Buoy Health

Buoy Health is an AI-driven symptom checker and care navigation tool. Its assistant asks a series of questions about a user's symptoms, uses the answers to suggest possible causes and severity, and points them toward a suitable level of care, from telemedicine to primary care and behavioral health resources. A dashboard can also show what a person's insurance plan covers so they can find in-network providers. Buoy worked with Boston Children's Hospital to refine and validate its pediatric product.

The company began as a consumer tool and moved toward healthcare navigation for employers and insurers. Its 2020 funding round was led by Cigna Ventures and Humana, with Optum also named. Most of the sources available are from 2019 and 2020, so current features and company status should be confirmed. The company's own usage statistics, such as how many users feel encouraged to seek care, are self-reported. A UK GP guide notes that its logic is built mainly for the US healthcare system, which matters for anyone outside the States. Consumer pricing was not confirmed, and employer or payer deals are negotiated.

Buoy fits people who want help deciding where to go for care, and employers or insurers that want to steer members to the right setting. Related tools include K Health, Infermedica and Symptomate. Browse the Healthcare tools directory for more.

Symptom assessment

Identifies possible causes and severity from answers.

Care navigation

Suggests the right care setting.

Insurance-aware search

Helps find in-network providers.

What does Buoy Health do?

It asks about symptoms, suggests possible causes and recommends a level of care.

Who backs Buoy?

Its 2020 round was led by Cigna Ventures and Humana, with Optum also named.

Does it work outside the US?

A UK GP guide notes its logic is primarily built for the US system.

Is it a diagnosis?

No, it suggests possible causes and care options.