At FinFit Life, we believe life insurance should be about more than just financial protection—it should be a tool for living longer, healthier lives. That’s why we took a keen interest in the recent testimony of Brooks Tingle, President and CEO of John Hancock, before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Health. His message was clear: the future of life insurance is prevention, wellness, and proactive risk management.
Tingle’s testimony highlighted how John Hancock has shifted its approach, integrating health and wellness incentives into their policies through their Vitality program. His insights reinforce what we at FinFit Life have been championing for years: financial and physical health go hand in hand, and the insurance industry has a unique role to play in shaping healthier futures.
A New Role for Life Insurance: Active Risk Management
Traditionally, life insurance has operated as a passive safety net—paying out claims when policyholders pass away. But as Tingle pointed out in his testimony, the industry has a vested interest in keeping people healthy for longer. When policyholders live longer, insurance companies benefit financially by keeping funds invested for longer periods before a claim is paid. But beyond the economics, this shift is rooted in something deeper: values, principles, and a genuine commitment to improving lives.
John Hancock’s Vitality program is a perfect example of how life insurance can become an active partner in people’s health. By rewarding policyholders for everyday healthy choices—like walking more, eating nutritious foods, and undergoing preventive screenings—the company has proven that small lifestyle changes can lead to significant long-term benefits.
The Healthcare Crisis and the Insurance Industry’s Role
Tingle’s testimony also underscored the urgency of this transformation. The U.S. is facing a healthcare crisis driven by chronic diseases, which account for 90% of the nation’s healthcare spending. Consider these staggering statistics:
By 2030, more than 80 million Americans are expected to have at least three chronic diseases.
Cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., with 80% of cancer deaths coming from cancers that lack routine screenings.
Early detection could save the U.S. an estimated $26 billion annually in treatment costs.
These numbers highlight why insurance companies must play a proactive role in disease prevention. John Hancock has taken steps by offering access to cutting-edge health tools like the Galleri multi-cancer detection test and full-body MRI scans from Prenuvo. By incentivizing preventive care, they’re not just helping policyholders—they’re reducing the strain on the healthcare system.
FinFit Life’s Shared Vision
Tingle’s message resonates deeply with FinFit Life’s mission. We believe that true financial security isn’t just about wealth—it’s about health. Our approach, like John Hancock’s, focuses on integrating wellness into financial planning, helping individuals take control of both their physical and financial well-being.
We recognize that:
Prevention is more effective (and more affordable) than treatment.
Small, consistent changes lead to long-term success.
Financial stability and good health go hand in hand.
Through our partnerships, education initiatives, and technology-driven solutions, we empower individuals to build healthier, wealthier futures. Tingle’s testimony affirms that the life insurance industry is moving in the right direction—toward a model that prioritizes wellness and prevention over payouts and risk calculations.
The Future of Life Insurance Is Wellness-Driven
As policymakers and industry leaders take note of Tingle’s testimony, the conversation around life insurance will continue to evolve. The insurance industry is uniquely positioned to influence health outcomes, and companies like John Hancock are leading the charge. At FinFit Life, we are proud to stand alongside this movement, advocating for a smarter, healthier, and more proactive approach to life insurance.
The question now isn’t whether life insurance should be about living well—it’s how fast we can make it the standard.
Are you ready to embrace the future of life insurance? Join us at FinFit Life, where financial fitness meets physical well-being.