Medibank to launch new health and wellbeing technology

More than 4,000 Medibank employees will soon be invited to trial health and wellbeing technology through the new Medibank Live Better app, ahead of launching to Medibank’s 2.8 million customers later this year.

In an industry first, Medibank customers with hospital or extras cover can earn Live Better points and use these towards the payment of their premium - simply by taking a broad range of healthy actions. Customers can also get more ongoing value from their health cover, like a boost to their extras limits or a reduction on their hospital excess.

Medibank Chief Customer Officer David Koczkar said the free Live Better app supports people to be healthier and happier.

“We think Australians should be rewarded for looking after their health,” said Mr Koczkar.

“Live Better takes a holistic approach under the pillars of ‘eat, move, feel’. We believe this is what sets Live Better apart. We recognise improving health and wellbeing is more than running up a hill – it could be walking with a friend, meditation, swapping a sugary drink for water or getting an early night. Taking small steps can improve your quality of life,” he said.

Live Better will combine data from most major health technology devices, wearables and wellbeing apps into one location – giving people a clearer picture of their health and wellbeing. The app also tracks progress and enables users to set goals with others.

“Information can be logged into the app or synced directly from a smart watch or wearable device to easily earn Live Better points,” added Mr Koczkar.

The ‘feel’ pillar rewards users for taking steps towards improving mental health such as meditation, getting more sleep, participating in community activities and spending time with friends.

“We know the negative effects that social isolation can have on physical and mental health. Being with others and sharing common interests can lead to greater wellbeing and feeling more connected.”

The Live Better app will be available to all Australians mid-2019, with Medibank customers – who hold hospital or extras cover – able to redeem Live Better points for rewards. As part of Medibank’s loyalty program, customers can enjoy savings on their health cover, get more on their extras like a remedial massage or physio service, or choose from a range of gift cards and more from the soon to be announced Live Better partners.

“As a first step to launching the app more broadly, we’re writing to nearly 400,000 of our longstanding Priority program customers inviting them to download the Live Better app, including a special offer of 10,000 Live Better points towards a reward of their choice.” New independent research from Medibank found close to half of all Australians (46%) are now using technology to support their health goals – with wearable devices and apps now available to track fitness, diet, sleep and mindfulness. The data also found 80% of users noticed improvements since using the technology – more than half within a few weeks.

The research also showed 74% of people agreed using health technology kept them personally accountable, and 57% planned a longer journey to reach their daily steps target.

The Live Better employee trial will run for several months, with Mr Koczkar acknowledging the important role workplaces play in promoting better health and wellbeing. “Medibank’s purpose of ‘Better Health for Better Lives’ guides our approach when supporting our employees. We give our people the tools to pursue health and wellbeing in the way that works for them,” said Mr Koczkar.