Data Collection and Health Insurance Companies

[exceladdict]

Here on AFF we're well versed in discussing credit records; but I'm interested in how this is applying to other industries - particularly health. This thread is sparked by two recent experiences.

I'm with HBF, who in WA are huge. Recently, they've begun offering three free things for members, two of which I want to discuss. The third is free flu shots, which is understandable.

The first one is "free health checks". I was considering this as I figure getting my blood glucose checked couldn't hurt; but when i looked at the rest of the list (they would enquire as to your fitness, diet, etc) I couldn't help myself but think 'wow, they would really find out if I was (un)healthy - I wonder if it would affect my premiums.'

Secondly; they also offer free fitness classes for members. But to register for these, you need to disclose quite detailed information about your diet (how many veges per week, how much take away per week) and your exercise patterns.

We all know that credit card companies know everything about where we spend our money, how much, when, etc - and health insurance companies, based on our claims, know where we visit medical professionals - but is this a way to build up a 'health file' and create risk profiles?

Not judging it one way or another, but it's an interesting instance of the use of complex data, if so.

 

[pauly7]

Data collection / big data is amazing at the moment. I work closely with some of the big data collectors and it's crazy what we can tell from it!

If you bank with NAB they have given us all your purchase data, same with WW EDR and same with FOXTEL subs and recently Facebook has handed us everything on a silver platter. This means to help marketing we can see what you buy, where, what you watch and what you talk about and like on FB.

A lot of people have no idea that these companies in particular have given up this data for a big chunk of $$$