Fitness trackers like Apple Watches and Fitbits are typically not as expensive as smartphones and tablets, but they’re not exactly cheap either. I certainly wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to get one for free. And it turns out that many insurance companies include fitness programs that come with a complimentary tracker, let you earn a free tracker, or offer discounts on a device.
howtogeek dove into the fitness rewards of some of the biggest insurance companies to see which ones were offering deals or freebies on apple watches and fitbits. Now, not all insurance companies offer the same fitness tracking deals: Some let you get a “free” Fitbit or Apple Watch (with strings attached, of course), while others simply offer discounts on the devices. still, it’s worth looking at your provider’s promotions to see what you qualify for.
Reading: How to get a free fitbit through insurance
but that fitbit or apple watch isn’t really “free”
However, it’s also worth reading the fine print. In many cases, your insurance company will have access to the health and activity data you generate while on the move with the fitness tracker, as well as data you provide in the insurance company app or health app. connected on your phone.
here’s united healthcare’s privacy policy, for example. a careful reading reveals that the company is ready to take all the information it can from you, including health, activity, camera usage, local storage, phone dialer, where you touch the screen, sleep data, nutrition data, among other data points. while all privacy policies differ, there is similar language from other insurance programs.
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While that’s not a good thing, it’s also not unique to the fitness tracker deal – these privacy policies generally also apply if you simply use the provider’s health app. if you’re already using their programs, you’re not giving up much or any new information by opting for a free fitness tracker. To prevent these companies from accessing your data, you’d have to stop using their apps entirely, so you’ll need to decide if the apps and freebies are worth the privacy tradeoff.
Those caveats aside, here are the devices and deals offered by various carriers.
united healthcare: a free fitness tracker
Speaking of united healthcare, if you have their insurance, you’re eligible for the “motion” app for iphone and android, which comes with a complimentary fitness tracker. While United Healthcare doesn’t specify on its site which trackers are eligible, Howtogeek does report that you can qualify for a free Fitbit or Apple Watch after earning enough credits through your workouts. the initial free tracker may be a different 3rd party option, with the fitbit or apple watch coming later.
aetna: a mostly free apple watch
aetna customers have access to get by aetna, an app available for iphone and android, but requires an apple watch to use. That’s why Aetna lets users get an Apple Watch mostly free (you’re responsible for the activation fee and sales tax).
however, you can’t sign in to the app, grab your watch and sit back and relax. aetna requires that you “pay” for the watch with points earned from workouts and other physical activities for the next 24 months. if you’re someone who’s generally active, that’s probably not going to be a problem. but if you’re getting fit for the first time, it could be a big commitment. If you decide the workouts aren’t for you, but you still want the watch, you’ll need to pay the remaining difference.
cigna: a free apple watch or fitbit with active&fit subscription
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If you have Cigna, you can save 25% on an active and in-form subscription. According to the active&fit FAQ, the standard plans are $29/month, so you end up paying $21.75/month. It might not sound as enticing as other deals here, but, as Howtogeek pointed out, that subscription comes with a promo code for a free Fitbit or Apple Watch. if you think you’d use the active&fit subscription, it might be a good deal for you.
anthem blue cross blue shield: 22% off a fitbit
anthem blue cross blue shield’s “blue365” program offers many offers, but a free fitness tracker is not one of them. still, the company will get a 22% discount on the purchase of a new fitbit and offers 12 months. free fitbit premium (tied to fitbit purchase). If you already have a Fitbit, you can get an annual membership for $56, $24 less than the regular price.
Because you don’t need to connect that discounted fitbit to an app, you can get away with not having to sign out with your data. that’s a win in my book.
humana: a credit to fitbit or garmin
Humana’s go365 program allows you to earn credits as you train, which you can redeem for rewards like a fitbit or garmin. however, without access to the program, it’s unclear how many credits you need to earn these fitness trackers, or whether those trackers are “free” or just discounted. if you have access to go365, dig deep to find out.
