Healthcare App Development Cost: Prices & Timelines

What is a healthcare app?

A healthcare app is a mobile application designed to assist with various aspects of healthcare, from tracking personal health metrics to connecting with medical professionals. They often provide tools for managing health conditions, scheduling appointments, accessing medical records, and receiving personalized health advice. Some apps also offer features like medication reminders, fitness tracking, and mental health support.  

Types of Healthcare apps

Below are some of the most common types of healthcare apps available today:

1. Telemedicine Apps

These apps enable virtual consultations with healthcare providers through video calls, chat, or voice calls. They are especially useful for remote diagnoses, follow-up appointments, and accessing specialists who may not be available locally.

2. Fitness and Wellness Apps

Designed to promote physical activity and overall well-being, these fitness apps offer workout routines, track exercise progress, and provide motivational content.

3. Medication Reminder Apps

These apps help users manage their medication schedules by sending reminders for doses, refills, and appointments.

4. Mental Health Apps

Focused on emotional well-being, these apps offer resources for stress management, anxiety reduction, and mental health tracking. Some provide access to licensed therapists.

Example: Sentio

5. Women's Health Apps

These apps address health issues specific to women, such as menstrual cycle tracking, pregnancy monitoring, and fertility planning.

6. Diet and Nutrition Apps

Aimed at promoting healthy eating habits, these apps provide nutritional information, meal plans, and calorie-tracking features.

7. Health Monitoring Apps

These apps sync with wearable devices to track vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep patterns, providing users with real-time health data.

8. Appointment Scheduling Apps

They simplify the process of booking, rescheduling, or canceling medical appointments, often integrating with clinic or hospital systems.

9. Electronic Health Record (EHR) Apps

These apps give patients access to their electronic health records, medical records, lab results, and imaging reports, facilitating better communication between patients and healthcare providers.

10. Rehabilitation Apps

Focused on recovery, these apps assist patients undergoing physical therapy or rehabilitation by providing exercises and tracking progress.

Cost to develop a healthcare app for different app types

Medical app development costs will depend on what the app is and what it can do. To help you out, I’ve put together 10 estimates for each of the types of medical apps above into this AI software cost estimator.

Here are the estimates of the different healthcare applications below:

Cost to Make a Telemedicine App

The estimated cost to develop the Comprehensive Telemedicine Platform ranges from $97,000 to $105,000. This budget includes all aspects of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app offers video consultations, secure messaging, health data management, prescription management, and payment processing, with differentiated capabilities for patients, healthcare providers, and administrators.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (3-4 weeks): Initial planning to define the app’s visual and functional requirements.
• Development Planning & Architecture (1-2 weeks): Laying the foundation for multi-user roles, data synchronization, and HIPAA compliance.
• Development Timeline (16-18 weeks): Actual coding and integration of core and advanced features.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (3-4 weeks): Testing for security, performance, and usability.
• Deployment & Handover (2-3 weeks): Final deployment to app stores and transfer to the client.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 25-31 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make a Fitness and Wellness Apps

The estimated cost to develop the Holistic Fitness and Wellness Companion ranges from $100,000 to $105,000. This budget includes all aspects of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app includes features such as workout tracking, nutrition logging, meditation guidance, community interaction, and progress analytics. There are differentiated capabilities for free and subscription users.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (3-4 weeks): Initial planning to define the app’s visual and functional requirements.
• Development Planning & Architecture (1-2 weeks): Laying the foundational architecture to support multi-user roles and data synchronization.
• Development Timeline (16-18 weeks): Actual coding and integration of features.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (3-4 weeks): Testing to ensure performance and usability.
• Deployment & Handover (2-3 weeks): Final delivery to app stores and transfer to the client.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 25-31 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make a Medication Reminder App

The estimated cost to develop a Smart Medication Tracker app ranges from $45,942 to $56,152. This budget includes all stages of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app includes medication management, customizable reminders, dosage tracking, offline functionality, caregiver access, and integration with healthcare providers. There are distinct features for free and premium users.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (2 weeks): Planning the app’s design and defining functional requirements.
• Development Planning & Architecture (1 week): Setting up the architecture for multi-user roles and secure data storage.
• Development Timeline (9 weeks): Coding and integrating core features.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (2 weeks): Testing for usability, performance, and data security.
• Deployment & Handover (1.5 weeks): Final release to app stores and transfer to the client.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 15-17 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make a Mental Health App

The estimated cost to develop the Mental Wellness Companion App ranges from $48,000 to $52,000. This budget includes all stages of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app provides mood tracking, guided meditation, therapy resources, personalized wellness plans, community forums, and offline access. Advanced features are available for subscribers, while free users can access basic resources.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (2-3 weeks): Defining the app’s design, user experience, and functionality.
• Development Planning & Architecture (1-2 weeks): Structuring the app’s back-end for secure data handling and real-time synchronization.
• Development Timeline (11-12 weeks): Coding and integrating all core and premium features.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (2-3 weeks): Testing to ensure data security, usability, and performance.
• Deployment & Handover (1-2 weeks): Finalizing for app store deployment and client handover.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 17-22 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make a Women's Health App

The estimated cost to develop the Women's Health App ranges from $47,000 to $48,000. This budget includes all aspects of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app provides tools for menstrual cycle tracking, symptom logging, mood tracking, nutrition and exercise logging, personalized health insights, educational content, community forums, and an expert Q&A feature. Advanced features are available for subscribers, while free users can access essential resources.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (2-3 weeks): Planning the app’s design, user experience, and functionality.
• Development Planning & Architecture (1-2 weeks): Structuring the back end to support health data management and secure information handling.
• Development Timeline (10-11 weeks): Coding and integrating all core and premium features.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (2-3 weeks): Testing for usability, data security, and performance.
• Deployment & Handover (1-2 weeks): Finalizing for app store deployment and client handover.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 16-21 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make a Diet and Nutrition App

The estimated cost to develop the Healthy Habits Diet Tracker app ranges from $72,500 to $80,000. This budget includes all stages of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app includes meal logging, nutritional goal setting, personalized diet recommendations, subscription management, and offline functionality. Subscription users gain access to advanced tracking, meal suggestions, and customized diet plans.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (4 weeks): Planning the app’s design and defining the functional requirements for a user-friendly diet tracking experience.
• Development Planning & Architecture (2 weeks): Setting up the architecture to support nutritional tracking and offline data management.
• Development Timeline (15 weeks): Coding and integrating core and premium features, including database management for nutritional information.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (4 weeks): Testing for accuracy, security, and usability.
• Deployment & Handover (2 weeks): Final release to app stores and transfer to the client.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 27-29 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make a Health Monitoring App

The estimated cost to develop the Comprehensive Health Monitoring App for the healthcare industry ranges from $75,000 to $85,000. This budget includes all stages of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app includes real-time health data tracking, offline functionality, personalized health insights, data visualization, and advanced data processing capabilities. It also offers specific features for free and subscription-based users, as well as functionalities for healthcare professionals.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (3-4 weeks): Planning the app’s design, user experience, and features for efficient health data tracking.
• Development Planning & Architecture (1-2 weeks): Setting up the app’s architecture to support large data handling and secure real-time synchronization.
• Development Timeline (15-17 weeks): Coding and integration of all core features, including user authentication, health data tracking, and payment processing.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (3-4 weeks): Testing for data security, accuracy, and performance.
• Deployment & Handover (2-3 weeks): Finalizing the release to app stores and transferring ownership to the client.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 24-30 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make an Appointment Scheduling App

The estimated cost to develop the Healthcare Appointment Scheduling Platform ranges from $67,000 to $70,000. This budget includes all stages of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app includes appointment booking and management, payment processing, notifications, calendar and map integrations, and subscription management. It supports both free and paid access and includes robust reporting and analytics capabilities.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (3 weeks): Planning the app’s user experience, functionality, and compliance with healthcare standards.
• Development Planning & Architecture (1.5 weeks): Setting up a scalable and secure architecture to support appointment management and data security.
• Development Timeline (15 weeks): Coding and integrating all core and premium features, including real-time scheduling, HIPAA-compliant data handling, and calendar integrations.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (3 weeks): Testing for performance, security, and ease of use.
• Deployment & Handover (2.5 weeks): Finalizing for app store deployment and transferring to the client.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 24-25 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make an Electronic Health Record (EHR) App

The estimated cost to develop the Comprehensive Electronic Health Record (EHR) App ranges from $55,000 to $65,000. This budget includes all stages of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app includes patient record management, offline access, data synchronization, user management, and HIPAA-compliant data security. The app also supports both free and subscription-based access, as well as real-time updates and large data volume handling.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (3.5 weeks): Planning the app’s functionality, user interface, and compliance with healthcare data standards.
• Development Planning & Architecture (2 weeks): Structuring a scalable, secure architecture to support EHR management and synchronization.
• Development Timeline (8.5 weeks): Coding and integration of core features, including patient record handling, data encryption, and conflict resolution for offline data.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (3.5 weeks): Testing for security, accuracy, and HIPAA compliance.
• Deployment & Handover (2.5 weeks): Finalizing for app store deployment and transferring to the client.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 19-21 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Cost to Make a Rehabilitation App

The estimated cost to develop the Rehabilitation Recovery Companion App ranges from $85,500 to $105,375. This budget includes all stages of development, from design to deployment, for both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what this cost includes:

1. Scope of Development:

• Multi-Platform Support: Developing the app for both iOS and Android.
• Features: The app provides personalized rehabilitation plans, progress tracking, community support, and offline functionality. It supports a freemium model, offering both free and premium features to users, with premium features that include AI-powered adjustments and advanced progress tracking.

2. Key Development Phases:

• Design & Analysis (3-3.5 weeks): Planning the app’s design, functionality, and user experience to support a personalized rehabilitation journey.
• Development Planning & Architecture (1.5-2 weeks): Setting up secure architecture to handle sensitive health data, real-time updates, and data synchronization.
• Development Timeline (10-12 weeks): Coding and integration of all core features, including personalized plans, AI-powered insights, and community features.
• Quality Assurance (QA) (3-3.5 weeks): Testing for usability, data security, and offline functionality.
• Deployment & Handover (2-2.5 weeks): Finalizing the app for app store deployment and transfer to the client.

3. Estimated Timeline:

• The entire project is projected to take between 16-20 weeks.

You can read the full estimate here.

Benefits of building a healthcare mobile app

Building a healthcare mobile app can offer numerous benefits for both healthcare providers and patients. Here are some of the key advantages:

Benefits for Patients:

• Improved Convenience: Patients can access their health information, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes.
• Increased Accessibility: Remote monitoring and telemedicine capabilities can improve access to care for patients in rural or underserved areas.
• Reduced Costs: By optimizing administrative tasks and reducing the need for in-person visits, mobile apps can help to lower healthcare costs for both patients and providers.

Benefits for Healthcare Providers:

• Improved Efficiency: Mobile apps can automate routine tasks, such as appointment scheduling and patient communication, freeing up time for healthcare providers to focus on patient care.
• Improved Communication: Mobile apps can improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, reducing the risk of miscommunication and improving patient satisfaction.
• Improved Patient Engagement: By providing personalized health information and engaging patients through mobile apps, healthcare providers can build stronger relationships with their patients and improve patient satisfaction.
• Increased Revenue: Mobile apps can generate new revenue streams through the sale of health-related products and services, as well as through advertising and sponsorships.

Do health apps make money?

Yes, health apps can make money through various business models. Here are some common ways:

• Paid Apps: Users pay a one-time fee to download the app.  
• Subscriptions: Users pay a recurring fee for access to premium features or services.  
• Freemium Model: The basic app is free, but users can pay for additional features or services.  
• In-App Purchases: Users can buy virtual goods or services within the app.  
• Advertising: The app displays ads to generate revenue.  
• Partnerships: The app collaborates with other companies to offer joint services or products.

Final thoughts

When you’re budgeting for healthcare mobile app development, it’s really important to think about what you need and what you want the app to do. The type of app you’re building—whether it’s a telemedicine, wellness, or EHR app—will affect both the cost and the timeline.

The process of building a healthcare app follows a pretty standard timeline. It usually starts with design and analysis and then ends with deployment. A telemedicine app, for instance, could take up to 31 weeks to complete, including planning, coding, and quality assurance. Fitness or diet apps can take longer to develop because they often have more in-depth tracking and personalization features. If you know what each phase involves, you can align your goals with the development timeline and make sure the project runs smoothly.

Building a healthcare app has lots of advantages. It can help patients get better access to healthcare resources and cut down on in-person visits, saving time and money. Providers can use apps to communicate better, make scheduling easier, and offer remote monitoring for better care. Plus, healthcare apps can bring in new revenue through subscriptions, in-app purchases, or partnerships, making them a good investment for the future.

References

Tool: AI Software Cost Estimator