Digital technology has enhanced the way of living in the current climate. From the ease of access to a medical expert to quality healthcare services from across the world, digital technology has provided various benefits to people.

Virtual health is one of the major blessings of digital technology which have helped people in accessing healthcare service from the convenience for their homes using their computer or smartphone. Thanks to digital technology, virtual health allows patients to view and share their medical records and test results with doctors in real-time. In addition, it facilitates the tracking of immunisation status and managing medication lists to improve engagement in care and treatment compliance.

With the evolution in technology in recent years, virtual health has also strengthened to benefit medical institutions, health insurers, and consumers across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic also encouraged the widespread adoption of virtual health services.

According to the 2021 Cigna 360° Well-Being Survey, people in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are more likely than others to employ virtual health services before as well as during the pandemic. The survey ranked Saudis at higher positions for adoption of virtual health in the pre-pandemic world, with about 73 percent of the Saudi respondents confirming to be using virtual health before or during the pandemic. They used these services for general health advice such as nutrition and lifestyle tips.

At a global scale, online or virtual health and counseling is gaining massive popularity for general health and mental health services. It eliminates the need to travel to a physical location to take services.

As per the survey, 68 percent of respondents globally expressed their willingness to use virtual therapy and counseling services. This interest is higher among milennials (25-34-year-old) at 72 percent.

In addition, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have emerged as the most enthusiastic markets globally, with 69 percent and 74 percent respectively.

The number of people using virtual healthcare for therapy and counseling in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has increased to 89 percent since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

Earlier this year, the Saudi Ministry of Health launched “remote clinics” to facilitate online consultations for patients through purpose-built Anat and Sehaty mobile apps. At the same time, the Saudi government is implementing a comprehensive eHealth solution.

Similarly, UAE's public and private sectors are collectively working towards transforming the country’s healthcare ecosystem into a digitally advanced one. 80 percent of the UAE's healthcare providers are already using mobile devices to offer medical care to patients.

For patients suffering from mental health conditions, virtual health services have proven highly effective. In the survey, Saudi users named 24/7 access (51 percent), early diagnosis (51 percent) and ease of communication (45 percent) as the main reasons behind using virtual mental health consultation. On the other hand, respondents in the UAE cited 24/7 access (51 percent), affordability (45 percent) and early diagnosis (44 percent) as the main reasons.

Health insurers are also looking for opportunities in virtual/cross-geography models of care in case of lower-cost services. Health insurers should consider virtual health for higher-value behaviour engagement among other reasons. Virtual health is expected to advantageous for consumers and providers alike.