The outbreak of Covid-19 has recrafted modern approaches to healthcare. More and more people have been seeking ways to secure undisrupted access to healthcare services. Yet, the largely obsolete system has proven insufficient in meeting evolving user needs.
Meanwhile, the digital rise has left no industry untouched. An increasing number of people gravitate toward online platforms as a preferred means for obtaining services. Healthcare is no exception. The global mobile healthcare market is projected to reach an unprecedented $171.90 billion in 2024. With no signs of a potential slowdown, the industry is projected to enjoy an annual growth rate of 8.49% in years to come.
The average spending per capita in the health insurance market is projected to add up to $306.70 this year. With more insurance providers recognizing the need to update, health insurance app development is gaining momentum. Building an efficient piece of health insurance software presents an invaluable opportunity for providers to differentiate their services and secure customers’ loyalty.
Penetrating the market that grows highly competitive with each passing day requires specialized knowledge and technical expertise. In this article, we will cover all the pertinent details on the benefits of health insurance apps, their foundational features, and the ways to navigate the evolving challenges in health insurance app development.
Benefits of health insurance apps
A surge in health insurance app development is supported by clear advantages. Here are the major benefits health insurance apps offer for customers and businesses:
Benefits for customers
In a decade when almost everything can be worked out in a few clicks, integrating software into healthcare insurance management is the way forward. But what are the primary benefits customers get when switching to a healthcare insurance application?
Enhanced convenience and user accessibility
Health insurance apps put control in consumers’ hands, locating all critical health data at the clients’ fingertips. Greater accessibility means users no longer need to endure long waiting hours to keep their records and coverage plans on track. Instead, every customer can access their insurance information anywhere, anytime, which leads to a more informed approach to managing personal health.
Reduced paperwork
Managing your healthcare used to involve dealing with piles of undue documentation. With a comprehensive health insurance software solution, users do not have to sift through paperwork, print out and fill in forms manually, and spend hours figuring out their coverage plans. The right health insurance app tackles the industry’s notorious bureaucracy.
Real-time access to information
Access to current information is no less crucial. Health insurance apps ensure users are informed about changes in coverage data and claims status. Instant accessibility and on-demand support make healthcare insurance software a perfect fit for an industry defined by increasing volumes of data.
Benefits for Businesses
Insurers enjoy no fewer perks when they commit to building a health insurance mobile app. From streamlined claim processing to enhanced cost efficiency, businesses across the sector have the opportunity to get their services to the next level.
Streamlined operations
Tedious policy management tasks and claims processing put an undue burden on healthcare providers and policyholders. Health insurance apps provide regular coverage updates, leading to cost savings and smoother operations.
Cost efficiency
Software for health insurance companies automates the otherwise cost-consuming administrative processes. A well-designed application eliminates the need for physical documentation, cutting down on administrative expenses. Besides, the streamlined operations save time and refine the quality of customer service, thus leading to a growing user base and increased profits over time.
Data-driven insights
As pools of health-related information and user feedback deepen, apps assist a service provider in deriving data-driven insights and implementing them to elevate business performance. Health insurance software provides invaluable insights into patient behavior, the effectiveness of received treatment, and health trends. Such information empowers providers to make informed decisions and optimize their services.
Examples of health insurance apps
Before diving into health insurance app development, it is essential to explore what is already out there. Learning from existing examples can be the key to creating a product that truly resonates with one’s target audience in a crowded market.
Aetna Health
Aetna is a US-based company specializing in healthcare insurance and related services, including medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and behavioral health. The Aetna health insurance app has seen unprecedented growth, reaching a point of over 1 million downloads in 2024. This software puts the user in charge of their health, assisting in
- allocating the right specialists and clinical facilities;
- refilling medications;
- staying informed with coverage updates;
- calculating potential out-of-pocket costs; and
- tracking claims.
Oscar Health
The Oscar health insurance app is another digital assistant you can carry around in your pocket. The software provides a seamless health insurance experience through an array of services, including
- digital ID card;
- symptoms identification;
- round-the-clock professional support;
- prescription refills; and
- centralized insurance information.
MyCigna
The Cigna Group is a US multinational healthcare and insurance company. With the myCigna healthcare insurance app, users can
- access ID cards;
- check out claims;
- explore coverage deductibles and maximums;
- refill prescriptions;
- locate a doctor and clinical facility;
- compare costs of doctors’ visits and medications; and
- store biometrics data.
HealthBird
HealthBird is another illustrative example of health insurance software that has recently entered the industry. The application provides easy-to-follow guidance to get health coverage in under 8 minutes. HealthBird is a trusted health insurance assistant that
- compares existing insurance plans;
- secures insurance coverage quickly;
- helps schedule doctor’s appointments;
- tracks prescriptions; and
- provides recommendations to optimize insurance benefits.
Given the above descriptions of some of the most popular software for health insurance, a few overlapping features stand out:
- comparing insurance plans,
- managing prescriptions and refills,
- tracking claims and accessing digital ID cards,
- providing personalized recommendations, and
- locating doctors and clinical facilities.
Key features of health insurance apps
To harness the full potential of a health insurance app, it is critical to ensure its functionality is spot on. Here are the key features that should be at the heart of any software for health insurance:
User profile
A personalized experience crafted to user needs is indispensable for a feasible piece of software. A well-designed user profile is the foundation of any successful health insurance app. Once the profile gets customizable, managing a health insurance plan becomes effortless.
Comprehensive policy management
Policy management is time-consuming. In a traditional setting, it calls for days-long visits and appointments. However, with the right healthcare insurance software, users enjoy the freedom of amending their coverage in the app. Additionally, such flexibility helps users adjust their coverage as their needs evolve.
Efficient claims processing
Submitting and tracking claims is often stressful. A streamlined claims processing simplifies the process. Users can submit, track, and manage claims easily, ultimately improving their experience with the app.
Secure payment management
If secure payment is a priority, users do not question the reliability of the app. Safe payments, history tracking, and an option to set up automatic payments are pillars of comprehensive payment management. Well-integrated security measures ensure users feel safe using the app.
Multi-factor authentication
Health information can be rather sensitive. Multi-factor authentication is non-negotiable for providing an extra layer of security and protecting user data from unauthorized access.
Healthcare provider search
Locating the right healthcare provider takes time. The health software merges all the long-term partnerships an insurance provider has established with medical professionals, clinical facilities, and pharmacists. As a result, an extensive healthcare network featured in the health insurance app provides customers with straightforward access to the specific services they are looking for.
Customer support
The complex nature of healthcare makes it tough for clients to navigate the services. Users should be granted assistance with understanding coverage details, filing claims, and navigating the app’s features. Effective customer support ensures that customers can get help immediately, which enhances their overall experience and satisfaction with the app.
Looking to build a health insurance app?
At Eastern Peak, we can assist you in developing a secure, intuitive solution that simplifies coverage management and enhances user experience.
Additional features to differentiate your app
Withstanding competition in a highly innovative field means being able to stand out. This can be achieved by integrating some extra functionality into your health insurance application:
Telemedicine integration
Telemedicine gives a health insurance app a competitive advantage by offering policyholders the convenience of accessing healthcare services directly from their gadgets. With telemedicine, users not only have the option to consult with doctors, but they can also receive personalized treatment plans, obtain prescriptions, and be referred to specialists for further examination without a physical visit to a facility.
Chatbots and virtual assistants
With AI penetrating every industry, a health insurance app has to reap the benefits driven by this technology. Chatbots and virtual assistants offer unparalleled functionality for enhancing the app’s operations.
Typically powered by AI, the chatbot allows patients to input their symptoms and complaints. Then, AI steps in to analyze the data, suggest possible diagnoses, and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist for further consultation. As a result, these features ensure users receive personalized assistance during online interaction.
Read also: Benefits of Chatbots in Healthcare and Their Applications
Health tracking
Tracking health metrics is one of the most yearned-for features in high-tech products within healthcare. Health insurance software can leverage health tracking by integrating wearable devices to monitor sleep, activity levels, and other health metrics.
The recorded data is automatically displayed in a personalized dashboard. This way, users receive actionable insights and recommendations. Besides, incorporating interactive rewards for meeting health goals could be a valuable feature to add, encouraging users to maintain healthy habits.
Navigating the challenges in health insurance app development
Leveraging the perks of health insurance software gives providers a competitive edge and unlocks unique directions for growth. With a well-designed application, customers are empowered to explore coverage options and manage plans directly from their smartphones. However, healthcare app development is a complex endeavor. Below are some of the challenges worth considering before committing to healthcare app development.
Data privacy and security
Given the sensitive nature of health data, developers are expected to implement robust encryption protocols and secure authentication methods. Data privacy and security should be priorities in safeguarding user data from potential breaches and unauthorized access.
Regulatory compliance
Health insurance apps must adhere to a range of regulations that govern data protection and healthcare practices. Adherence to HIPAA in the US or GDPR in Europe is non-negotiable. Developers must ensure the health insurance app meets all legal requirements to avoid penalties and maintain user trust.
Integration with existing systems
For a health insurance app to be effective, it must integrate seamlessly with existing healthcare systems. Electronic health records, insurance databases, and pharmacy networks are to be merged into a unified pool of services to provide users with access to real-time information.
Develop a health insurance app with Eastern Peak
The insurance industry evolves rapidly. With digitalization showing no tendency to lose its grip, investing in a health insurance app is a must.
Health insurance software changes the way the industry functions. Improved patient satisfaction, well-coordinated data projection across organizations, streamlined billing and claims processing, and fast-track access to health information make healthcare insurance apps an indispensable tool in the arsenal of any reliable service provider.
Building a health insurance app calls for tech expertise. Unsure where to start? Our experienced team can develop a health insurance solution tailored to your unique needs to ensure a seamless user experience.
How to get started?
The product discovery phase is the best first step you can take to lay a solid foundation for the development of your app. It includes a functional specification, UX/UI design, and a visual prototype that will give you a clear vision of the end product. On average, this phase takes 4-6 weeks.
The product discovery phase can help you with the following:
- Define a full scope of work and develop a roadmap for building your healthcare insurance app.
- Set a realistic budget for your MVP and plan your resources.
- Test the waters with your audience using a visual prototype.
- Craft a convincing investment pitch.
- Get to know your team.
Contact our team to build a health insurance app that meets your needs and exceeds your customers’ expectations.
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About the author:
Alexey Shalimov, CEO at Eastern Peak
As CEO at Eastern Peak, a professional software consulting and development company, Alexey ensures top quality and cost-effective services to clients from all over the world. Alexey is also a founder and technology evangelist at several technology companies. Previously, as a CEO of the Gett (GetTaxi) technology company, Alexey was in charge of developing the revolutionary Gett service from ground up and deploying the operation across the globe from New York to London and Tel Aviv.
