viatolea and BARMER bring digital support for food intolerances to the statutory health insurance system

A 5-HT success story about trust, speed, and the power of good matchmaking.

One pitch, one conversation - and one common goal: to improve care for people with food intolerances.

An initial meeting at an industry event, the 5-HT Event “Insuring Digital Health” 2024, led to a concrete care solution: viatolea and BARMER have been working together since fall 2025 to give those affected access to digital support in the form of a medical device.

Our new success story shows how an encounter turned into a nationwide care solution – and what other startups can learn from it.

In conversation with Hanna Höfges and Robin Becker (BARMER) as well as Pauline Nöldemann (viatolea), they provide an open insight into a collaboration that shows:

When startups, health insurance companies, and networks pull together, real innovation emerges – with tangible benefits for patients.

From pitch to partnership: The beginning of a successful collaboration

The story of this collaboration began in 2024, when the viatolea team first met representatives from BARMER at DMEA. A few months later, the decisive moment arrived - a personal exchange at the 5-HT event “Insuring Digital Health” on October 10, 2024, in Mannheim.

There, viatolea (then still known as BesserEsser) presented itself live to leading health insurance companies – with a clear vision: to help people with food intolerances identify their individual triggers and alleviate their symptoms in the long term.

“The personal contact made a big difference. Live pitches not only showcase the product, but also the team behind it – and trust is crucial when it comes to real care.” — Hanna Höfges, Digital Care Specialist, BARMER

This encounter laid the foundation for a partnership between equals.

Pauline Nöldemann presenting at the Insuring Digital Health 2024 in Mannheim

From idea to registered medical device

The event was followed by consistent further development: at the beginning of 2025, viatolea obtained CE marking as a medical device, and in February 2025, the first selective contract with a health insurance company was launched.

This early integration into healthcare provision provided important evidence and empirical data – and paved the way for cooperation with BARMER.

At the same time, the 5-HT startup story (March 2025) provided additional visibility in the ecosystem. The solution was presented in detail there – and met with lively interest from health insurance companies and patients alike.

The solution: 10 weeks to greater well-being

At the heart of viatolea is a ten-week care process – digital, structured, and individualized:

Analysis (2 weeks): Users record their diet and symptoms. Certified nutritionists use algorithms to identify individual intolerances.
Change (8 weeks): Based on the analysis, participants receive personalized recommendations, recipes, and tests to help them find their individual diet step by step.

This creates a path from recognition to clarity of causes to a sustainable change in diet – without sacrifice, but with effect.

The result: noticeable reduction in symptoms, increased quality of life, and greater nutritional competence.

The program is a registered medical device, scientifically based, and available free of charge to BARMER policyholders.

👉 Go to the viatolea service page of BARMER

viatolea solution

“As quickly as possible – as carefully as necessary”

In spring 2025, BARMER and viatolea resumed talks. With the efficacy data and certification now available, nothing stood in the way of the next stage.

Just six months later – in fall 2025 – the selective contract was signed.

"Selective contracts often take a long time. But in this case, everything fell into place: clear communication, quick feedback, and a shared vision." — Robin Becker, Digital Care Specialist, BARMER

On October 28, 2025, both sides publicly announced the partnership – accompanied by positive reactions from the trade press and community.

The speed is remarkable for a selective model – and the result of stringent coordination, clear roles, and transparent communication on both sides.

Initial results: High response, satisfied users

Just a few weeks after launch, measurable effects were already apparent:

Sharp rise in user numbers
Positive feedback on effectiveness
Symptom improvements already in the first weeks of the program

And all this even before the big marketing rollout.

“We can see that the offering is well received - and that it works. That's exactly what we wanted to achieve.” — Pauline Nöldemann, founder of viatolea

viatolea founding team Pauline Nöldemann und Yannick Wiesner

What convinced BARMER

The decision to cooperate was based on clear criteria:

✅ Evidence & patient benefit – proven effectiveness and genuine added value for insured persons

✅ Integration into care – not an isolated solution, but a meaningful addition to existing processes

✅ Cost-effectiveness & sustainability – a clearly defined business case

✅ Transparent cooperation – quick feedback, open exchange, and shared goals

These factors paved the way for a digital care offering that is already helping many affected individuals today.

The benefits for insured persons – concrete and relevant to everyday life

Why is this cooperation relevant? Because gastrointestinal complaints affect millions of people – often in a diffuse, protracted manner and with a considerable impact on everyday life. In addition, there are sometimes long waiting times for relevant examinations and often ineffective alternatives.

viatolea offers low-threshold access, structuring the path from suspicion to justified assumption and practical change – with feedback loops and accompanying advice.

How 5-HT made the difference

The 5-HT event “Insuring Digital Health” served as a bridge between innovation and healthcare practice.

Here, innovative startups meet statutory health insurance companies - in a setting that facilitates open discussions and relevant matches.

The viatolea × BARMER case study is a prime example of how targeted networking, technical expertise, and personal encounters can make a decisive difference.

👉 Read the follow-up report “Insuring Digital Health 2024”

Lessons learned for startups in the digital health sector

Know the framework.
Statutory health insurance regulations, data protection, evidence requirements - those who are prepared are more convincing.
Show impact, not just vision.
Certification, pilot projects, and real care data are important keys to cooperation.
Think integration instead of isolated solutions.
The clearer the integration into existing processes, the higher the chance of success.
Maintain speed and transparency.
Fast, honest communication builds trust.
Use networks.
Platforms such as 5-HT open doors – from the stage to the contract.

Looking ahead

During the collaboration between viatolea and BARMER, usage, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction will be evaluated with the aim of improving the long-term health of insured individuals.

It is already clear that the response from insured individuals has been overwhelming, the benefits are evident, and the demand is enormous.

5-HT as a bridge builder

For us at 5-HT, this success story is both confirmation and motivation:

Our matchmaking formats bring startups and health insurance companies together in a targeted manner.
Storytelling helps innovations become visible and understandable.
Continuity in support turns ideas into real care.