The Hidden Cost of Health Tech Leaves Millions Behind in the Data Divide
Fitness trackers and smart wearables are now widely used for monitoring health, but their high costs leave many people behind. Devices like the Apple Watch, Peloton Bike, and Oura Ring offer detailed health insights—yet their price tags put them out of reach for low-income families. This growing gap means those who need health information the most often struggle to access it.
The latest health tech comes with steep prices. An Apple Watch starts at $429, a basic Peloton Bike costs $1,395 plus a $49.99 monthly fee, and an Oura Ring sells for $349. Even budget-friendly options, like a $149 annual WHOOP membership, remain unaffordable for many. Insurance discounts and corporate wellness programs encourage wearable use, but these incentives rarely help those already excluded by cost.
The divide extends beyond fitness trackers. Basic digital healthcare tools—patient portals, appointment apps, and prescription systems—require both internet access and digital skills. Older adults, people with low education, and those at risk of poverty often face barriers to using them. Marginalised groups, including ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and chronically ill patients, also encounter underrepresentation and bias in digital health tools.
Without access to these technologies, people rely on occasional doctor visits and personal judgement for health tracking. Meanwhile, those with wearables receive real-time data and alerts. This imbalance could also skew medical research, as studies may overrepresent wealthier populations who can afford self-monitoring devices.
Closing the digital health gap will require more than discounts or individual purchasing decisions. Redefining essential healthcare technology could ensure everyone has access to basic monitoring tools. Without systemic change, the most vulnerable will continue to miss out on critical health information and support.
