A recently launched start-up has set out to revolutionise the allied health industry and plug the giant hole created by rising health costs and expensive private health insurance.
WellOne, Australia’s first discounted healthcare membership recently launched in Melbourne, aiming to provide a much-needed option to families and individuals who may struggle with the cost of allied healthcare or cannot afford private health insurance, with aggressive plans to roll out the program nationwide.
The company offers discounted access on treatments with partnered healthcare providers in dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, optical, osteopathy, podiatry, massage, myotheraphy and orthodontics. Discount benefits for WellOne members cover all treatments with no limits or waiting periods.
Why is WellOne much needed today?
Co-founder Neill Cullen (pictured) pointed out that an alarming one in 16 Australians delay seeking healthcare due to cost. For instance, up to 34 per cent of adults delay seeing a dentist due to cost.
“Our mission is to make allied healthcare affordable for everyone in Australia, to connect patients with quality allied healthcare professionals; it’s as simple as that.” he stated.
“WellOne will give members up to a 40 per cent discount on all initial treatments and 15 per cent on subsequent visits – no limits, no questions asked.”
For a small joining fee of less than $100 a year, members can download an app and start enjoying the benefits of discounted allied healthcare with partnered practitioners straight away.
It is a great option for people who can’t afford private health insurance as well as those who want additional benefits and discounts, on top of their private health insurance.
This service is set to become a critical part of the healthcare reform debate in our country, giving every Australian and visitor the opportunity to access affordable healthcare as opposed to postponing treatment because of cost.
Who is WellOne’s target market?
Membership with WellOne is ideal for families, with the average family member spending over $6,000 per year on their health.
It also suits the needs of students, independent young people and overseas visitors staying for an extended period of time or here on work visa arrangements.
While WellOne is not an alternative to private health insurance in that it doesn’t cover hospital and ambulance, it does provide a much-needed option for families and individuals who normally wouldn’t be able to afford health insurance or who find the cost of allied healthcare too high.
It can also be used in conjunction with health insurance; members can receive the WellOne discount off the usual practice fees, and still claim a private health insurance rebate.
The company was founded by allied healthcare practitioners Neill Cullen and Hew Gibbs, and digital marketer Chris Bates, after an idea was born during discussions with patients about the difficulty in accessing quality, timely healthcare in an affordable way.
WellOne is now operating in Melbourne and over the next six months, it will be launching in Sydney and then the rest of Australia as it grows its practitioner base.
