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Heh, it's just a matter of time till this scenario "fully" reaches us here in the EU, and in the US probably, too. E.g. my health insurance company (AOK) here in Germany called me last year, and tried to give me an Apple Watch for free. The main part of the contract was, to submit my movements for "a study". In return they offered me something like "bonus points", and cheaper additional insurance plans. I said no, and they asked if I'm interested to have this for my kids, and that they also have a smart toothbrush "to motivate" kids to brush their teeth 3 times a day, I just WTF'ed, and told them to not call anymore with such offers. https://apps.apple.com/de/app/aok-bonus-app/id1085724967 with this App you submit your activity, this was part of the contract. 100.000+ downloads on Google Play says it all, Apple does not display an App download counter.

discuss

lloeki|5 years ago

Generali has a similar program called Vitality (which apparently is a subsidiary or a distinct entity). You gather points for healthy actions you take, e.g walk/run a certain number of times/distance per month (sync your tracker), you stop smoking (proof of buying nicotine substitutes/doctor’a order), you take a yearly checkup at the doc (doctor’s order/medical results)... and you get coupons at Amazon, sport gear shops, get reimbursed an Apple Watch. The rebate on Garmin devices comes with no strings attached though.

It’s an option to the health insurance contract, so in a way they already have much more data than whatever would be provided (since they process far more sensitive medical data for reimbursement), but as I said it’s also structurally a subsidiary.

henearkr|5 years ago

But you know that insurers have only benefits to keep you healthy (because then you only pay your monthly fee and they don't need to refund you any medical expense), so there are lots of these health-preserving programs, as there always has been even before the wearables.

Here where I live there is an insurance company offering you points to walk miles and/or go to the gym, and then exchange your points for presents. To keep you healthy and thus profitable to them.