Common Health Devices Inventory Guide for Insurance Claims and Policy Coverage
Common health devices like scales, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, pulse oximeters, and exercise trackers (Fitbit, Oura, Withings) are critical for maintaining and monitoring health. These devices may seem small but often come with a hefty price tag, especially when bundled with advanced features or smart technology.
Properly documenting and insuring these devices is essential to protect against financial loss due to damage, theft, or loss. This guide will help you create a comprehensive inventory of these devices for insurance purposes.
What Are Insurable Health Devices?
Devices such as scales, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and portable exercise trackers have become a large part in managing personal health. These devices can be paired with apps and smart technology to track vital health metrics, and many are essential for those managing chronic health conditions. Documenting and insuring these devices can help you replace them quickly in the event of an unfortunate incident.
Importance of Documenting Health Devices
Common health devices are often used daily and can accumulate significant value, especially when including smart devices and accessories. To ensure that you can replace them if necessary, it is essential to keep thorough records, including model numbers, pictures and receipts.
Ensuring Proper Insurance Coverage
Replacement Value Coverage: Ensure your insurance policy covers devices at replacement value rather than actual cash value, which accounts for Depreciation. This ensures you can replace your equipment with the latest models.
Detailed Documentation: Maintain an updated inventory of your health devices, including model numbers and receipts. Be sure to include photos of each device and any necessary appraisals.
Consider Specialized Riders: If your devices are particularly high-value or technologically advanced, consider adding a rider to your insurance policy to ensure they are fully covered.
Regular Inventory Updates: As you replace or upgrade your health devices, update your inventory and check with your insurance provider to make sure these changes are reflected in your policy.
Quick List of Common Devices and Accessories by Category
Here’s a categorized inventory guide for various types of health devices and accessories, to help you document and manage your collection for insurance purposes. We’ve included some mainstream examples that hopefully help your process along.
Scales
Smart Scales (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled):
Withings Body+ (Smart Scale)
Body Composition Monitors:
Track weight, BMI, fat percentage, and muscle mass.
Portable or Travel Scales:
Compact versions of scales for travel or portable use.
Thermometers
Digital Thermometers:
Quick and accurate, ideal for home use.
Smart Thermometers:
Thermometers that integrate with apps to track and record temperatures over time.
Ear and Forehead Thermometers:
Non-contact thermometers suitable for babies and children.
Blood Pressure Monitors
Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors:
iHealth Track (Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor)
Withings BPM Connect (Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor)
Manual Blood Pressure Monitors:
Traditional monitors used with stethoscopes.
Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors:
Compact monitors for on-the-go readings.
Glucose Meters
Portable Glucose Monitors:
Devices to monitor blood sugar levels.
Smart Glucose Monitors:
Devices that connect with apps to record blood glucose readings over time.
Glucose Monitoring Kits:
Bundles that include test strips, lancets, and carrying cases.
Pulse Oximeters
Standard Pulse Oximeters:
Devices that measure oxygen saturation levels.
Masimo MightySat (Fingertip Pulse Oximeter)
Smart Pulse Oximeters:
Pulse oximeters that sync with apps for real-time oxygen monitoring and data storage.
Portable Exercise Trackers
Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches:
Fitbit (Versa, Charge, Sense models)
Oura Ring (Tracks sleep, recovery, and activity)
Withings Move ECG (Fitness Watch with ECG functionality)
Heart Rate Monitors:
Devices designed to track heart rate during exercise and rest.
Sleep Trackers:
Devices that monitor sleep cycles, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep.
Baby Monitors and Devices
Smart Baby Monitors:
Monitors that connect to apps, allowing parents to watch their baby from their smartphone.
Thermometers for Babies:
Ear and forehead thermometers specifically designed for babies.
Baby Scales:
Scales designed to track the weight of newborns and infants.
Key Considerations for Common Device Collection Management
Digital Inventory: Keep a digital inventory of your common health devices, including serial numbers, model numbers, purchase receipts, and photos. This will make filing an insurance Claim much easier in the event of loss or damage.
Proper Storage: Store your devices in a safe, dry location to protect them from damage. This is especially important for devices that are portable or require regular travel, such as fitness trackers and smart scales.
Regular Updates: As you replace or upgrade devices, update your inventory and ensure your insurance policy reflects the current value of your devices.
Check for Specialized Insurance Riders: Some high-end or smart devices may require a specialized insurance rider for full coverage. Regularly review your policy to make sure all valuable devices are covered adequately.
Further Reading and Resources
These resources provide additional insights into a variety of health devices and products to help you categorize your own claims, inventory your existing devices or even find something new. Just remember to try and take care of yourself during a larger disaster / insurance claims process and check out our Chapter on Personal Health in our Guidebook titled “The Next Few Weeks” for more tips.
Wrap-Up: Inventorying & Protecting Health Devices
Common health devices like scales, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and fitness trackers have become essential tools in maintaining personal health. By keeping an up-to-date inventory of these devices and ensuring they are covered by your insurance policy, you can protect yourself from financial loss due to damage, theft, or loss.
Proper documentation and insurance coverage provide peace of mind, ensuring that you always have access to the tools you need for your health and well-being.