Changing the face of preventative healthcare:

How does Alula's technology, supported by Ally Health, assess various health metrics and conditions to provide a comprehensive health evaluation using the VivaScore solution?

Simon explained that Alula’s VivaScore app integrates data from smartphones, wearables, rPPG face scanning technology, and diagnostic results from blood tests (in partnership with Ally Health) using advanced data integration methods. This digitally-led programme ensures high accessibility and convenience and identifies high-risk individuals for further real-life assessment. VivaScore combines up to 64 data points into a single numerical score ranging from 0-100, offering a detailed health status indicator. Unlike traditional health indices which focus on life expectancy and mortality risk, VivaScore provides a more nuanced view of health based on the interplay of these data points.

Kelly discussed how Ally Health enhances this data with biometrics and diagnostic results from blood tests, such as HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. This approach offers a precise assessment of an individual’s health status and risk level, including markers that are otherwise symptom-free and only detectable through testing with a nurse.

What is the current accuracy and reliability of this technology in addressing diverse populations over a range of health metrics, and is there potential for further improvement?

While Hannover Re's initial pilot focused on user experience with a small sample size, the Life and Health Digital Business Accelerator, led by Lisa Balboa, is committed to exploring the accuracy of this technology. Hannover Re are conducting a larger study which involves over 1,000 insured customers who have undergone rPPG face scans, alongside blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose tests to evaluate accuracy and application across diverse groups and gain further valuable insights from a real-world setting. The findings from this study will be made available before the end of the year.

What is the current state of RPPG technology?

Simon highlighted Alula's ongoing evaluations of rPPG solutions with third-party partners, expressing confidence in their current partner. The technology is continuously improving, with continuous assessment and ongoing validation done by Alula, as this market evolves. A question from our webinar about testing for HIV through this digital service was addressed: currently, rPPG cannot perform this test, but Ally Health's partnership would allow for this with in-person blood tests and data integration. Another example is rPPG being able to detect smoking status which has not yet been validated by Alula. Gareth emphasised the importance of aligning with technology providers and conducting real-world studies, noting that Hannover Re's strong partnerships are driving progress in this area.

What do you see as the potential for this technology in underwriting?

Gareth explained how contactless medical exams or wearable health data assessments could potentially enhance the application process without adding significant time for applicants. Alula Technologies’ system supports wearable data uploads, allowing for seamless integration of these techniques which could improve triage and enable more competitive rates, helping to close the protection gap while aiding in retention.

Alula and Ally Health’s solutions could identify risk factors earlier resulting in more appropriate pricing or further investigation during underwriting. Abnormal results can be triaged effectively and contactless exams can validate or highlight potential inaccuracies in disclosed information, leading to a more dynamic underwriting process. For example, if an applicant discloses raised cholesterol during the application, measuring cholesterol with a quick contactless exam such as VivaScore’s 30-second rPPG scan can streamline the process relative to ordering blood tests or medical records, both shortening and enhancing the customer experience.

The next level of triage involves Ally Health conducting further exams or tests if VivaScore’s rPPG scan detects a health risk that warrants further investigation.

The Alula VivaScore and Ally Health solutions create multiple levels of triage: those who can be accepted into the standard pool, those eligible for an offer and those needing in-person clinical tests as part of the application process. Depending on the model, there is the potential to offer Alula’s VivaScore to all policyholders later in their policy lifecycle, followed by further medical tests with Ally Health if abnormalities are detected. These solutions can be integrated at various points in the customer or underwriting journey, enabling insurers to shift from pure risk carriers to health partners. This shift has the potential to improve health outcomes, benefiting not just the insured, but also their families and society at large. Over time, this model could create opportunities for dynamic underwriting and pricing, thereby meeting evolving consumer expectations.

Lisa added that there’s also an opportunity to use this technology for the insurer’s existing customers. For example, to identify higher-risk customers and prompt follow-up action through Ally Health. Instead of just alerting customers, insurers could provide them with appropriate support. For instance, if customers are made aware of cardiovascular risks, they could take steps to manage their cholesterol or blood pressure, helping prevent claims and promoting healthier, longer lives.

Given the sensitivity of medical data, we must ensure our solution complies with global legal frameworks to handle data fairly and confidentially. How does the solution integrate with existing medical and legal frameworks?

There are global and national data privacy regulations that all parties involved in the project must comply with. Kelly confirmed that Ally Health’s solution follows the data privacy by design principle and, while data is shared with laboratories and Alula, it is de-identified using a unique patient ID.

Note that the customer’s biological sex is included alongside the unique patient ID. This is to differentiate test interpretations. This is non-sensitive personally identifiable information (PII), and on its own is not enough to uniquely identify a person. The primary reason for including gender is to assist in the interpretations of results as the benchmarks for what is considered normal or abnormal can vary based on gender. This is particularly true for measurements like lipids or creatinine.

Consent then governs with whom the identifiable record can be shared. For example, in underwriting and claims management, the policyholder or applicant can grant specific consent to their insurer, allowing access to their personal information and record for the stated and required purpose.

Simon added that from Alula's perspective, data access and storage are governed by user consent and strict adherence to local regulatory requirements. All solutions are cloud-hosted with robust backup, failover, and data redundancy measures in place, ensuring continuous availability and data integrity. Alula complies with industry-standard data security protocols, including encryption at rest and in transit, and maintains rigorous access control mechanisms. Reports are also password-protected, adding an extra layer of security, and end users can revoke access or delete their profiles at any time, ensuring full control over their personal data. These measures ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations such as GDPR and POPIA, safeguarding user information and maintaining the highest standards of security

Watch the recordings:

You can access the previous webinar recording below or read the full article here. The article also includes more about Alula Technologies, Ally Health, and the pilot conducted by Hannover Re to evaluate the potential of these solutions in enhancing personal health awareness and supporting preventative healthcare or early disease detection for insurers.

You can also watch the follow-up discussion recording below: