USING POINTS FOR FREE HOTEL STAYS
A lot of us use points programs for things like free flights or hotels but most people don’t realize that they can earn points from their insurance policies.
Last month Lindsay and I took full advantage of Manulife’s Vitality program to pay for two hotel stays on our honeymoon. As you’re paying premiums every month, perhaps you could benefit too. Here’s an overview of the program.
The Manulife Vitality program is a comprehensive wellness initiative designed to encourage and reward healthy living among its members. This program integrates various wellness activities and health-related tasks into a points-based system, where members can earn rewards and benefits by actively participating in and improving their health. By combining traditional health insurance with modern wellness incentives, Manulife Vitality offers a unique value proposition to its policyholders.
The Concept of Vitality
At its core, the Manulife Vitality program is built on the principle of incentivizing healthy behaviors. Members are encouraged to engage in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These activities range from routine exercise and regular health check-ups to educational activities focused on wellness. The program is designed to be interactive and engaging, making the pursuit of health and wellness both fun and rewarding.
Earning Points
Members of the Manulife Vitality program earn points for completing various health-related activities. These points accumulate and contribute to their overall Vitality Status, which ranges from Bronze to Platinum. The higher the status, the greater the rewards and benefits available.
1. Physical Activity: Points can be earned through various physical activities such as walking, running, cycling, and gym workouts. For instance, a member might earn 10 points for walking 5,000 steps in a day, 20 points for 10,000 steps, and 30 points for 15,000 steps. Other physical activities, such as completing a fitness assessment, participating in organized sports events, or attending fitness classes, also contribute to the point total.
2. Health Check-ups: Regular health screenings and check-ups are a critical component of the Vitality program. Members can earn points for completing health assessments, dental check-ups, eye exams, flu vaccinations, and biometric screenings. These preventive measures not only help in early detection and management of health issues but also contribute significantly to the accumulation of Vitality points.
3. Education and Awareness: The program emphasizes the importance of health education. Members can earn points by completing online wellness courses, participating in health risk assessments, and engaging with educational materials that cover topics like nutrition, mental health, and chronic disease management. This aspect of the program ensures that members are not only physically active but also well-informed about their health.
4. Healthy Habits: In addition to physical activities and medical check-ups, members can earn points for adopting and maintaining healthy habits. This includes activities such as getting a flu shot, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and achieving quality sleep. The program offers tools and resources to help members track and improve these habits over time.
Vitality Status Levels
The Manulife Vitality program features four status levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level represents a higher commitment to healthy living and comes with increasing benefits and rewards.
1. Bronze Status: Bronze status is the entry-level tier for new members. At this level, members start earning points for basic health activities and begin their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. The benefits at this stage are introductory but serve as a foundation for future rewards.
2. Silver Status: Achieving Silver status indicates a moderate level of engagement with the program. Members at this level have accumulated a significant number of points and are actively participating in various wellness activities. Benefits include discounts on health-related products and services, as well as access to basic rewards.
3. Gold Status: Gold status represents a higher level of commitment to health and wellness. Members who reach this level have consistently engaged in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Rewards at this stage include more substantial discounts and benefits, such as reduced premiums on insurance policies and greater access to wellness resources.
4. Platinum Status: Platinum status is the highest tier in the Manulife Vitality program. Members at this level have demonstrated a significant commitment to their health and have accumulated the most points. The rewards and benefits for Platinum members are the most generous, including premium reductions, exclusive discounts on travel and hotel accommodations, and access to high-value rewards.
Benefits and Rewards
The Manulife Vitality program offers a wide range of benefits and rewards to incentivize healthy living. These rewards are designed to provide immediate value to members while also encouraging long-term engagement with the program.
1. Hotel Discounts: One of the standout benefits of the Vitality program is the ability to earn discounts on hotel stays. Members can use their accumulated points to receive substantial discounts on accommodations at participating hotels. This benefit is particularly attractive to frequent travelers and those who enjoy vacations, making healthy living directly contribute to more affordable travel experiences.
2. Reduced Insurance Premiums: As members progress through the Vitality status levels, they can earn significant reductions on their insurance premiums. This benefit not only provides immediate financial savings but also reinforces the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By reducing the cost of insurance, Manulife effectively rewards members for their commitment to health and wellness.
3. Fitness Device Discounts: Members can receive discounts on popular fitness devices such as Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Watch. These devices help members track their physical activities, monitor their health metrics, and stay motivated to achieve their wellness goals. By offering discounts on these devices, the Vitality program makes it easier for members to integrate technology into their health routines.
4. Shopping and Lifestyle Discounts: In addition to health-related benefits, the Vitality program offers discounts on various shopping and lifestyle products. Members can enjoy savings on items such as sporting goods, gym memberships, and healthy food options. These discounts help members maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle without incurring significant costs.
5. Exclusive Access to Events: Platinum members gain access to exclusive events and experiences. These may include health and wellness retreats, fitness challenges, and special seminars with health experts. These events provide additional motivation and opportunities for members to engage with the program and further their health journeys.
6. Personal Health Coaching: Members have access to personalized health coaching services. These coaches provide tailored advice and support to help members achieve their wellness goals. Whether it’s developing a fitness plan, managing stress, or improving nutrition, health coaches play a crucial role in guiding members towards better health outcomes.
Conclusion
The Manulife Vitality program is a comprehensive and innovative approach to health and wellness. By integrating a points-based system with a wide range of rewards and benefits, the program effectively incentivizes members to lead healthier lives. From physical activities and health check-ups to educational resources and personalized coaching, the Vitality program offers numerous ways for members to improve their well-being. The various status levels and associated rewards ensure that members are continuously motivated to engage with the program and reap the benefits of their healthy choices. Whether it’s through reduced insurance premiums, discounts on hotel stays, or access to exclusive events, the Manulife Vitality program provides tangible value to its members while promoting a culture of health and wellness.
