Sun Life's digital coach “Ella” introduced last fall, is now accessible to all Canadians, announced the insurer Feb. 13. Individuals can use the bilingual, interactive coach for help finding local healthcare practitioners via Google Assistant.

The insurer says the system can be accessed simply by saying, "Hey Google, can I speak to Sun Life?" Google Assistant will then connect the user to Ella who can search the closest and top-rated healthcare providers, such as dentists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists.

100,000 healthcare providers rated

Ella's search function includes ratings of more than 100,000 healthcare service providers. Sun Life Clients are asked on a scale from one to five to rate their provider when submitting a claim online or through the Sun Life mobile app. This system has generated over three million ratings so far, says the company.

Once a service provider is selected, Ella can send the user a text message containing the service provider, location and contact information to schedule an appointment.

Ella on Google Home

"Ella, our digital coach, allows every Canadian to benefit from what Sun Life can offer," said Dave Jones, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life Financial Canada. "In today's complicated world we can all use reliable advice when searching for healthcare. We are thrilled to share our provider network and the power of the Sun Life community through Ella on Google Home."