Everyday care claims accounted for two-thirds, or 64 per cent, of all Vitality Health claims, including virtual GP services, physiotherapy, talking therapies, optical, dental, and hearing claims.
The provider reported a 326 per cent increase in Vitality GP claims and a 282 per cent increase in everyday care claims since 2019, highlighting growing demand for primary care. Vitality launched the virtual GP app in 2015 to support prevention and early intervention, thereby reducing more severe and costly claims later on.
The data shows a link between increasing primary care use and decreased secondary and tertiary claims. From 2019 to 2023, Vitality experienced a 35 per cent rise in physiotherapy visits and a 31 per cent decrease in severe in-patient musculoskeletal claims. Similar trends were identified in mental health claims, and more thorough information will be published soon.
Meanwhile, data from ABI showed a 140 per cent increase in mental health appointments and a 27 per cent increase in physiotherapy from 2019 to 2022. Vitality says it is the only insurer to show reductions in in-patient claims throughout this time period.
Vitality also found demand for everyday care among younger members, with the majority utilising the Vitality GP app aged 30 to 40. But utilisation has increased across all age groups, with a 40 per cent increase among members aged 60 and up over the last year.
Vitality Health managing director Keith Klintworth says: “Where historically PMI served to supplement the NHS, focusing on secondary and tertiary care, Vitality has always looked for ways to offer much more, from preventative lifestyle support to screening, to access to everyday care services. We work with our members at every step and stage of their health journey to ensure they are living in better health for longer.
“Ultimately, preventative and everyday healthcare services need to be seen as more than a bolt-on, ancillary service, which is why we have integrated it into our wider healthcare ecosystem. The fact prompt access to everyday care is linked to lower risk of future in-patient care is powerful evidence for the preventative approach we have situated at the heart of our programme.”