a.s.r. Research: 70% of young people are open to online care

Millennials would like to use online care to discuss lifestyle questions as well as mental and physical symptoms. Older generations are slightly less enthusiastic. About 45% indicate that they want to use remote care.

Two-thirds of respondents who are open to digital care indicate that a consultation with a dietitian is the most suitable consultation to have online with a healthcare provider. Opinions on online mental health support are strongly divided: about a quarter of people prefer to discuss mental problems face-to-face, while almost half are open to it. People prefer to have a consultation with a physiotherapist in person. Only 20% are open to an online appointment.

Thomas Oremus, Director of Health at a.s.r., says: ‘We see increased opportunities to combine online and offline care. Therefore, from January 1, 2025, we will offer the Zorg voor jezelf app to our insured. In the app, you can ask questions or have an online (video) call with a BIG-registered general practitioner, mental coach, or dietitian. Additionally, insured persons can participate in various lifestyle programs through the app. Although it is not a replacement for the general practitioner, we expect to be able to relieve healthcare providers such as general practitioners and assistants in this way and offer insured persons the opportunity to seek advice from a healthcare professional whenever and wherever they want.’

The app also offers the possibility to tackle unhealthy habits. The research shows that 8 out of 10 people are eager to do this. 1 in 3 Dutch people want to exercise and be more active. Eating and drinking healthier and sleeping better are also high on the priority list. 23% of Dutch people want to spend less time in front of their screens, among women this figure rises to 28%. Many people see vitality as an important theme. Although about half of the respondents think they can achieve this without help, apps or tips via the internet are gaining popularity (28%).
The Zorg voor jezelf app will be available from January 1, 2025, for customers with health insurance from a.s.r.

Research Accountability 
The research was conducted on behalf of a.s.r. by Motivaction among a representative sample of the population in the Netherlands aged 18 to 80 years. A total of 1,295 people were surveyed, including 213 from Generation Z, 323 Millennials, 320 from Generation X, and 431 Baby Boomers. The research took place between August 27 and September 13, 2024.