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Survey: Consumers Prefer Keeping Wearable Device Data from Insurers

August 17, 2015

remote health monitoring

connected health devices

fitness tracker

According to research firm Parks Associates, the majority of those surveyed indicated that they are not willing to share data collected from wearable devices, even if it meant receiving a discount on their health insurance premiums. In spite of this reluctance, these same consumers were willing to share data for the purpose of troubleshooting the devices themselves.

The results of the survey varied significantly by device. Forty-two percent of digital pedometer owners were willing to share data in order to receive a health insurance discount; for smartwatch owners the total was 35 percent; and for sleep-quality monitor owners it was 26 percent. Nevertheless, a solid majority of device owners was not willing to share data.

Consumers are justified in their concerns about health data privacy. The Los Angeles Times told in July of a security breach in October 2014 where hackers compromised UCLA Health Systems’ computer network, putting 4.5 million patients’ sensitive data at risk. What was troubling about the incident was that it took nearly seven months from the time suspicious activity was discovered in October, to May 5, which is when investigators determined the system was hacked. Additionally troubling was that the data was not even encrypted.

From the article "Survey: Consumers Prefer Keeping Wearable Device Data from Insurers" by Christopher Mohr.

Previously In The News

Nearly Half of U.S. Households Own and Use Wearable Devices

A recent consumer study conducted by Parks Associates reveals that nearly 50% of U.S. internet households now own and actively use wearable devices, underscoring the growing demand for health and safe...

EV owners also use smart home tech

As electric vehicles continue to gain traction, a recent study from research and consulting firm Parks Associates found a growing trend among EV owners: A strong inclination toward adopting smart home...

Need to Know: Why do we need cross-media measurement?

According to research firm Parks Associates, the average U.S. household with internet access owns 17 connected devices. Even if we strike security cameras and wearables from the list, that’s a lot of...

How insurers are using smart-home technology

A growing number of insurers are following suit, partnering with smart-home technology companies to prevent and manage claims while also enhancing their value proposition, says Jennifer Kent, vice pre...

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