Most people would love to own a smartwatch – but not everyone can afford one. Luckily, there are many health insurance providers that have recognized the power of wearable fitness devices and the impact they can have on your health. If you’re looking to score a free (or subsidized) smartwatch, we have a list of the top providers right now.
1. Aetna’s Attain Program
- Provider: Aetna
- Offer: Attain by Aetna allows eligible members to obtain an Apple Watch for free. However, to truly “earn” this free watch, customers must achieve daily or weekly activity targets.
- How it Works: After receiving the watch, customers can use the Attain app to track their goals and the dollars they’ve earned through activity.
- Additional Benefits: If you already own an Apple Watch, you can still benefit from this program. Stay active and earn gift cards from Amazon, Best Buy, and CVS.
2. UnitedHealthCare Motion
- Provider: UnitedHealthCare
- Offer: Similar to Aetna’s program, UnitedHealthCare Motion members can earn an Apple Watch by staying active and “walking it off.”
- How it Works: While all UnitedHealthCare members receive a free year of Apple Fitness Plus, only Motion members can earn an Apple Watch.
3. John Hancock’s Vitality Plus Membership
- Provider: John Hancock (typically a life insurance company)
- Offer: Members of the Vitality Plus tier can get the latest Apple Watch for an initial payment of $25 plus tax. Over 24 months, monthly installments are reduced based on the amount of exercise recorded, potentially leading to zero additional payments.
- How it Works: Achieve your exercise goals to reduce or eliminate your monthly installments.
- Alternative Options: If the Apple Watch isn’t your first choice, John Hancock also offers a complimentary Amazon Halo Band with a free three-year Halo membership (valued at $244) and free Fitbit devices.
4. Medicare through Devoted Health
- Provider: Devoted Health
- Offer: While you can’t get an Apple Watch for free, most customers can get a $150 reimbursement on its purchase price.
- How it Works: This subsidy, termed Wellness Bucks, can be used to offset the cost of smartwatches, fitness trackers, or even wearable devices.
- Additional Benefits: Devoted Health members can also apply their Wellness Bucks toward gym memberships or fitness classes, enjoying up to $150 in reimbursements.
If you’re considering investing in a smartwatch, it’s worthwhile to check if your health insurance provider offers any promotions or reimbursements. Embracing a more active lifestyle not only benefits your health but could also lead to some fantastic savings on the latest tech gear.