Dutch Insurers Eye Smartwatch Data for Life Insurance Premiums
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 26 February 2025.
Dutch insurers consider integrating smartwatch data into life insurance assessments after a study links 7,000 daily steps with reduced mortality risk.
Groundbreaking Research Partnership
Munich Re Life US, in collaboration with UK-based health data analytics firm Klarity, has conducted extensive research demonstrating the predictive power of wearable technology in assessing mortality risk [1]. The study, analyzing data from 58,631 individuals including 837 recorded deaths, revealed that daily step counts are more predictive of mortality than traditional measures such as BMI, second only to age in reliability [1][2].
Revolutionary Findings for Risk Assessment
The research unveiled striking correlations between physical activity and mortality risk. Individuals maintaining at least 7,000 daily steps showed significantly lower mortality rates, regardless of other health factors [3]. Perhaps most surprisingly, the study found that smokers who walked 7,000 steps daily demonstrated better life expectancy than non-smokers who walked less than 5,000 steps [3]. Similarly, obese individuals achieving the 7,000-step threshold showed a 40% lower mortality rate compared to those with normal BMI but fewer than 5,000 daily steps [4].
Implementation and Privacy Considerations
Dutch insurers are exploring a model similar to the UK’s ‘Black Box’ car insurance system, where driving behavior influences premiums [3]. For life insurance applications, the approach would require voluntary participation, with policyholders agreeing to share their smartwatch data for potential premium benefits [3]. The Nederlands Forensisch Instituut (NFI) has also validated the reliability of smartwatch data, confirming these devices can determine critical health events within a 30-minute margin [5].
Future Implications and Industry Support
Munich Re’s American division is actively supporting insurance companies in implementing smartwatch-based assessment systems, offering customized guidance for integration [3]. The company suggests a phased approach, beginning with pilot programs to evaluate participation rates and establish baseline physical activity patterns [1]. As this technology continues to evolve, insurers are preparing for a future where dynamic, data-driven risk assessment becomes the industry standard [2][4].