Quick Summary
Insurers are experimenting with models that update risk based on ongoing health signals rather than a single snapshot at the time of policy issuance. Global reports from reinsurers and organizations such as the OECD and WHO describe a shift toward prevention, early detection, and continuous risk management. Aether's health graph can power these models while keeping patients in control of their data.
From snapshot underwriting to continuous understanding
Traditional underwriting is based on a proposal form, a one time medical exam, and some historical information. The result is a static view of risk that may not reflect how a person actually lives or how their health evolves.
Global reinsurers and policy groups have pointed out that this approach can be both unfair and inefficient. People who actively manage their health see no reward. Insurers miss early warning signs that could support preventive programs and reduce claims.
What continuous risk scoring could look like
A health graph aggregates lab results, imaging findings, vitals, and health events over time. With proper consent and privacy controls, insurers could use anonymized or aggregated versions of this data to build more dynamic models.
Continuous risk scoring can consider:
- Trends in metabolic markers such as HbA1c and lipids.
- Kidney and liver function stability over multiple years.
- Adherence signals inferred from prescription refill patterns.
- Recovery trajectories after major procedures.
Instead of a single yes or no at issuance, risk can move gradually based on real change in health, not just age or broad demographics.
Why this can be fairer for patients
Many people invest time and money into preventive care. They walk, track vitals, eat better, and go for regular checkups. Yet most pricing systems do not recognize this effort.
Health graph based models make it possible to:
- Reward improved risk rather than penalize historical labels forever.
- Support early detection programs funded by insurers.
- Offer tailored coaching and benefits based on real risk, not generic tiers.
Regulators will still need to set clear boundaries so that dynamic models do not become punitive, but the potential for fairer treatment is real.
The role of Aether in insurer partnerships
Aether is building the patient facing health graph, not an insurer scoring engine. But the same structures that help patients and doctors can support responsible insurance innovation.
In any insurer collaboration, Aether's principles would include:
- Patient consent and clarity about what is shared and why.
- Use of aggregated or de identified data wherever possible.
- Strong separation between clinical use and pricing use.
- Benefits that flow back to patients in the form of better coverage or prevention programs.
Sources and further reading
- OECD reports on preventive health and financing
- WHO resources on health systems and financial protection
- Industry discussions on insurance innovation and health data
Information only. Not actuarial, legal, or financial advice. Any real scoring models must follow local regulation and ethics.
Next steps
- If you are an insurer, explore how anonymized health graphs could support prevention programs.
- If you are a patient, focus on building your own health graph so that your effort is visible when such models arrive.
- If you are a regulator or policymaker, start defining guardrails for dynamic health based pricing.