Obesity is one of the biggest killers and health problems in
the UK as the British are one of the fattest nations in Europe.
Yet, obesity surgery and treatment is rarely provided by health
insurers.
In the USA, cover for obesity has also been rare but
healthcare reform law requires that they provide free preventive care,
including for obesity-related services.
So, insurers have been launching anti-obesity programmes
including:
- An intensive weight-loss intervention, for overweight and
obese adults
- Financial incentives, including cash payments, reduced
premiums or deductibles, to motivate customers to maintain a healthy weight
- Weigh and Win awards between $15 and $150 every three
months for losing and maintaining weight
So, should UK health insurers ditch some of the often rarely
used ‘ bells and whistles’ that have accumulated on policies over the years,
for a cover that actually helps customers and ultimately reduces claims; what
is known in marketing as a ‘virtuous circle’?
Private health insurance news: 22 May 2012
