Fitness trackers like Apple watches and Fitbitsgenerally is not as expensive as technology like smartphones and tablets, but they are not exactly cheap. You certainly would not want to miss out opportunity to snatch one for free. And ones it turns out, many insurance companies include Fitness programs that either come with a free tracker allow you to earn a free tracker or offer discounts on a device.
HowToGeek dived into the fitness rewards for some of the largest insurance companies to see which ones offered deals or freebies for Apple Watches and Fitbits. Now, not all insurance companies offer the same fitness tracking offers—some let you get a Fitbit or Apple Watch “for free” (with conditions, of course), while others just give discounts on devices. That’s it anyway worth looking at your provider ‘s campaigns to see what you’re qualified for.
But that Fitbit or Apple Watch are not really “free”
That’s it though also worth reading it in small print. In many cases, your insurance company will have access to the activity and health data you generate while moving with the fitness tracker, as well as the data you provide in the insurance company’s app or connected health app on your phone.
Here is United Healthcare’s Privacy Policy, e.g. A careful reading reveals tthe company is ready to take all the data it can, from you, including health, activity, camera usage, local storage, phone calls, where you touch your screen, sleep data, nutrition data, among other data points. Although all privacy policies are different, there are similar languages from other insurance programs.
While not fantastic, it’s not exclusive to the fitness tracker deal either:TThese privacy policies typically also apply if you just use the provider’s health app. If you already use their programs, you do not disclose much if any new information by signing up for a free fitness tracker. To prevent these companies from accessing your data, stop using their apps altogether, so you will have to decide if apps and freebies are worth balancing privacy.
Apart from these reservations, here are the units and offers offered by various providers.
United Healthcare – A free fitness tracker
Speaking of United Healthcare, if you are under their insurance, you are eligible for the “Exercise” app for iPhone and Android, which comes with a free fitness tracker. While United Healthcare does not specify on its website which trackers are eligible, HowToGeek reports that you may qualify for a free Fitbit or Apple Watch after earning enough credits through your workouts. It is possible the initial free tracker is another third-party option and Fitbit or Apple Watch comes down the track.
Aetna – A musually free Apple Watch
Aetna customers have access to Attain by Aetna, a app is available for iPhone and Androidbut which requires an Apple Watch to use. That’s why Aetna allows users to purchase a virtually free Apple Watch (you are responsible for the activation fee and VAT).
However, you can not sign up for the app, take your watch and sit back and relax. Aetna requires you to “pay” for the watch with points earned from training and other fitness activity over the next 24 months. If you are someone who is generally active, it probably will not be a problem. However, if you are getting into fitness for the first time, it can be a steep commitment. If you decide that training is not for you, but you still want the watch, you have to pay the rest difference.
Cigna – A free Apple Watch or Fitbit with subscription to Active & Fit
If you have Cigna, you can save 25% on one Active & Fit subscription. According to FAQ for Active & Fit, standard plans are $ 29 a month, so you end up paying $ 21.75 a month. It may not sound as enticing as other offers here, but as mentioned by HowToGeek, that subscription comes with a promotional code for a free Fitbit or Apple Watch. If you think you want to use the Active & Fit subscription, this might be a good deal for you.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield – 22% off a Fitbit
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s “Blue 365“The program offers a lot of offers, but a free fitness tracker is not one of them. Still, the company will take 22% discount on the purchase of a new Fitbit, and offers a 12-month Fitbit premium for free (tied to the Fitbit purchase). If you already have a Fitbit, you can get an annual membership for $ 56, $ 24 less than the regular price.
Since you do not need to connect the discounted Fitbit to an app, you can safely get away with this discount without signing your data. It’s a victory in my book.
Humana – A credit to Fitbit or Garmin
Humanas program, Go 365, allows you to earn credits while training, which you can switch to rewards like a Fitbit or a Garmin. Without access to the program, however, it is not clear how many credits you will need to earn these fitness trackers, or whether these trackers are “free” or just have a discount. If you have access to Go365, dig in to find out.