Podcast Series: Citing Africa

Series 2|Episode 4: Digital Tech and Inclusive Social Policy

The Citing Africa podcast provides a platform where a wide range of knowledge from and about Africa is discussed, disseminated and utilized to promote innovation, particularly within the continent itself. This particular series of the podcast is produced by Master’s students at the London School of Economics (LSE). 

This episode discusses the use of digital health technology to maximise the benefits of health insurance. Specifically, it discusses how insurance companies in South Africa are using external digital measurement devices like Fitbits to measure and price the risk of insuring their clients. Through continuous tracking - by way of the Internet of Things (IoT) - data can be collected on client behaviour, so that those who practice healthy lifestyles like regular exercise, purchasing of healthy food etc., receive “vitality points” which can be redeemed as reduced premiums and cash back offers.  

This approach allows for personalised insurance plans which save clients’ money. It also promotes healthy life choices resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality. It allows for wider coverage and a more efficient means of diagnostic or continuous monitoring for patients. It would appear that the insurance sector has found an innovative, equitable and affordable healthcare financing solution for public health.  

However, this new form of “insurtech” (as it has come to be known) is not without controversy. There are risks to be weighed. What are the ethical issues to consider? We also know that corporations are highly profit-oriented, so perhaps all that glitters is not gold?  

You be the judge.