TL;DR
WeCovr explores Aviva's DigiCare+ app and how it enhances your private health insurance In today's fast-paced world, immediate access to healthcare isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that modern private medical insurance in the UK must offer more than just core hospital cover. It needs to provide proactive, accessible wellness tools that fit into your daily life.
Key takeaways
- An Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia repair, joint replacement, or treatment for an infection.
- A Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
- Eligibility: First, you must have an eligible Aviva private medical insurance or protection policy. When you purchase your policy, you will be informed if you are eligible for DigiCare+.
- Registration: Aviva will send you an email with instructions and a unique activation code.
- Download: Download the Aviva DigiCare+ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
WeCovr explores Aviva's DigiCare+ app and how it enhances your private health insurance
In today's fast-paced world, immediate access to healthcare isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that modern private medical insurance in the UK must offer more than just core hospital cover. It needs to provide proactive, accessible wellness tools that fit into your daily life. This is precisely where the Aviva DigiCare+ app comes in, transforming a standard policy into a comprehensive health and wellbeing companion.
This guide will delve deep into the Aviva DigiCare+ app, explaining its features, benefits, and how it acts as a powerful extension of your Aviva private health cover. We'll explore how these digital tools can help you manage your health proactively, often preventing small issues from becoming major health concerns.
What is the Aviva DigiCare+ App?
Aviva DigiCare+ is a mobile application, available at no extra cost to eligible Aviva private medical insurance and protection policyholders. It is not the insurance policy itself, but rather a suite of value-added services designed to support your everyday health and wellbeing.
Think of it as your personal health hub, sitting right on your smartphone. It provides swift access to medical professionals and wellness services that can complement the care you receive from the NHS and your private medical insurance.
The core idea is to shift the focus from purely reactive treatment (addressing illness when it occurs) to a more balanced, proactive approach. By giving you tools for early diagnosis, mental health support, and nutritional guidance, Aviva empowers you to take control of your wellbeing, day in and day out.
A Crucial Note on Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
Before we explore the app's features, it's vital to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK. Standard PMI policies, including those from Aviva, are designed to cover acute conditions.
- An Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia repair, joint replacement, or treatment for an infection.
- A Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
Standard PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions. The Aviva DigiCare+ app can provide support and guidance for managing lifestyle factors related to chronic conditions, but the treatment itself would not be covered by your core insurance policy.
How to Access and Use Aviva DigiCare+
Getting started with the app is straightforward.
- Eligibility: First, you must have an eligible Aviva private medical insurance or protection policy. When you purchase your policy, you will be informed if you are eligible for DigiCare+.
- Registration: Aviva will send you an email with instructions and a unique activation code.
- Download: Download the Aviva DigiCare+ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Activate: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to register your account using your activation code and personal details.
Once registered, you can log in anytime to access the full suite of services. The app's interface is designed to be user-friendly, with clear icons and navigation to help you find the service you need quickly.
A Deep Dive into the Key Features of Aviva DigiCare+
This is where the real value of the app becomes clear. It's not just one service, but a collection of powerful tools, each addressing a different aspect of your health. Let's break them down.
1. Digital GP Consultations
This is arguably one of the most popular and practical features. It offers on-demand access to a qualified, UK-based GP via your phone.
- The Problem: According to NHS Digital data from 2024, millions of patients in England wait more than two weeks for a GP appointment. This delay can cause anxiety and potentially worsen health issues.
- The DigiCare+ Solution: The app allows you to book a video or phone consultation with a GP, often with an appointment available within 24 hours.
How the Digital GP Service Works:
| Feature | Description | Real-Life Example |
|---|
| 24/7 Access | Book appointments at any time, day or night, to fit around your work and family life. | You wake up at 2 am with a worrying rash. Instead of waiting until 8 am to call your local surgery, you can open the app and book the next available slot. |
| Video & Phone Calls | Choose the consultation method you're most comfortable with. Video is excellent for visible symptoms. | Your child has a sore throat and a fever. A video call allows the GP to look at their throat and assess their general condition visually. |
| Private Prescriptions | If the GP deems it necessary, they can issue a private prescription. You can have it sent to a local pharmacy for collection. | The GP diagnoses you with a bacterial infection and issues a prescription for antibiotics. You receive a code to take to your nearest chemist and can start treatment the same day. |
| Open Referrals | If your condition requires specialist attention, the GP can provide an open referral letter, which you can use to start a claim on your main Aviva PMI policy. | After discussing your persistent knee pain, the GP recommends you see an orthopaedic specialist and provides a referral, fast-tracking your access to private care. |
2. Mental Health Support
Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Recent ONS statistics show that around 1 in 5 adults in the UK experience some form of depression or anxiety. The DigiCare+ app provides direct access to vital mental health services.
- The Problem: NHS waiting lists for psychological therapies (IAPT) can be lengthy, with many people waiting several months for their first appointment.
- The DigiCare+ Solution: The app offers a set number of therapy sessions per year with a qualified mental health professional.
Mental Health Services at a Glance:
- Who is it for? Anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, or dealing with low mood, bereavement, or relationship issues.
- What do you get? Typically, eligible members can access a number of therapy or counselling sessions (e.g., up to 6 or 8 per year, check your policy) with a trained therapist.
- How does it work? You can book a consultation through the app to discuss your concerns. You will then be matched with a suitable therapist for sessions delivered via phone or video call. This removes the barrier of travel and allows for complete privacy.
3. Nutrition Consultations
What we eat has a profound impact on our energy levels, immune system, and long-term health. However, navigating the world of nutrition can be confusing.
- The Problem: Conflicting advice online and in the media makes it hard to know what constitutes a healthy diet for your specific needs.
- The DigiCare+ Solution: The app provides access to consultations with registered nutritionists.
Benefits of a Nutrition Consultation:
- Personalised Advice: Receive tailored guidance based on your health goals, whether it's weight management, improving energy, or managing dietary requirements related to a condition.
- Actionable Plans: Get practical meal plans and lifestyle suggestions that you can realistically incorporate into your daily routine.
- Expert Knowledge: Speak with a qualified professional who can debunk myths and provide science-backed advice.
For example, a user struggling with mid-afternoon energy slumps could use a nutrition consultation to develop a diet plan rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, helping to stabilise their blood sugar levels throughout the day.
4. Annual Health Check
Prevention is always better than cure. The annual health check service is a cornerstone of the app's proactive approach.
- The Problem: Many people only see a doctor when they feel unwell. This means underlying risk factors like high cholesterol or borderline high blood pressure can go undetected for years.
- The DigiCare+ Solution: An annual at-home health check to give you a clear snapshot of your current health status.
How the Health Check Works:
- Order Your Kit: You request a finger-prick blood test kit through the app, which is delivered to your home.
- Collect Your Sample: Follow the simple instructions to collect a small blood sample.
- Post it Back: Send your sample to an accredited laboratory in the pre-paid envelope.
- Receive Your Report: A personalised health report is uploaded to your app within a few days. It analyses up to 20 health markers, including:
- Cholesterol status
- Liver health indicators
- Kidney function
- Bone health
- Diabetes risk (HbA1c)
- GP Follow-up: A digital GP will follow up with you to discuss your results, explain what they mean, and suggest any necessary lifestyle changes or next steps.
This simple check can be an incredibly powerful tool for catching potential issues early.
5. Second Medical Opinion
A serious diagnosis can be a frightening and confusing time. The ability to get a second opinion from a world-leading expert can provide clarity and peace of mind.
- The Problem: Accessing a second opinion on the NHS can sometimes be a lengthy process, and patients may not know where to turn.
- The DigiCare+ Solution: The app facilitates a second medical opinion from a clinical expert if you are diagnosed with a serious or life-changing condition.
This service involves having your diagnosis, medical records, and treatment plan reviewed by another specialist. They will then provide a detailed report, either confirming the original diagnosis and plan or suggesting alternative approaches. This can be invaluable when making critical decisions about your health.
How DigiCare+ Enhances Your Core Private Medical Insurance
It's important to see the DigiCare+ app not as a separate entity, but as a complementary partner to your main Aviva PMI policy.
| How DigiCare+ Helps | How Your Core PMI Policy Helps | The Combined Benefit |
|---|
| Provides a quick Digital GP consultation for your back pain. | Covers the cost of the specialist consultation, MRI scan, and physiotherapy recommended by the GP. | A seamless, fast-tracked journey from initial symptom to diagnosis and treatment, all managed within one provider's ecosystem. |
| The annual health check flags high cholesterol. | Your main policy doesn't cover this chronic condition management, but the early warning allows you to make lifestyle changes. | You proactively manage a health risk, potentially preventing a future cardiovascular event that would require a major claim. |
| A mental health consultation helps you manage work-related stress. | If the stress leads to an acute psychiatric condition requiring inpatient care, your policy provides cover (subject to policy limits). | You get immediate, low-level support to prevent escalation, with the safety net of comprehensive cover if needed. |
Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand exactly how these value-added services integrate with different levels of hospital cover, ensuring you choose a policy that offers the right balance of everyday support and major medical protection.
Comparing Digital Health Apps in the UK PMI Market
Aviva isn't the only provider offering digital health tools. The UK private medical insurance market is competitive, and most major insurers have a similar offering. Here’s how they broadly stack up:
| Feature | Aviva DigiCare+ | Bupa Anytime HealthLine & Digital GP | AXA Health Doctor@Hand | Vitality Health |
|---|
| Digital GP | Yes, 24/7 video/phone consults. | Yes, via a third-party provider (e.g., Babylon). 24/7 nurse line available. | Yes, 24/7 video/phone consults via Doctor Care Anywhere. | Yes, 24/7 video consults. |
| Mental Health Support | Yes, direct access to therapy sessions. | Yes, helpline and access to therapy options. | Yes, direct access to therapy sessions. | Yes, access to talking therapies, often linked to rewards. |
| Annual Health Check | Yes, at-home finger-prick test included. | Health assessments are available as a separate benefit, often at extra cost. | Health assessments are available but not typically included as a free app feature. | Yes, health checks are a key part of the rewards programme. |
| Nutrition Support | Yes, dedicated nutritionist consultations. | Yes, through a general health helpline. | Yes, through a general health helpline. | Nutrition information and resources, but not typically dedicated consultations. |
| Unique Selling Point | A comprehensive, all-in-one wellness package included as standard. | Strong brand reputation and extensive network of hospitals and clinics. | Strong global presence and focus on mind and body health via their "Feelgood Health" proposition. | Focus on incentivising healthy behaviour through its points and rewards system (e.g., cinema tickets, coffee). |
This comparison shows that while most top-tier providers offer digital GP access, Aviva's DigiCare+ stands out by bundling a wider range of proactive wellness services, like the annual health check and nutritionist consultations, as a standard inclusion.
Real-Life Scenarios: Bringing DigiCare+ to Life
Let's imagine how different people might use the app.
Scenario 1: Sarah, a 35-year-old busy working mother
- Problem: Her 5-year-old son, Leo, develops a high temperature and a strange-looking rash on a Sunday afternoon. Her local GP is closed, and she's worried about waiting for hours at A&E.
- DigiCare+ in Action: Sarah opens the app, books an immediate video consultation with a Digital GP. Within 30 minutes, she's speaking to a doctor who assesses Leo's rash visually. The GP diagnoses it as a common viral infection, reassures Sarah, and advises on managing the fever with over-the-counter medicine.
- Outcome: Sarah avoids a stressful trip to the hospital, receives professional medical advice quickly, and feels reassured.
Scenario 2: David, a 50-year-old office manager
- Problem: David has been feeling tired and rundown for months. He wants to take control of his health but doesn't know where to start.
- DigiCare+ in Action:
- He orders the Annual Health Check. The results show borderline high cholesterol and low Vitamin D.
- He has a follow-up call with the Digital GP who explains the results and recommends lifestyle changes.
- He then books a Nutrition Consultation to create a heart-healthy diet plan and get advice on Vitamin D supplements.
- Outcome: David feels empowered with a clear, actionable plan to improve his health, backed by personalised data and expert advice.
Scenario 3: Chloe, a 28-year-old graphic designer
- Problem: Chloe is feeling immense pressure from a demanding project at work. She's struggling to sleep and feels constantly on edge.
- DigiCare+ in Action: Feeling too overwhelmed to talk to her manager, she uses the app to access Mental Health Support. She has an initial consultation and is then booked in for a course of six weekly therapy sessions via video call, which she can do privately from her own home.
- Outcome: Chloe learns valuable coping mechanisms to manage her anxiety. The early intervention prevents her stress from escalating into a more serious mental health issue that could require time off work.
The WeCovr Advantage: Expert Guidance and Extra Perks
Choosing the right private medical insurance UK policy can be complex. While the Aviva DigiCare+ app is an excellent feature, it's part of a much bigger picture. This is where an independent PMI broker like WeCovr adds significant value.
- Impartial, Expert Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our experts compare the market to find the policy that best suits your specific needs and budget, whether it's from Aviva, Bupa, AXA, or another leading provider. We help you look beyond the flashy app features to the core policy wording.
- Hassle-Free Process: We handle the paperwork and application process for you, ensuring everything is clear and straightforward. Our service comes at no cost to you.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Our commitment to clear, friendly, and professional advice is reflected in our consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
- Exclusive WeCovr Benefits: When you arrange your PMI or Life Insurance through us, you get more. We provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to further support your health goals. Plus, our clients often receive discounts on other types of insurance cover they take out with us.
An app is a fantastic tool, but the right insurance policy is the foundation. WeCovr ensures you get both right.
Is the Aviva DigiCare+ app a replacement for my NHS GP?
No, it is not a replacement. The DigiCare+ app is a supplementary service designed to work alongside the NHS. For ongoing medical care, chronic condition management, and routine check-ups like childhood immunisations, you should always remain registered with your local NHS GP surgery. The app is best used for convenient, fast access for acute issues and wellness consultations.
Does using the Aviva DigiCare+ app affect my private medical insurance premium?
Using the services within the DigiCare+ app, such as the Digital GP or mental health support, does not count as a claim on your main private health cover. Therefore, using the app will not directly impact your premium at renewal or affect your No Claims Discount. It is a value-added benefit designed for you to use as needed without financial penalty. However, if a Digital GP provides an open referral that you then use to make a claim on your core PMI policy, that claim will be treated like any other.
Can my family members use the Aviva DigiCare+ app?
Eligibility for family members depends on your specific Aviva policy. Generally, if your private medical insurance policy covers your partner and/or children, they will also be eligible to register for and use the DigiCare+ app. It is always best to check the terms and conditions of your policy to confirm who is covered.
What happens if my Annual Health Check from the app shows a problem?
If your health check results indicate an issue, a Digital GP from the app will contact you to discuss the findings. They will explain what the results mean and recommend next steps. This could involve lifestyle advice, a suggestion to see your NHS GP for further tests, or, if the condition is acute and covered by your policy, they may provide an open referral to start a claim on your main Aviva PMI policy. The key purpose is early detection and guidance.
Take the Next Step Towards Better Health
The Aviva DigiCare+ app is a prime example of how the best PMI providers are evolving to offer holistic health support. It puts powerful tools for prevention, early diagnosis, and mental wellbeing directly into your hands.
Ready to explore how a private medical insurance policy enhanced with digital benefits could work for you?
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect cover for your health and your budget.