• by Tanya Gazdik , November 22, 2016

John Hancock Vitality insurance policyholders can earn an Apple Watch by exercising.

The company claims to be the first life insurer in the U.S. with such a program. 

John Hancock began offering Vitality insurance in 2015. It allows policyholders to save on their premiums and earn rewards by taking steps to live healthy, like walking, exercising or getting regular check-ups.  The program expanded earlier this year with the addition of the Vitality HealthyFood benefit, through which customers can earn points and save up to $600 a year on their grocery bills for choosing healthy foods at participating grocery stores.

Through the Vitality Active Rewards with Apple Watch program, policyholders who want to participate simply sign up, choose their Apple Watch Series 2, pay a $25 initial fee (plus tax), and then receive an Apple Watch Series 2 to get started. Whether they like to walk, run, bike or swim, participants can track their activities and earn Vitality Points that go towards monthly payments for their watch over two years. Members will be able to fully fund their Apple Watch by meeting monthly Vitality Active Rewards targets that are achievable over 24 months.

The program was launched as a trial in South Africa, says Alan Pollard, CEO of The Vitality Group. Research showed that participants wearing the Apple watches that lead to discounts were more physically active than those using other fitness devices.

“We’ve also seen an average increase of 46% in weekly physical activities for those using the watch,” Pollard says in a release. “Incentives are effective in helping to drive healthy behaviors and program participation.” 

The Vitality Active Rewards with Apple Watch program is available to both new and existing John Hancock Vitality policyholders.