Simplyhealth adds digital skincare service to cash plan

Simplyhealth is adding a new dermatology service to its Health Plan product.

This digital service will be offered through MySkinDoctor, and will enable customers to access online dermatology support remotely via their smartphone or tablet, without the need to visit a clinic.

Customers can upload photographs of their skin concern for a qualified team of consultant dermatologists to review, and receive a diagnosis, treatment plan or reassurance that no further treatment is needed within three working days.

Simplyhealth says this should make diagnosis of a range of skin conditions — from acne to rashes and suspicious moles — more affordable and accessible for customers. 

It points out that 40 per cent of people are waiting more than 18 weeks to start dermatology treatment on the NHS in England.

Skin concerns are one of the top three reasons for people taking time off work in one in five organisations according to its recent survey of HR professionals.  The most common skin problems resulting in employees taking time off work are eczema, acne and rashes, all of which and more can receive a diagnosis, treatment plan or reassurance from an experienced dermatologist within three working days via this new digital offering.

Simplyhealth Health Plan customers have access to an exclusive price of £53 on digital dermatology consultations vs £105 standard rate, and £250 for an average face-to-face consultation. 

Those with a diagnostics pot in their plan can then claim back the cost.

The discounted skin health services are available to all Simplyhealth Health Plan customers immediately and can be accessed from within the company’s app or customer portal,

Simplyhealth chief customer officer Claudia Nicholls says: “Diagnosing and treating skin conditions quickly enables people to get back to work and on with their lives as soon as possible. 

“We know 25 per cent of all GP appointments are related to skin conditions, so by giving people access to a dermatologist via our Health Plan we are also helping reduce pressure on the NHS. By joining forces with MySkinDoctor, customers can treat their conditions without having to wait weeks or months, and fund them via claim-backs and discounts. This is all part of our continuous innovation bringing more services to our Health Plan.”