French health insurance startup Alan launches an AI health assistant

French health insurance startup Alan is taking healthcare innovation to the next level with the unveiling of its AI health assistant, Mo. Known for more than just insurance coverage, Alan has set its sights on becoming a one-stop app for healthcare. The company recently announced three major product updates, aiming to bridge the gap between health insurance, prevention, and medical care through technology.

How does it work?

Alan's AI assistant, Mo, is seamlessly integrated into its existing chat interface. Mo serves as a virtual health assistant, guiding users through medical queries. However, users have full control over their experience.

As Alan's AI lead, Antoine Lizée, explained, "Mo rephrases my question, introduces itself, and asks if I want to start with Mo or if I want to talk to a doctor."

Crucially, Mo's advice is not left unchecked. Within 15 minutes, a licensed doctor reviews and either confirms or corrects the AI's responses, ensuring users receive reliable medical guidance. This dual approach minimizes the risk of misinformation, addressing the well-documented issue of AI hallucinations in medical contexts.

Early trials saw 900 conversations facilitated by Mo, and with 680,000 members, this feature is set to scale rapidly.

Why does it matter?

Healthcare systems worldwide are under increasing pressure, often responding reactively rather than proactively. Alan's Mo aims to empower users to take charge of their health while alleviating strain on traditional healthcare providers.

As Lizée noted, "Our healthcare system is mostly reactive and under constant strain."

This innovation matters beyond convenience. It offers a glimpse into the future of personalized, accessible healthcare. Alan's vision is for Mo to evolve into a full-fledged health companion, capable of understanding users' unique health histories and contexts — making it a proactive tool for long-term wellness.

The context

Alan's latest features arrive at a pivotal moment. The healthcare sector has been rapidly adopting digital tools, with AI playing a crucial role in streamlining care delivery. However, trust remains a critical barrier. Studies, such as one from the University of Michigan, highlight the risks of relying solely on AI, where 80% of transcriptions included inaccurate information. Alan's dual-check system seeks to address these challenges head-on.

Beyond AI, Alan is diversifying its offerings with a curated online shop and a gamified step tracker called Alan Walk. The shop features health and wellness products, favoring French brands, while Alan Walk encourages physical activity through a virtual rewards system.

"For us, this is all about improving this integrated experience," said CEO Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve, emphasizing Alan's holistic approach to health.

As Alan continues its expansion into new markets like Canada, it's clear that the company is not just redefining health insurance but reshaping the broader healthcare experience. With Mo, Alan Walk, and its health shop, the startup is well-positioned to lead a healthcare revolution — combining technology, prevention, and care in a way that truly puts users first.