Life insurance benefits used more than NHS services
Recent figures from one of the UK’s leading life insurance providers, AIG Life, indicate that its Smart Health services are not just a bonus to having a life insurance policy, but a vital healthcare tool.
The data reveals a noticeable trend of people opting for virtual consultations over visiting their NHS GP.
By the numbers
Since its inception in August 2019, Smart Health has facilitated over 53,000 GP consultations via phone and video, benefiting policyholders and their immediate families.
In total, Smart Health has been used 85,000 times, with 37% of its users accessing the service more than three times.
Beyond virtual appointments
Interestingly, virtual GP appointments are just the start when it comes to how people are benefiting from their use of Smart Health.
Almost half of the patients (47%) have not only had a consultation but also received prescriptions, sick notes, or specialist referrals.
Family-focused and preventative
One of the best parts of Smart Health is that these services are accessible to the insured person, their partner, and children up to the age of 21, even if they aren't policyholders themselves.
According to Alison Esson, health propositions manager at AIG Life, this inclusive approach enables "preventative steps that contribute to long-term health."
Lightening the load on the NHS
The Teladoc Health survey shows that 55% of users opted for a Smart Health virtual appointment instead of burdening the already-stretched NHS.
This is a promising sign for the NHS, a system consistently facing increasing demands.
If more people use their added benefit services like Smart Health, it could help ease the stress on the ever-thinning NHS.
Accelerated recovery and back-to-work rates
Being off work sick is the worst, especially when you don’t get sick pay from your employer.
The data also highlights that Smart Health services have been helping people return to work sooner, with 33% of absent employees reporting quicker recovery times following a consultation.
It’s for your kids too!
Smart Health isn't just for adults; children and young people under 17 have used around 10,700 virtual GP appointments, making up 19% of all consultations.
There’s more to Smart Health
If the 24/7 virtual GP appointments weren’t already enough, AIG also offers five more benefits included in their app which you can take advantage of when you have a policy with them:
- Fitness plans and advice
- Mental health support
- Tailored plans from a nutritionist
- Second medical opinions
- Health check
Choosing cover
To have access to Smart Health, you’ll of course need an AIG policy, and we can help with that.
Our experts are equipped with over 200 years combined experience in the industry. This means we can look at your circumstances, affordability, and everything in between to recommend the right policy for you and your loved ones.
If you’re still without a policy, why wait any longer? Start your life insurance journey with the team at Caspian Insurance today!
The bigger picture
The strain on the NHS is ever-present and ever-growing. But more and more people are utilising services like Smart Health, which could help the NHS. Every little counts!
In the long run, Smart Health could play a vital role in your loved ones' healthcare while helping to alleviate the mounting pressures on the NHS. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
*Free additional benefits are not contractual and may be removed at any time
