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From left: Tim Charlton, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Insurance Asia magazine, with iCare executives Dr. Mark Roland F. Malanay, Chief Operating Officer; Geronimo V. Francisco, President and CEO; Jinky B. Lanuza, Head of Network Management; Dr. Elze Grace C. Angelino, Deputy Medical Director; Welhelm Teodoro S. Castroverde, Chief Growth Officer for the General Broker Sales Channel; and Atty. Gideon V. Peña, Chief Commercial Officer. |
As healthcare continues to evolve through technology and stronger industry collaboration, recognizing companies that make medical services more accessible has never been more important. This year, iCare HMO Philippines gained regional recognition after receiving two prestigious honors at the 2026 Insurance Asia Awards, highlighting its efforts to improve healthcare access through artificial intelligence and strategic healthcare partnerships.
The company's award-winning initiatives demonstrate how digital tools and collaborative care models are helping Filipinos connect with quality healthcare more quickly and conveniently.
iCare Receives Two Major Honors at the 2026 Insurance Asia Awards
At the 2026 Insurance Asia Awards, iCare HMO Philippines received two distinctions that recognize innovation in the insurance and healthcare sectors:
AI Initiative of the Year – Philippines for its Telemed7 platform
Strategic Partnership of the Year – Philippines for its Super Preferred Clinics (SPC) program
Presented annually by Insurance Asia, the awards celebrate insurers across the Asia-Pacific region that are driving meaningful improvements in customer experience, digital transformation, and industry innovation.
For iCare, the recognition reflects a long-term commitment to making healthcare more accessible by combining technology with a growing network of trusted healthcare providers.
Telemed7 Uses AI to Simplify Medical Consultations
One of the company's award-winning initiatives is Telemed7, an AI-enabled telemedicine platform designed to make healthcare consultations faster and more convenient.
Accessible through Viber, the platform automates appointment scheduling and connects members with licensed physicians in as little as seven minutes. By reducing administrative steps and waiting times, Telemed7 helps patients receive timely medical advice wherever they are.
As more healthcare providers embrace digital transformation, platforms like Telemed7 illustrate how artificial intelligence can streamline routine processes while improving the overall patient experience.
Commenting on the recognition, Geronimo V. Francisco, President and CEO of iCare HMO Philippines, emphasized that accessibility remains at the heart of the company's innovations.
"These awards recognize more than two successful initiatives. They affirm our belief that better healthcare begins with better access. Whether through AI-enabled telemedicine or strong partnerships with leading healthcare providers, our focus remains on helping more Filipinos say yes to better health."
Super Preferred Clinics Expand Access to Primary Healthcare
Alongside its digital healthcare initiatives, iCare was also recognized for strengthening access to in-person medical services through its Super Preferred Clinics (SPC) program.
Instead of operating its own clinics, iCare works with established healthcare providers, including The Medical City Clinics, Healthway QualiMed, and Hi-Precision Diagnostics, creating a nationwide network that currently includes 157 Super Preferred Clinics.
One of the program's key member benefits is that consultations at participating SPC facilities do not count against members' consultation benefit limits, making preventive and primary healthcare more accessible.
This partnership-driven approach allows iCare to leverage the expertise and geographic reach of respected healthcare institutions while focusing on delivering better member experiences.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Accessible Healthcare
Healthcare needs continue to evolve as employers, families, and individuals look for affordable, convenient, and preventive care options.
At the same time, organizations across the Philippines are balancing rising healthcare costs with increasing expectations for comprehensive employee health benefits. Digital healthcare platforms and collaborative provider networks have become valuable solutions for delivering quality care while helping manage medical expenses.
By investing in technology alongside strategic healthcare partnerships, iCare aims to address these changing demands while supporting better health outcomes for its members.
Innovation Continues to Shape the Future of Healthcare
Since becoming part of Singapore-based Value-Based Healthcare, iCare has expanded its investments in digital health services, provider partnerships, and customer experience initiatives.
The company's latest Insurance Asia Awards highlight a broader shift happening across the healthcare industry, where insurers are playing a more active role in improving healthcare delivery instead of simply financing medical care.
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday healthcare and collaborative care models continue to expand, innovations like Telemed7 and the Super Preferred Clinics program offer a glimpse into how healthcare may become more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered in the years ahead.
For Filipinos seeking healthcare solutions that combine convenience with quality care, these initiatives represent a growing focus on making healthcare easier to access when it matters most.