‘If I can do it, anyone can’: Annette’s Vitality story
When Annette took out life insurance to cover her mortgage, little did she know it would kickstart a new lease of... life
Having returned from a weekend in Berlin a decade ago, Annette’s financial adviser recommended she take out a Vitality plan to ensure she had protection in place should the unthinkable happen.
However, when he did, it sparked a light bulb moment. “[In Berlin] my legs hurt, I was asking to get a taxi and saying to the girls I was with that I can’t walk any further,” she remembers.
Once home, Annette wasn’t feeling great about her appearance or her health. “I thought ‘I’ve got to do something’,” she admits.
It was then that the appeal of handcrafted coffees, discounted Champneys stays and free cinema tickets – over and above the life insurance she knew she needed – really resonated.
“Anthony [my adviser] explained about achieving Silver, Gold and Platinum status [through the Vitality Programme], so already in my mind I was thinking ‘I’ve got to get to Platinum’ because I’m a very competitive person.”
Annette realised the change of lifestyle this promised could be really good for her. “Not only am I going to have my premiums not go up if I stay active [through Optimiser], but if I get involved with the Vitality Programme, I can benefit from rewards too.”
“I achieved something I never thought I’d achieve in a million years”
Annette, Vitality member
Now nearly 60, she believes she is far healthier now than she was in her early 50s. She says she owes a lot of that to Vitality.
“I wouldn’t have the fitness regime I have today, if it wasn’t for my life insurance.” During her first 10 years with Vitality, Annette has notched a number of achievements that, we hope, will add an additional 10 years to her life.
After all, walking just 5,000 steps three times a week can add up to three years to our life expectancy, research has shown [1].
“It’s revolutionised my life,” she explains. “It’s made such a difference, and I couldn’t imagine going back to the way I was.”
If you would like to know more on understanding women's health and your policy options visit here: Understanding Women's Health | Key Health Checks and Tests
Annette’s achievements since joining Vitality:
- Ran her first 5k
Given her new-found love of physical activity, Annette decided it was about time ran a race. So, she entered the Coventry 5k, which she took part in in the rain, no less. “I got soaked. And achieved something I never thought I’d achieve in a million years.”
- Started tracking her steps
- Joined her local swimming pool
- Lost three-and-half-stone In the space of five months with Vitality, Annette says she lost three-and-a-half stone, helping her reach a healthier weight, after feeling motivated by the Vitality Programme.
Spurred on by her new wearable device, Annette started tracking her steps when she first joined Vitality. “Even walking around the block for 30 minutes was difficult, but little by little I got heathier and gradually got quicker.
Swimming twice a week also helped her find her rhythm, after she joined her local pool. A regular routine she keeps up today, alongside running and walking in her local park.
Watch her full story below:
At Vitality, our life cover can cost as little as £5 per month (that’s less than your average weekly coffee order), with an average monthly cost of £55 per plan[1].
Plus, members who add Optimiser to their life policy, can save up to 40% on their premiums when they look after their health. Vitality life insurance holders saved on average £114 each year through lower premiums[2].
To find out more about a life insurance plan with Vitality visit vitality.co.uk.
[1] Vitality data, 2023
[2] Vitality Life Claims and Benefits Report, 2022
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- Private healthcare from as little as £1.45 per day1
- Rated 5 Star by Defaqto
- Get healthy to earn rewards like Apple Watch
1 Price is based on the following criteria: a 35-year-old based in Peterborough, plan start date April 2025, Full Medical Underwriting, Consultant Select hospital option, £250 excess and £500 out-patient benefit and includes Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)
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