Reliance Health launches tech-enabled healthcare plans in Egypt

India-based digital healthcare provider focusing on emerging markets Reliance Health is making waves in Egypt's health insurance sector with its new proactive healthcare plans. These plans are designed to meet the increasing demand for comprehensive and preventative care, emphasizing wellness programs, regular health screenings, and lifestyle management.

How does it work?

Reliance Health's new healthcare plans aim to fill critical gaps in traditional health insurance. As Miral Fayed, Vice President of Provider Acquisition & Relationship Management at Reliance Health, notes, "Over the past decade, Egypt's health insurance market has shifted towards more comprehensive and proactive healthcare solutions."

However, traditional health plans often fall short, especially in managing chronic diseases and providing dental, vision, and preventative care.

A study by Reliance Health — in collaboration with market research company Kantar — revealed that 40% of company decision-makers prioritize chronic disease coverage when selecting health plans, particularly for businesses with older employees. The research also pointed out persistent challenges in traditional plans, such as reactive care and inadequate preventative measures, leading to higher long-term costs.

Why does it matter?

The importance of these new healthcare plans lies in their comprehensive approach to employee well-being. Traditional health insurance often leaves employees dissatisfied due to long waiting times for approvals (33% of respondents) and difficulties in receiving medications (14% of respondents). In addition, significant gaps in essential services like dental and vision care were identified, with nearly half (49%) of decision-makers highlighting these as critical shortfalls.

Fayed explains, "With our broader and more inclusive view of health, Reliance Health is leading the change with its next-generation health plans, effectively bridging the gaps identified in traditional plans."

These plans address chronic diseases, dental, and optical care while also including physical therapy and maternity care. They prioritize prevention by covering regular health screenings and lifestyle management, ensuring comprehensive care.

The context

The shift towards more inclusive health plans by Reliance Health comes at a crucial time. The Egyptian health insurance market is evolving, and the need for more holistic employee well-being is becoming evident. Traditional health plans' dominance of reactive care has led to higher costs and employee dissatisfaction. For instance, when asked about missing benefits in their current health insurance, employees frequently mentioned the absence of optical and dental services (31%), mental health support (20%), the ability to add family members (17%), physical therapy (16%), and maternity care (16%).

Reliance Health's commitment to holistic employee well-being extends beyond traditional healthcare. Their tech-enabled wellness programs offer access to gyms and mental health consultations, providing a comprehensive approach to health that goes beyond mere treatment. This proactive approach aims to address the shortcomings of traditional plans while providing more inclusive and comprehensive coverage for Egyptian employees.

As Egypt's health insurance market continues to evolve, Reliance Health's innovative solutions could set a new standard for employee healthcare in the country, ensuring that employees receive the comprehensive care they need and truly matter to them.