health and go for important preventive check-ups – stated Krešimir Limpić, a member of the management of Merkur Insurance.

Women still pay much more attention to health and preventive check-ups than men. Men are more likely to ignore their health problems and are reluctant to talk about them. By pretending that there are no problems, the issue will not only not disappear but can grow into something much more serious. For this reason, it is crucial to go for regular preventive check-ups that will timely diagnose diseases. Such check-ups are particularly important regarding prostate cancer, where there are no early symptoms of the disease.

To make these check-ups as accessible as possible, with minimal waiting, it is good to have additional health insurance and a trusted partner. Merkur Insurance, through its health4me Premium, additional health insurance, provides its clients with a higher level of health protection tailored to their individual needs and desires. Depending on the selected package, with limits from 300 to 2,000 euros, clients are covered for the costs of specialist examinations, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, physical therapy, minor surgeries, second medical opinions, and home care. Merkur’s clients have access to the best specialists and medical institutions in Croatia and worldwide, resolving their health issues quickly, without crowds and waiting. To make all the benefits of additional health insurance even more accessible, Merkur Insurance is offering a 10% discount on the health4me Premium additional health insurance program in the first year of insurance from November 1 to November 30, 2024. Additionally, all new users receive a year of using the Modus Health Card – an application that provides discounts on health services in private healthcare institutions across Croatia.

It is no longer sufficient to take care of one’s health only in the case of illness; it is necessary to reduce the possibility of illness through various proactive methods. Preventive check-ups can significantly improve the quality of life, prevent many diseases, and reduce the costs of expensive treatments. Therefore, it is necessary, as part of the Movember campaign and beyond, to raise awareness that moustaches, like all other trends, are important, but health is more important. Get checked!