January 13, 2005 – In the Netherlands, insurer VGZ has announced that it will reimburse customers who consume margarine, yogurt and dairy products specially designed to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood.
Since 1er January 2005, VGZ policyholders can obtain a reimbursement of up to 40 euros (approximately 63 Canadian dollars1) per year, if they consume the low-fat Becel pro-activ brand products, manufactured by the Anglo-Dutch group Unilever.
According to Unilever, these products – which contain phytosterols – would reduce the blood level of bad cholesterol (LDL or Low Density Lipoproteins, or low density lipoproteins).
In a statement, the life insurer explains that 120,000 of its two million customers take cholesterol-lowering drugs and that a decrease in cholesterol consumption could reduce their need for drugs, while considerably reducing the risk of heart disease. It should be noted that in the Netherlands, one in three people have too high a cholesterol level, according to VGZ.
A new trend in insurance?
What insurers call preferred pricing already exists, both in Quebec and elsewhere in the world. This is a practice whereby the insurer offers a discount to holders of particular insurance policies. For example, athletic people with an excellent health record can obtain a reduction in premium or a partial refund of their subscription to a fitness center, provided they formally commit to staying in shape.
When will we see discounts for people who eat healthily? “We are not there yet,” emphasizes Daniel Roussel, spokesperson for Desjardins Financial Security.
But he does not hide that the gesture made by VGZ is provoking a fundamental debate in the life insurance industry. “Several studies are currently being carried out on the evolution of certain risk factors, and I can tell you that the next debate will focus on obesity”, confided Mr. Roussel.
According to him, obesity is on the verge of being seen by insurers as a factor increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes, two conditions that require taking drugs that are costly for them.
And since the role of insurers is to manage risk, obese people may either have to pay higher premiums, have some of their coverage cut, or no longer be insurable at all.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters and Novum Nieuws.
1. Based on the exchange rate as of January 13, 2005.
