Using technology to support multinational health challenges

No two countries are the same when it comes to healthcare benefits, with local regulations, product design and employee expectations making a universal approach impossible. Technology can override these differences and deliver benefits that employees value, wherever they’re based.

Our Global employee health report 2026 highlights the challenges organisations face when it comes to looking after employee health. While only 6% of employees in the Pacific region waited more than a month for their first medical appointment, the figure shot up to 21% in Europe.

Technology solutions

Technology can help to ensure benefits meet employee expectations, but it can also address local health issues, whether that’s access to mental health counselling, support for musculoskeletal conditions, or lengthy waiting times for GP appointments.

Organisations benefit too. As well as happier and healthier employees, technology can simplify benefits administration and deliver valuable data on benefit usage and employee health. This can supercharge any health and wellbeing initiatives, enabling employers to target the risks across their workforce.

These are some examples of the technology solutions Howden has developed locally to support the health and wellbeing needs of clients and their employees around the world.

France: SG Santé platform and app

In France, third party administrators (TPAs) play a central role in running group health plans, handling everything from claims and membership updates to the day-to-day administration of the scheme. By having its own TPA – SG Santé – Howden France can deliver support and technology solutions that benefit clients and their employees.

These include a digital platform and mobile app, giving employees and employers real-time access to services and information. Employees can manage their scheme, submit claims and access wellbeing support while employers benefit from more insightful reporting, helping them optimise their benefits strategy.

Singapore: MediHub app

Medical insurance is one of the most valued and widely expected benefits in Singapore, where fast and convenient access to health is a priority.

To support these expectations, Howden Singapore developed the MediHub mobile app. Through the app, employees can manage their medical benefits, including claims and telemedicine, with a 24/7 customer service hotline for any enquiries.

MediHub also supports employers through reduced administration and greater insight into plan usage. This can shape benefit design and inform health and wellbeing initiatives to meet employee needs.

Peru: Active Breaks

Musculoskeletal conditions are a major financial burden for employers, leading to absence, lost productivity and medical claims. To help employers reduce musculoskeletal risks, Howden’s EB team in Peru developed its Active Breaks software for administrative staff.

During the working day, desk-based employees receive alerts, encouraging them to take an ‘active break’. The software then guides them through a set of exercises that support their musculoskeletal health and boost energy levels, mood and alertness.

Employers can customise the software, setting the frequency of alerts and generating participation reports in line with their occupational health and musculoskeletal risk prevention strategies.

Being able to turn to technology, whether it’s delivering services to employees or providing detailed insight to employers, can drive significant benefits for organisations, helping to meet employee expectations, address health challenges and make it easier to manage your employee benefits proposition.

At Howden, as well as supporting your business and its benefits strategy through our global technology proposition, Howden Be, we can develop local value-added technology solutions to address the healthcare challenges you face.