What exactly is health data?
Health data is generally understood to mean all data that can provide information about a person's state of health. The state of health itself is of course composed of many different numbers and values - but some health data are particularly present in everyday life and easy to track. The physical condition or physical load can be determined in particular by the following aids:
- Heart Rate Monitor
- Pedometer
- Watches
- Smartphones / apps
The smartphone in particular is our constant companion these days. It may not be suitable for measuring internal values such as blood pressure or blood values - however, the steps in particular can be counted and tracked without any problems.
Further values can be derived from this. For example, the approximate calorie consumption, general fitness and even a rough quality of heart activity. These conclusions about the state of health make the health data attractive for health insurance companies.
Some supplementary health insurance schemes are already interested in this in Switzerland. The reasons for this are simple: A good overview of a person's current health and a prognosis for possible later visits to a doctor and Co.
What premium discounts are possible?
Some Swiss health insurance companies offer premium discounts for the transmission of health data. In addition to the previously mentioned everyday measuring devices, these health insurance companies also provide their own health monitoring devices.
That sounds intimidating at first, but it can be really worthwhile for the Swiss - the premium discounts are paid out and transferred to the account.
Exchange health data for premium discounts: these are the advantages and disadvantages
Whether you should exchange your health data for premium discounts is primarily a moral and ethical discussion or decision.
Of course, every Swiss citizen has the right to the protection of personal data and the right to informational self-determination. This means that every person can decide for themselves who or how or even against what? he passes on his data.
It is important that this happens voluntarily. As in all areas of life, the following also applies here: Beware of peer pressure !? The more people voluntarily pass on their data, the more normal the optional process becomes and at some point a demanding basic attitude can arise, which puts pressure on those who refuse to do so. exercises.
We have summarized further advantages and disadvantages for you in a simple overview:
benefits | disadvantage |
Bonus discounts in the form of payouts | Submission of personal information |
own awareness of the state of health | Uncertainty about how health data will be used with upcoming technology |
no additional effort | Feeling of surveillance |
Disclosure to patients with high risk factors |
Data protection is particularly important with this concept
Health care providers must follow strict guidelines on how they can handle health data. For example, it is particularly important to exchange confidential medical information only in encrypted form over secure connections.
The intention behind this is to always be able to trace back which person transmitted the data at what time and for what purpose. Doctors assume a large part of the responsibility.
Doctors are obliged to inform their patients about the use of apps and wearables. In addition, it is the duty of doctors to inform their patients about the scope, nature and purpose of the use of the data.
Our neotralo.ch conclusion: You should know that!
In principle, exchanging your own health data for premium discounts can offer you some advantages. Those who had not previously paid attention to their health values could now become more aware of them and pay more attention to improvements in everyday health and fitness.
Apart from that, financial relief through premium discounts is always welcome.
Our neotralo.ch note: Be aware that you are sharing very personal and detailed information about your health. Make sure in advance how exactly and when your health data will be used and processed by health insurance companies and the like.
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