Four in ten customers demand fitness linked insurance

clock • 1 min read

Four out of 10 UK health insurance customers would consider tracking and sharing their health and fitness data to get a more accurate premium, according to a YouGov survey for Deloitte.

For individuals aged 25-44, this figure stands at 46%, only slightly higher than 40% of the over 55s.

Nearly half (49%) of those polled said they would give their insurer more of their data, if it meant they'd get a discount on their health insurance.

Deloitte's research showed that of those who would use technology to manage their health, their preference would be to receive it from a doctor or insurer.

David Rush, head of insurance at Deloitte, said: "Some insurers use the data produced by wearables to offer personalised health insurance policies to an individual, and, in some cases, provide bonuses like cheaper gym memberships, free movie tickets and travel perks, if a person increases their exercise.

"As more people wear physical activity and health trackers, we think there's untapped market for insurers that could grow in future.

"There are over five million people in the UK that have private health insurance, paying £3.6 billion in premiums each year. Once tech-savvy millennials grow up and the practice of linking insurance to wearables becomes mainstream, insurers could see a spike in these types of policies."

Rush continued: "When looking at those who didn't want a tech-enabled service for managing their health, half said it was because of cyber concerns.

"Insurance-linked wearables can potentially save people money on their health insurance policies, so work needs to be done to satisfy fears.

"Insurers need to explain in simple, everyday language how their data is stored, used and protected from cyber threats. Insurers that address these issue will be the wearable winners."

Further reading 

Insights: Tracking fitness - is it worth talking to clients about?

More on PMI

General and Medical Healthcare joins amii
PMI

General and Medical Healthcare joins amii

PMI provider

Jaskeet Briah
clock 04 November 2024 • 1 min read
Benenden Health names Tom Woolgrove as CEO
PMI

Benenden Health names Tom Woolgrove as CEO

Former CII president

Jaskeet Briah
clock 29 October 2024 • 1 min read
Societal ageing and climate change adding to healthcare challenges
PMI

Societal ageing and climate change adding to healthcare challenges

AXA research shows

Jaskeet Briah
clock 14 October 2024 • 2 min read

Highlights

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

"It takes longer than ever to get underwriting terms"

John Brazier
clock 12 October 2023 • 5 min read
Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

According to latest ReMark report

John Brazier
clock 11 October 2023 • 2 min read
ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

Women within executive teams have grown to 32%

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 October 2023 • 3 min read