Responding to these shifts, iCare HMO Philippines is investing in artificial intelligence and strategic provider partnerships to improve healthcare access and member experience.
The strategy recently earned international recognition after iCare received two honors at the 2026 Insurance Asia Awards—AI Initiative of the Year–Philippines for its Telemed7 platform and Strategic Partnership of the Year–Philippines for its Super Preferred Clinics (SPC) program.
Why it matters
The twin initiatives reflect a broader transformation in healthcare delivery, where insurers are moving beyond financing medical care to becoming active partners in improving health outcomes through technology and collaboration.
“These awards recognize more than two successful initiatives. They affirm our belief that better healthcare begins with better access,” iCare HMO Philippines president and CEO Geronimo V. Francisco said in a statement.
“Whether through AI-enabled telemedicine or strong partnerships with leading healthcare providers, our focus remains on helping more Filipinos say yes to better health,” he added.
By the numbers
One of the company's key investments is Telemed7, an AI-enabled telemedicine platform accessible through Viber.
The service automates appointment scheduling and connects members with licensed physicians in as little as seven minutes, reducing waiting times while making consultations more convenient regardless of location.
The company said the platform demonstrates how artificial intelligence can streamline routine processes and expand access to healthcare services.
Complementing its digital strategy is the Super Preferred Clinics program, a nationwide network developed through partnerships with The Medical City Clinics, Healthway QualiMed, and Hi-Precision Diagnostics.
The network now includes 157 Super Preferred Clinics across the country, where consultations do not count against members' consultation benefit limits, making primary healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Big picture
Rather than operating its own clinics, iCare has adopted a partnership-driven model that leverages the expertise and geographic reach of established healthcare providers.
The approach comes as employers seek more cost-effective healthcare benefits while balancing rising medical inflation and employees' expectations for timely, preventive, and digitally enabled care.
Since its transformation under Singapore-based Value-Based Healthcare, iCare has accelerated investments in technology, provider partnerships, and member experience to strengthen its position in the evolving healthcare landscape. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
