Bupa is integrating Skin Analytics’ Derm AI system into its at-home skin assessment service for moles and lesions.
After contacting Bupa about a concerning mole or lesion, customers receive a kit containing a smart phone and a dermoscopy lens within 24 hours to capture clinical-quality images.
Customers can then take and upload images which are analysed by Derm alongside their medical history to assess risk.
The insurer said results are returned within minutes and customers can speak with a specialist GP to discuss their results and next steps.
Skin Analytics said the Derm system delivers risk assessment in less than a minute, with 99.9% accuracy in ruling out melanoma.
Demand up 260%
Bupa said it wanted to give customers faster access to accurate results for potential skin cancer concerns.
It added that referrals for for it’s at-home skin assessment service have increased by 260% since the pathways launched in 2020, supporting more than 30,000 customers.
Lucy Pallett, medical and healthcare director at Bupa, said: “Speed is critical in diagnosing skin cancer. The sooner a concern is assessed, the sooner people can get the reassurance or treatment they need.
“Crucially, this speed is backed by clinically accredited, regulator‑approved technology, giving customers confidence in the quality and safety of their results, while helping ease pressure on dermatology services.”
Neil Daly, CEO of Skin Analytics added: “Our core mission is to use AI to detect skin cancer earlier.
“Having partnered with Bupa for five years, and already delivered faster access to diagnosis for over 30,000 members, we are incredibly proud to see them become the first UK insurer to integrate our autonomous AI directly into their pathway.
“This expansion of our partnership with AI gives their members access to the world’s most experienced specialist. One that has already found 24,000 cancers and is the only Class III AI medical device.
“The result is a fundamentally better patient experience, offering instant peace of mind for the majority, earlier diagnosis and faster treatment for those who need it.”