Over 53,000 phone and video GP appointments have been delivered by AIG Life’s Smart Health service since its launch to the end of April 2023.
AIG Life customers and their immediate families have utilised Smart Health services 85,000 times since its introduction, including 35,000 times in 2022 alone. More than one-third of patients or 37 per cent have utilised it three or more times.
Nearly half or 47 per cent of patients who went to Smart Health GP consultations received a prescription, a note of illness, or a referral to a specialist by the end of April 2023.
According to a poll of Smart Health customers done by Teladoc Health, 55 per cent of respondents were able to stay at home by using a virtual GP appointment rather than going to their doctor first, reducing the burden on the NHS.
Around 13 per cent of those who needed more help said they used their consultation to receive a referral to a specialist, and 8 per cent said they went to A&E as a result. Less than half or 48 per cent of respondents, who then arranged an appointment with their own GP, stated they did so.
Additionally, it aided in quicker employment returns. According to the Teladoc study, 33 per cent of those who missed work claimed that having a phone or video consultation with a Smart Health GP helped them recover faster from their sickness.
AIG Life smart health propositions manager Alison Esson says: “What seems to appeal is that the insured customer, as well as their partner and children who aren’t themselves insured, can get immediate medical help or set their mind at ease if something is wrong. It allows them to take preventative steps that can help look after their long-term health, and can help ease pressure on our NHS, without people picking up extra living costs. In some cases, seeking professional assistance early has helped saved people’s lives. So it’s worth financial advisers reminding clients of the extra services they have access to – whoever their insurer is.”