New digital partnership for nib

The health insurance company has paired with just-launched online healthcare provider Tend to offer digital GP assistance to all eligible members.

Thursday, November 26th 2020, 8:09PM

nib New Zealand chief executive Rob Hennin believes that this partnership will encourage its members to be more proactive about their health and wellbeing.

“We are huge advocates of digital healthcare because it helps address many of the barriers preventing people from seeking medical advice. Our new partnership with Tend means our members no longer need to take time off work, travel across town and sit in a waiting room when they are sick. Instead, seeing a doctor will be easy.”

Members will be able to talk with doctors or nurses via the app, as well as receiving prescriptions, test results and lab forms directly to their smartphones.

With Southern Cross recently launching CareHQ, the emergence of virtual healthcare services is a trend to watch. Hennin says that Covid-19 saw an increased demand for digital healthcare solutions and accelerated the growth of such offerings.

“The pandemic has dramatically changed the way Kiwis access and receive healthcare treatment which really demonstrates what the future of healthcare delivery can look like.

“This partnership demonstrates nib’s commitment to supporting digital health solutions and technology to support better accessibility and personalised healthcare as well as deliver better health outcomes for our members,” he added.

Tend launched three weeks ago and co-CEO Cecelia Robinson says she is excited about the opportunities of the partnership

“Like nib, we want to empower Kiwis to take greater control of their healthcare by allowing them to see to a doctor when they want, how they want and where they want, including from the comfort of their home.”

The new service will be available via a 12-month subscription model early 2021.

Tags: nib