Vitality insurance with health tracking programme

thecheesewasmagic

I have recently asked for a quote for critical illness. The VitalityLife Optimised comes out cheapest. However for the Optimised product you need to track your health data with their Optimiser programme.

It’s difficult to find out exactly how Optimiser works on their website, but it seems like it’s mainly steps and heart rate. I don’t currently track anything, and don’t have a fitness tracker device, so would need to buy something that would be compatible with their systems.

I’m wondering about the cheapest way to get an eligible / compatible fitbit type step and heart rate tracking device. And does anyone have any experience using their tracking app and the Optimiser programme, is it easy to use and any thoughts or tips?

poseidon1

Putting aside your question of sourcing an appropriate fitness tracker, are you really prepared to countenance potential increases in your insurance premiums with Vitality if you fail to consistently meet their activity criteria - see below

https://www.thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk/blogs/value-added-benefits-vab/vitality-explained

The fact that you don't already have a 'fitbit' in some shape or form or are involved in any form of heath tracking does not suggest you are the ideal customer for this insurance product.

The upfront discount may seem intially appealing, but not if it evaporates as a result of non compliance with their activity requirements.

Weighty1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82174524#Comment_82174524

And in addition to this, which is absolutely on the money, was it the SIC 1X product you were getting quotes for?

This is far inferior in regards to how comprehensive the policy is when compared to the upgraded critical illness options available through L&G, Zurich or Aviva.

Of all the insurance products on the market, critical illness cover is one that should almost never be bought based on price as the prime factor.

thecheesewasmagic

@poseidon1 Sensible advice. And thank you for the link to the Vitality info.

You’re right, while I am relatively active, own dogs, 2 fitness classes a week, I don’t count calories, watch my weight or anything. I’m not a fan of apps, don’t like digital nags. I deleted the Health App on my iPhone straight away, never used Strava for runs.

I thought I might do enough steps in my daily life to get the premium discount, ~£7 less than other similar provider/products, but I’m really struggling to get specific information about exactly how you achieve the maximum discount. I’ll check with Vitality chat to see if they can confirm this.

@Weighty1 Yes it’s Multi-Benefit Life & SIC 1X …Things are tight financially so I do need to be careful, and am keen to get the best price. But I do take your point.