If you haven’t heard, HPB kickstarted its National Steps Challenge last weekend!
Unlike Rebecca, I’ve failed to complete last year’s National Steps Challenge. For me, I am really motivated by food, and with KOI, LiHo, and other attractive food brands onboard this year, I am determined to claim my $5 vouchers.
While HPB’s National Steps Challenge is free for the public, I have always wanted to weigh the different benefits offered by AIA Vitality and the National Steps Challenge. Given the different points system for both AIA Vitality and the National Step’s challenge, the differences between both wellness programmes were not as salient.
As such, I’ve decided to compare the benefits of both wellness programmes, to see which is more worth it at its price!
TL;DR: National Steps Challenge VS AIA Vitality- Which Is Better?
Cost Comparison: HPB National Steps Challenge VS AIA Vitality
With HPB’s National Steps Challenge free for the public, it’s a no-brainer on who will win on the cost-comparison front.
For those who are interested, the challenge is available for members of the public who are at least 17 years old.
All you have to do is follow this register by downloading the Healthy 365 app and tracking your steps with the tracker provided. You can get the free fitness tracker by following this step-by-step guide.
National Steps Challenge Cost Breakdown (~1 Year)
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Membership Cost | $0 |
| Cost Of Fitness Tracker | $0 |
| Total | $0 |
AIA Vitality Cost Breakdown (1 Year)
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic PA Insurance Plan From AIA: AIA Solitaire Personal Accident Plan 1 | $176.33 |
| AIA Vitality Annual Membership (1 year) | $8 x 12 = $96 |
| Cost Of Fitbit | ~$118 |
| Total | $390.33 |
Points Tracking: How Easy Is It To Get Points?
National Steps Challenge
For the National Steps challenge, there are two ways in which you can earn points from the HPB system, through steps or via moderate to vigorous physical activities (MVPA). Examples of MVPA exercises include yoga, running, soccer, HIIT, or leisure cycling. The intensity of your workout will be recorded through the heart rate monitor on your fitness tracker.
| By Steps or MVPA | Healthpoints (Daily) |
|---|---|
| 5,000 - 7499 steps | 10 |
| 7,500 - 9,999 steps | 25 |
| 10,000 and more steps | 40 (max) |
| 10 - 19 mins of exercise | 10 |
| 20 - 29 mins of exercise | 25 |
| 30 mins and more of exercise | 40 (max) |
To redeem $5 reward vouchers from various merchants, you will have to have a total of 750 healthpoints. The maximum number of points you can receive in a day would be 80 healthpoints. This means that you will need ~1.5 weeks (9-10 days) to redeem a $5 voucher.
Given the frequency, you will be able to redeem your rewards about 2-3 times a month. That’s equivalent to $10-$15 worth of vouchers every month.
AIA Vitality
AIA Vitality has a weekly point system. You will get rewarded with $5 vouchers from Grab, Cold Storage or Starbucks by completing their weekly challenge by clocking in 250 points every week.
Here’s a quick view on how you can earn points from AIA Vitality:
| Type Of Exercise | Measured | Description | Points awarded (Daily) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | Steps Taken Per Day | 10,000 steps | 50 |
| Running (Measure Heart Rate) | Heart Rate | Run for 30 minutes at a heart rate that's >60% of age related maximum heart rate | 50 |
| Run for 60 minutes at a heart rate that's >60% of age related maximum heart rate | 100 | ||
| Run for 30 minutes at a heart rate that's >70% of age related maximum heart rate | 100 | ||
| Running (Measuring Speed) | Speed | Run 30 mins at a minimum of 4km/hr | 50 |
| Run 30 mins at a minimum of 7.2km/hr | 100 | ||
| Run 60 mins at a minimum of 7.2km/hr | 100 |
AIA vitality offers $5 vouchers a week when you complete the weekly individual challenge. This means that you can earn up to $20 worth of vouchers every month.
Comparing this to HPB’s National steps challenge, you will earn more vouchers from AIA Vitality, assuming that you maximise your rewards each time.
That said, for those with a more sedentary lifestyle, the National Steps Challenge allows you to earn progressive, incremental points that will eventually help in getting your vouchers. AIA Vitality’s point system is much stricter in terms of criteria, and may be difficult to achieve for those who are unable to clock in 10,000 steps a day.
Rewards Comparison: HPB National Steps Challenge VS AIA Vitality
While AIA Vitality gives vouchers more frequently to users who maximise their points, HPB’s National Steps Challenge boasts a wider variety of merchants and rewards available.
HPB Rewards
| Reward | Value | Points Needed (Healthpoints : HP) |
|---|---|---|
| Ez Link Card Top Up and Concession Cards | Healthpoints are prorated and converted to money for redemption. | Pro-rated . Minimum 150 HP needed |
| KOI eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Lazada eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| LiHo eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Mr Bean eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Polar Puff and Cakes eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Qi Ji Voucher | $5 | 750 |
| PassionCard Tap For More | 1 Healthpoint = 1 TapForMore Point | 1 Healthpoint = 1 TapForMore Point |
| NTUC Fairprice eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| HPB eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| AIBI | $5 | 750 |
| QQ Rice eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| SSC shopping voucher | $5 | 750 |
| Klook App eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Kallang Wave Mall eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Hillion Mall eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Simply Wraps eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Sportslink eVoucher | $5 | 750 |
| Actxa eVoucher | $10 | 1500 |
| AIBI | $10 | 1500 |
| Asia Malls | $10 | 1500 |
| FairPrice NTUC | $10 | 1500 |
| FairPrice On | $10 | 1500 |
| Hillion Mall | $10 | 1500 |
| Keypower | $10 | 1500 |
| Klook | $10 | 1500 |
| Lazada | $10 | 1500 |
| Sportslink | $10 | 1500 |
| OSIM | $10 | 1500 |
| Asia Malls | $20 | 3000 |
AIA Vitality Rewards
| Reward | Value | Points Needed (AIA Vitality Points) |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks Voucher | $5 | 250 points/ week |
| Cold Storage Voucher | $5 | 250 points/ week |
| Grab Voucher | $5 | 250 points/ week |
Some prominent brands HPB partnered with include bubble tea chains KOI and LiHo, NTUC Fairprice, Mr Bean, Polar Puffs and Cakes, Qi Ji, and various malls for shopping vouchers.
What’s more, rewards also include Ez Link and Concession Card Top Ups, where healthpoints can be pro-rated, and converted into money for redemption.
Deals And Discount Comparison: Which Is Better?
One of AIA Vitality’s major perks would be their (really attractive) partners’ benefits and discounts. From discounted movie tickets, cheaper Fitness First gym memberships to half-priced dream cruises and flights, members of AIA Vitality can enjoy these exclusive discounts on top of their weekly rewards.
| National Step Challenge | AIA Vitality |
|---|---|
| Free Fitbit Inspire HR* worth $158, with Fitbit Premium Subscription at $10/month for a year. *Terms and Condition Apply* | 20% Off Fitness First Membership |
| 2 x $3 Discount On Golden Village Movie Tickets Monthly | |
| 20% Cashback On Healthy Food At Cold Storage | |
| 50% off Royal Caribbean Cruise and Emirates Flights (Platinum Members) | |
| 15% off AIA Insurance Premiums | |
| 25% off Fitbit, Garmin or Polar watches. |
While there are currently no ongoing partner promotions on HPB’s National Step’s Challenge, HPB’s latest nationwide initiative, Live Healthy SG, partners with Fitbit to give a free Fitbit Inspire HR to participants. This however, entails a $10/month subscription fee for a year.
For those interested in getting your free Fitbit, you can read more about it with our comic:
So… Which Should I Go For?
Well, if you do not plan on getting any AIA insurance policies, it is best to stick with HPB’s National Steps Challenge. Aside from benefits from partner companies, and a lower frequency of getting your vouchers, you will be enjoying free vouchers at a 0 cost, especially if you’ve already gotten your free fitness tracker.
If you are also interested in getting an AIA Vitality membership, here’s everything you need to know about the benefits, costs, and how to maximise the membership:
For AIA Vitality members, there’s no stopping you from joining HPB’s National Steps Challenge as well!
With so many initiatives encouraging Singaporeans to get up and moving, there’s little excuse for you to be a couch potato when you’re being paid to exercise for yourself. Don’t be lazy and go get moving today!
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