A prospective framework for the policy implications of the use of physical activity trackers by insurers.
Private insurers including health, critical illness, income protection and life insurers are seeing a rise in claims due to the growing non-communicable disease (NCD) burden. Higher levels of physical activity have been suggested by the World Health Organization as a way to tackle rising morbidity and mortality from NCDs. Physical activity trackers are beginning to be used by some private insurers to track the physical activity of their insurees. These devices could provide cost saving opportunities for private insurers by allowing them to explore and exploit the link between physical activity and NCD. This paper draws on findings from a systematic examination of the literature on the long-term relationship between physical activity and NCDs to suggest a prospective framework for the policy implications of the use of physical activity trackers by private insurers.
Read the full paper I published for the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in 2017 and watch my presentation at the IFoA’s Health and Care Hot Topics Sessional Research Event.
lisa balboa 