Why does a bank record medical information?

Elze

My savings bank just sent me an update of their privacy rules. It seems really weird to me. It seems they would like to record information about my health for my economic well being?? Any idea what this might be referring to and whether this is normal?

This is what they write, and I am now quoting from their email:

"The updates are about how we use your personal information. Your privacy is important, and we want to make sure you understand what we have changed and why.

 What’s changing?

 ·        In future, when we receive information from a third party about your health, or other special category personal data, we will record this information in order to use it to protect your economic wellbeing."

marcia_

 Elze said:

My savings bank just sent me an update of their privacy rules. It seems really weird to me. It seems they would like to record information about my health for my economic well being?? Any idea what this might be referring to and whether this is normal?

This is what they write, and I am now quoting from their email:

"The updates are about how we use your personal information. Your privacy is important, and we want to make sure you understand what we have changed and why.

 What’s changing?

 ·        In future, when we receive information from a third party about your health, or other special category personal data, we will record this information in order to use it to protect your economic wellbeing."

 Probably so they can know when a customer has mental health or physical problems which can effect how they bank and manage money 

Flugelhorn

possibly related to someone submitting a LPA?

Ocelot

I had that too.(Secure Trust).

What’s changing?

• In future, when we receive information from a third party about your health, or other special category personal data, we will record this information in order to use it to protect your economic wellbeing.

DullGreyGuy

Having a major illness (eg cancer) can make you a Vulnerable Customer to which a bank owes additional duty of care. It can also be for more practical reasons like noting you are blind as to send documents in brail or note that you are deaf or dumb and so dont try and make telephone calls to you. 

dunstonh

FCA's expectations with vulnerable clients and data protection requirements are the issues here.

If the bank are notified of health issues to consider when dealing with the customer, they are recording medical information.   So, data protection needs to cover that.

eskbanker

Elze said:

My savings bank just sent me an update of their privacy rules. It seems really weird to me. It seems they would like to record information about my health for my economic well being?? Any idea what this might be referring to and whether this is normal?

Special categories of Personal Data

Special categories of personal data include information about an individual's physical or mental health or condition and other categories of personal information which are closely protected (e.g. biometric data).

We process such information, when you, or a third party, provide that information to us. For example, where you notify us or a third party of a health issue that would mean, due to your personal circumstances or personal characteristics, you are especially vulnerable to financial detriment. 

We use the information to make adjustments to support you in managing your account or protect your economic wellbeing. We process the information on the lawful basis of explicit consent or substantial public interest. You have the right to withdraw your consent or object to us holding details of your special category personal data at any time by contacting us by telephone, email or in writing. 

https://www.securetrustbank.com/privacy-statement

surreysaver

Did the email not provide a link for further information?
If not, its a bit irresponsible, as it wouldn't occur to me that a bank would need to record medical information about me unless I'd bought medical insurance or something 

eskbanker

surreysaver said:

Did the email not provide a link for further information?
If not, its a bit irresponsible, as it wouldn't occur to me that a bank would need to record medical information about me unless I'd bought medical insurance or something 

But the email is only saying that if they receive such data from a third party then they'll keep it?