British Friendly has appointed HealthHero as its virtual GP provider, replacing previous provider Square Health.
Confirming the appointment, British Friendly told Health & Protection: “We have chosen HealthHero as our partner for digital healthcare services as they are able to offer our members the services which are in demand plus extra support through health and wellbeing services, which are available on the app.
“Our appointment of HealthHero as provider of digital healthcare services replaces the previous provider.”
As a result the mutual launched a health and wellbeing app called Symbio under its mutual benefits programme.
The app, supported by HealthHero, allows new and existing members and their immediate family, access to healthcare services and self-help tools at no extra cost.
Core benefits offered to members and their spouse, partner or children through the app each year remain unchanged. They are:
- Unlimited digital GP appointments
- Six physiotherapy sessions
- Six mental health support sessions
- Two second medical opinions
- An annual health check at a discounted rate
In addition, it also includes a clinically-validated wellbeing assessment tool and mood tracker, and programmes on financial resilience, mindfulness, and nutrition, as well as a library of expert-created content designed to meet members’ health and wellbeing needs.
This library includes self-help modules which are personalised based on individual self-assessment results.
For example, members can access resources on managing diabetes, achieving a healthier work-life balance, breathing exercises to manage anxiety and depression, and tips on diet and nutrition, the mutual said.
Last year British Friendly reported a 72% increase in the use of its value-added services following a targeted member email campaign highlighting the benefits of having access to digital health care.
It will be running another campaign to drive engagement with the services in the first quarter of next year.
Paul Roberts, proposition and distribution director at CIExpert, said: “As health and wellbeing benefits continue to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of those who can access to them, so should the awareness and promotion of those services too.”
Natalie Summerson, sales and marketing director at British Friendly, said: “We want our members to use our health and wellbeing benefits to help them lead happier, healthier lives.
“We know they can make a vital difference and advisers are paying increasing attention to the whole package we offer, to deliver the best value to their clients.
“We’ll be kicking off the launch with a marketing campaign to encourage our members to engage with the app and we’ll remind them regularly.
“Being there when members need help is our priority, be that through claims or using our added value benefits.”
Sanjay Chada, strategic partnership director at HealthHero, added: “We’re proud to have launched the new version of our Symbio app in partnership with British Friendly, designed to give their members access to a range of clinical and digital wellbeing services and content.
“These new benefits will give their members comprehensive help and expert-guided information at a time when it can be difficult for many to access public health services quickly.
“We hope this will help equip members with the tools they need to live healthier, happier lives.”
