Zurich Australia announced today it has piloted a new mobile health app designed to help life insurance customers with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels and self-manage their conditions.

The pilot program, part of a partnership with US-based start-up Pops Diabetes Care, will be available on an exclusive, free-trial basis to 100 customers who have a medical loading on their Zurich life insurance policy for type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

After the free trial ends, customers can opt-in to pay to subscribe to Pops for a fee to continue to have access to the app.

The real-time app features an artificial intelligence (AI) virtual coach named Mina that will assist and facilitate users with taking a more active role to manage their conditions, keep track of blood sugar levels, set health targets and provide education on diabetes.

The app consists of a simple glucose meter that attaches to a smartphone and is paired with the Pops app and AI health coach.

“The Australian pilot with Pops Diabetes Care is one of the ways we collaborate with the start-up community under our LiveWell strategy, to source new ideas that help improve customer wellbeing,” Zurich Life & Investments Head of Customer and Digital Jacqui Lennon said.

“Pops can replace traditional testing kits currently in use by many Australians.

“We’re very proud to partner with a start-up that will help our customers with diabetes self-manage their condition 24/7, all from their smartphone.”