Employers guide to the digital future of healthcare


January 19, 2021
 

Across 2020 we looked at how the digitisation of healthcare and health insurance is impacting both industries and what it might mean for employers providing health insurance for their employees. 

We also took into account the significant impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on the acceleration of many elements of digital healthcare including increased adoption of digital consultations with doctors and use of digital platforms by healthy people and patients alike.

Big data, the huge volumes of structured and unstructured information gathered through digital sources, is having a huge impact on healthcare. Discover how, with proper analysis, data can be used to improve patient engagement, assess potential medical needs, and provide personalised treatment plans to name but a few. But, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility, so we also look at some of the challenges posed by big data and why the regulation of its use is essential. 
Digital transformation is changing health insurance. We look at how insurers are moving towards an omnichannel offering enabling employers and patients’ complete tasks quickly and on the move. As an employer, does the move to digital cut the need for intermediaries? Should your business go directly to providers? Our answer may surprise you.
We look at the impact Covid-19 is likely to have on the future of healthcare. Will visiting your family doctor become a thing of the past as telehealth becomes mainstream? Can your expat employees keep their family doctors and just make an appointment to see them online? We also look at the Internet of Things (IoT) and the role it played in countries around the world in managing the Covid pandemic and how this may impact the future of healthcare technology.  
From joint ventures between pharma and digital platforms to DNA analysis enabling a personalised approach to diagnosis and treatment, the future of healthcare technology is an exciting one that is going to impact every area from prevention to cure. Health insurers have an important role to play in ensuring access to treatment but also to help clients who are healthy to stay that way for as long as possible. 

If you are interested in delving even further into the future of healthcare, as far forward as 2040, our futurology series is for you. Futurologist Ray Hammond predicts what healthcare may look like in a few decades time. Given the significant change we have seen in 2020, it certainly makes for interesting reading.

There is no doubt the digital age is revolutionising healthcare provision. As an employer it is important to stay up to date on developments so you can ensure your employees can access the best cover to meet their needs. 

If you have employees working overseas in expat roles, that need evolves because they may be at increased risk and away from the familiarity of their home healthcare systems. Our international health insurance plans can be tailored to suit their requirements and provide access to MyHealth app so they can manage their claims and health on the move.