The Exeter is introducing unlimited remote GP appointments to its HealthWise service as part of a range of additions to the member benefits app, available through protection and health insurance.
The other services added include access to an NHS repeat prescription service and an at-home health MOT service.
The Exeter said extending GP appointments was in response to higher demand for remote GP services, at a time when public services are under pressure.
With the NHS waiting list currently standing at 7.7 million people, it is being predicted that the situation is worsening, with the Health Foundation expecting the list to increase to eight million people by summer next year.
HealthWise is operated by Square Health and also offers second medical opinions, physiotherapy, mental health support, dietitian consultations, and lifestyle and nutrition appointments, free of charge.
The new Health MOT provides eligible members with an annual, at-home, health assessment via a self-administered finger-prick blood test.
This test checks 20 health markers, including diabetes risk, cholesterol, and liver health, aiming to detect issues early.
As part of the test, members will receive a personalised health report and can discuss their results with a GP through a remote appointment which can be booked within the app.
By completing the test once a year, members can proactively manage their health, detect issues early and take preventative measures against potential health problems, the mutual said.
The service is available to the main policyholder only and included at no extra cost.
The Exeter has also removed previous administration charges for referrals, prescriptions, and fit notes for members (although normal prescription and postage costs apply).
The NHS repeat prescription service, now accessible in the app’s services section, allows members to order repeat prescriptions.
The prescription is then sent to their NHS GP for approval and processed for delivery by the supplier, typically taking two to three working days.
Isobel Langton, CEO at The Exeter (pictured), said: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved at The Exeter and our partners Square Health, who have been working closely to deliver these enhancements for the benefit of our members.
“HealthWise plays an increasingly important role in helping our members and their immediate families manage their day-to-day health and wellbeing and its popularity continues to grow.
“We recently announced that usage for this year had already passed 2022 levels and hope this continues to grow even further given the increased support now available.”
Steve Casey, marketing director at Square Health, added: “We are delighted to work with The Exeter in enhancing the long established HealthWise offering.
“The Exeter have been at the forefront of providing connected healthcare to their members as well as producing an excellent annual report showing why these services are accessed. These enhancements further demonstrate their commitment to members.”
