Smoking really is becoming antisocial. During 2005, PruHealth claim, as many as 6.5 million UK smokers planned to quit. If they all had, there would have been a saving of £11.9 billion and an increase in quality of life. Not only that, all of them could have saved money on their private health insurance premiums.
The Medical Director of PruHealth, Dr. Chris Dark, said: "Smoking seriously damages your health and wellbeing, as well as your wallet . At PruHealth we reward people for looking after their health through our Vitality programme, in which we award points for healthy activities. The more points you earn, the more of your current years premium you could receive back at the end of the year to be used against the following years premium."
The Vitality program is similar to other programs released by insurance companies in the UK. The programs reward the healthiest of their customers, and those who make efforts to improve their health. For instance, PruHealth offer 150 points off for non-smokers, and 150 points to members who attend stop smoking clinics. A ban on smoking in pubs and clubs in England will come into force next year, prompting many people to give up.




