John Hancock Vitality insurance policyholders can now pay for Apple Watch with exercise

BOSTON, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock today announced the launch of its new Vitality Active Rewards with Apple Watch program, which gives John Hancock Vitality life insurance policyholders the opportunity to earn a new Apple Watch Series 2 for just $25, simply by being more active. John Hancock is the first life insurer in the U.S. to motivate policyholders to get more active by offering them the opportunity to participate in this innovative program and earn their Apple Watch Series 2.

John Hancock redefined life insurance in 2015 by introducing its Vitality program, which allows policyholders to save significantly on their premiums and earn valuable rewards by taking small steps to live healthy, like walking, exercising or getting regular check-ups. The program expanded earlier this year with the addition of the Vitality HealthyFood™ benefit, through which customers can earn points and save up to $600 a year on their grocery bills for choosing healthy foods at participating grocery stores.

"We are proud to continually evolve our John Hancock Vitality life insurance program and bring new benefits and rewards to our policyholders," said Michael Doughty, president, John Hancock Insurance. "We're excited to offer Apple Watch Series 2 for our customers to help them be active and live healthier today, while protecting their financial future."

Get Apple Watch. Get Active. Get Rewarded.

Through the Vitality Active Rewards with Apple Watch program, policyholders who want to participate simply sign up, choose their Apple Watch Series 2, pay the $25 initial fee (plus tax), and then receive an Apple Watch Series 2 to get started. Whether they like to walk, run, bike or swim, it's easy for participants to track their activities and earn Vitality Points that go towards monthly payments for their watch over two years. John Hancock Vitality members will be able to fully fund their Apple Watch by meeting monthly Vitality Active Rewards targets that are achievable over 24 months.

"Our research of the thousands of participants using Apple Watch on our Vitality program in South Africa shows that these members are more physically active than those using other fitness devices, and we've also seen an average increase of 46% in weekly physical activities for those using the watch," said Alan Pollard, CEO of The Vitality Group. "These incentives are effective in helping to drive healthy behaviors and program participation."

The Vitality Active Rewards with Apple Watch program is available to both new and existing John Hancock Vitality policyholders.¹

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife 
John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were $966 billion (US $736 billion) as at September 30, 2016. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments,  401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

About Vitality

The Vitality Group is a member of Discovery Ltd., a global financial services organization offering an incentive-based wellness program to employers as part of their benefits program. With a foundation based on actuarial science and behavioral economic theory, Vitality encourages changes in lifestyle that reduce health care costs, both in the short run and long term, by rewarding members for addressing their specific health issues. Vitality wellness programs serve companies in a wide range of sizes and industries, improving individuals' health and well-being as well as employers' bottom lines.

Vitality brings a global perspective through successful partnerships with large employers and best-in- class insurers around the world, in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, China, Singapore and Australia. Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VitalityUSA.

1. SmartProtect Term with Vitality and John Hancock Term with Vitality policies less than $2,000,000 are not eligible for Vitality Active Rewards with Apple Watch
   
   Insurance products are issued by: John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02210 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595.
   
   Vitality is the provider of the John Hancock Vitality Program in connection with policies issued by John Hancock.

John Hancock Vitality Program rewards and discounts are only available to the person insured under the eligible life insurance policy.  Rewards and discounts are subject to change and are not guaranteed to remain the same for the life of the policy.

Rewards may vary based on the type of insurance policy purchased for the insured (Vitality Program Member).

HealthyFood savings are based on qualifying purchases and may vary based on the terms of the John Hancock Vitality program.
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SOURCE John Hancock Financial