Are you thinking about buying an Apple Watch, but it’s too expensive for you? Then ask your health insurance company, some subsidize the purchase of a fitness tracker or watch with up to 380 euros.
Fitness trackers like the Garmin vívofit 4 can help you lead a more active lifestyle. (Source: netzwelt.de)
- Only individual health insurance companies offer a direct subsidy for the purchase of a fitness tracker or a smartwatch and only under certain conditions.
- However, many health insurance companies have a bonus point system with which you can collect points in conjunction with a smartwatch or fitness tracker.
- The system differs greatly depending on the health insurance company. Points are available, among other things, for health measures such as preventive examinations, attending courses or exercising.
With a fitness tracker or smartwatch you don’t just see the time. The little helpers monitor your sleep, pulse and other values to help you lead a healthier lifestyle. This is entirely in the spirit of the statutory health insurance companies.
They have an interest in you living as healthily as possible in order to keep the strain on the system as low as possible. Efforts to live a healthier life are subsidized by some health insurance companies. However, there are some differences.
Direct grant vs. bonus system
The extent to which the purchase of a fitness tracker or smartwatch is subsidized depends largely on the provider. Only a few health insurance companies offer a direct or unconditional subsidy for purchase. Instead, the vast majority of statutory health insurance companies rely on a bonus point system.
The scheme is similar: health care measures can be used to earn points that can be paid out later or exchanged for a reward, such as a smartwatch. Below we clarify what the situation is with the various health insurance companies.
Which health insurance companies offer a subsidy?
With the General Local Health Insurance Fund (AOK), the subsidy depends on which part of the republic you are in. Depending on the regional association, the conditions and the amount of the subsidies vary:
AOK: Differences depending on region
- AOK Plus: With AOK Plus, which is available throughout Germany, you get 90 euros for fitness tracking and an additional 60 euros for achieving health goals in your own app.
- AOK Northeast: At AOK Nordost, 50 euros of the purchase price of a fitness tracker or smartwatch can be reimbursed every two years.
- AOK Rhineland and Hamburg: At AOK Rheinland/Hamburg you can secure points worth 10 or 30 euros through various forms of proof. The amount depends on the proof. In addition to examinations, various sporting activities are also available. You can use the money you receive for a smartwatch, for example.
- AOK Bayern, AOK Rhineland-Palatinate/Saarland and AOK Baden-Württemberg: These three health insurance companies have a classic bonus points system. Points can be collected by taking part in preventative health measures such as vaccinations, courses or check-ups. These can then be exchanged for non-cash rewards.
Technician health insurance (TK)
The Techniker Krankenkasse also offers a bonus program. There you get up to 200 euros paid out directly every year. Points are earned by attending health activities such as check-ups or training courses.
Barmer
At Barmer the procedure is similar. Here, too, you can collect points in a bonus program by participating in preventative health measures. You get at least ten euros per activity. The amount is capped at 150 euros per year.
IKK classic
Insured people can also take part in preventative health measures with IKK classic. Anyone who takes part in sports, examinations, vaccinations and other opportunities can earn up to 220 euros a year.
DAK health
DAK-Gesundheit also offers its insured persons a bonus program. The main focus here is on preventive examinations. You will receive at least five euros per measure.
Other grants and bonus programs
- Continental BKK: At Continentale BKK you receive different amounts of money depending on your age and activity. A subsidy of 380 euros per year is possible for fitness trackers, for example.
- mhplus health insurance: In addition to the bonus program, mhplus health insurance also offers “mhplus move”. After completing certain tasks, you will either receive an amount of money or bonus points to redeem rewards.
- Mobile health insurance: Mobil Krankenkasse will have a new bonus program from 2024. There you can receive 300 euros per year.
- vivida BKK: Direct subsidy from the vivida BKK for a smartwatch of up to 300 euros if: You are in the gym or sports club and your health values are within the normal range (weight, body fat, blood pressure). But be careful: after that you can only benefit from the pension bonus for 2 years. The normal sports bonus amounts to up to 100 euros per year.
- hkk health insurance: If you have proven two activities from the precautionary bonus and three activities from the active bonus with the hkk health insurance company and choose the health subsidy, then you will receive a one-off payment of 280 euros for the purchase of a fitness tracker. Otherwise there is also a normal bonus program.
- Novitas BKK: At Novitas BKK there are up to 300 euros in bonuses for certified sporting activities.
Special regulations for senior smartwatches
There are separate rules for so-called senior smartwatches or home emergency call buttons. The level of care of the person in question is, among other things, crucial for the reimbursement of costs. Please inquire about this at your cash desk.
Are you still unsure whether you should use a fitness tracker or smartwatch? In our large comparison tests, we clarify similarities and differences and help you make your purchase decision.
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