Bupa launches mobile healthcare information at customers' fingertips
Tuesday 2 May 2009
Bupa Australia, which operates under the trusted and respected health insurance brands MBF, HBA and Mutual Community, today launched an innovative software application designed to provide customers with access to free, mobile healthcare provider information.
In doing so, Bupa became the first Australian health insurer to offer a customer focussed application designed specifically for people who have an Apple iPhone* or iPod touch (Second-Generation).
Bupa Director of Marketing, Product and Corporate Affairs, Mark Engel, said the iPhone application highlighted the company’s commitment to drive innovation in the health sector and to add value to the organisation’s customer base of three million people.
“We have made a strategic decision to actively create and invest in technology that makes it easier for our customers to better manage their healthcare needs,” Engel said.
The free application can be downloaded via the Apple iTunes store or the App Store icon on your iPhone. And then, with only a few simple clicks, people can use their iPhone or iPod touch to locate their closest optometrists, physiotherapists, dentists and chiropractors; as well as hospitals and Bupa customer service centres.
Customers can then view their selected provider’s contact details, as well as obtain a map and directions. Alternatively searches can be completed via postcode, state or suburb.
“Bupa is excited to be the first health insurer to launch this service and we are confident it will resonate with customers, as well as our providers,” Engel said.
“Importantly, the iPhone application provides customers with market-leading benefits by enabling them to directly access our extensive Members First (HBA and Mutual Community) and MemberCare (MBF) provider networks at the touch of their fingertips.”
He went on to say that the provider search tools were some of the most frequently used by customers on all websites, and that translating this into the mobile space via a free downloadable application was a logical progression.
“The beauty of this application is that it lets customers access the information they want, anywhere and at any time, as long as their iPhone is handy,” Engel said.
“The number of customers embracing technology to simplify their lives continues to increase exponentially, and as a business we are determined to introduce products and services that meet their needs.
“And by doing so, we will continue to ensure that we are valued by customers as a total ‘health partner’, rather than being seen as a health insurance provider.”
– Ends –
* iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.