Medibank Will Launch New Cancer Coaching Programme
Eligible customers across Australia gain access to remote cancer support services beginning on 14 October 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Should private health insurance plans include additional non-medical coaching services for patients?
Medibank has partnered with Osara Health to provide a remote cancer coaching programme to its policyholders starting on 14 October 2026. The initiative offers one-on-one sessions with exercise physiologists to help patients manage treatment side effects and improve their overall wellbeing.
Why it matters
The programme addresses common post-diagnosis challenges including fatigue, sleep, nutrition, and emotional health for cancer patients. By providing remote access to specialised coaching, the partnership aims to support better physical and mental health outcomes for those navigating a cancer diagnosis.
The programme is available to over 4 million Medibank customers, addressing a portion of the 170,000 cancer cases diagnosed in Australia annually. Coaching sessions are delivered remotely over a duration of 6 to 12 weeks.
The players
Medibank
Medibank is a major Australian private health insurance provider that services millions of customers across the country.
Osara Health
Osara Health is a digital health company founded in 2016 that specialises in cancer coaching and patient support.
The details
Participants in the programme receive guidance from trained exercise physiologists who assist with physical activity and lifestyle management. The digital platform provides additional educational resources through the Osara Health app to support patients at home.
Timeline
Osara Health was founded in 2016.
A supporting study was published in JMIR Cancer in 2026.
The programme becomes available to eligible members on 14 October 2026.
The Big Picture
This initiative follows findings from the 2026 JMIR Cancer study on remote coaching outcomes, marking a shift toward integrating digital support services into standard private health insurance offerings.
Eligible Medibank customers can now access personalised coaching at home to better manage the physical and emotional impacts of cancer treatment. This service provides a structured 6 to 12-week framework to help patients maintain physical activity and nutritional habits during their recovery journey.
The takeaway
Patients navigating a cancer diagnosis often face significant hurdles in maintaining physical and emotional health while undergoing treatment. This remote coaching model suggests that structured, one-on-one professional support can be an effective way to improve quality of life during recovery.
Further reading
Learn more about local initiatives in the Australia Cancer section.
Live Poll
Should private health insurance plans include additional non-medical coaching services for patients?
