Health and care systems worldwide are facing escalating pressures, making the use of digital technology more critical than ever before. The service has also become increasingly popular in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it offered a safe and convenient way for patients to receive medical care from the comfort of their homes.
According to the Market Data Forecast – ‘the telehealth market in the UK is expected to experience a double-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% from 2021 to 2026’.
With the growing reliance on digital healthcare solutions comes a range of risks that must be mitigated. One way for telehealth businesses to protect themselves and their patients is by obtaining the appropriate insurance coverage. E-Health businesses offering consults/services should consider obtaining Medical Liability insurance and Cyber Liability insurance.
What are telehealth services?
Telehealth or Technology Enabled Care Services refers to the provision of healthcare services between a patient and healthcare provider who are separated by distance, using various technological means to facilitate communication. These may include streaming services, mobile apps, the internet, wireless and landline communications, and video conferencing. Essentially, telehealth services enable patients to receive medical attention from a healthcare provider, regardless of their physical location, in a way that is both efficient and convenient.
Benefits of telehealth services include:
Time-saving: Telehealth services allow patients to save time by eliminating the need to travel to a physical medical facility, which can be especially beneficial for those with mobility issues or who live far away from healthcare providers.
Increased patient engagement: Telehealth services promote patient engagement by enabling patients to take an active role in their care, including scheduling appointments, accessing their medical records, and communicating with healthcare providers.
Improved health outcomes: Telehealth services have been shown to improve patient health outcomes, as they enable patients to receive more frequent and consistent care, monitor their symptoms, and receive real-time feedback and support from healthcare providers.
Reduced hospital readmissions: Telehealth services can help to reduce the rate of hospital readmissions, as patients can receive timely follow-up care and support from healthcare providers after leaving the hospital.
Increased cost-effectiveness: Telehealth services can be more cost-effective than traditional in-person care, as they reduce the need for expensive medical equipment and facilities while enabling healthcare providers to see more patients in less time.
Insurance coverage for telehealth services:
Medical Liability Insurance:
Medical Liability insurance (Medical Malpractice and Professional Indemnity) is a necessary type of coverage for any healthcare business. This insurance policy can provide coverage for legal expenses, settlements or judgments awarded against the business, and the cost of medical defence in the event of a malpractice claim.
Cyber Liability Insurance:
Cyber liability insurance is essential for telehealth businesses since they operate in a digital environment. Cyber threats, such as hacking and data breaches, are increasingly common in the healthcare industry. Cyber liability insurance can provide coverage for legal expenses and damages associated with a data breach, as well as the cost of investigating and responding to such an incident.
The biggest Cyber-attack to affect the UK healthcare industry was The WannaCry global ransomware attack, which affected 80 hospital trusts and 595 GP practices across England, was arguably the first major wake-up call to healthcare providers.
Business interruption insurance:
This type of insurance protects against loss of income or revenue that may occur because of unexpected events such as natural disasters, fires, or other incidents that may cause business interruption; if purchased along with Cyber insurance, it can extend to protect against IT downtime.
Overall, telehealth services offer numerous benefits that can improve patient outcomes and quality of life, while also reducing healthcare costs and increasing efficiency. However correct coverage will need to be in place to protect companies and individual reputations.
To read case studies on how telehealth has been implemented in the UK and what was discovered – follow this link. NHS England » TECS Case study database
Contact Simon Today:
Looking for insurance for your telehealth company? Get in touch with All Med Pro’s Life Science Manager, Simon, today by emailing [email protected].