From sleeping better to keeping your body running in tip top shape, studies show that working out consistently can do wonders for your health — but maybe not so much for your wallet. The good news? You might already be paying for a gym membership without realizing it. Many health insurance plans now include fitness perks, ranging from discounted gym memberships to reimbursement programs that can make working out a lot more affordable — and sometimes even free.
Here’s how to find out if your plan will cover part (or all) of your next membership.
1. Check Your Health Plan’s Perks
Before signing up for a gym, take a close look at the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) offered by your insurance plan. This document outlines everything your plan covers — and sometimes, that list goes far beyond routine doctor visits and prescriptions.
Many insurers now offer “wellness benefits” that include partial reimbursements for gym memberships, discounts on fitness classes, or access to online workout classes. Others extend their coverage to holistic or alternative treatments like acupuncture and massage therapy, and some even offer savings or reimbursements on wearable fitness devices such as Fitbits and Apple Watches.
If you don’t see anything listed, don’t assume it’s not covered. Call your provider and ask about “self-care” or “wellness” perks that might fall under your plan. As Michael Orefice, senior vice president of operations at SmartFinancial, told CNET, “If certain self-care perks are not specifically listed as covered or excluded benefits, ask your provider for more information.”
2. Look for Gym Partnerships
Some insurance companies partner directly with gym franchises to make memberships cheaper for their members. For instance, plans under UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield often have discounted rates through fitness networks like Active&Fit or GlobalFit.
Aetna’s website notes that members can save on “gym memberships, health coaches and nutrition products,” and that these discounts are “included with your Aetna health benefits.”
If you’re an older adult, check your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan for access to SilverSneakers or similar fitness programs. These programs typically come with free or heavily-discounted gym access, plus low-impact workout classes designed for seniors.
Pro tip: Insurers would rather pay a little now to keep you healthy than a lot later for medical care — so they have a strong incentive to help you stay active.
3. Ask About Reimbursement Programs
If your plan doesn’t partner with specific gyms, it may still offer reimbursement options to help offset your overall membership costs. These programs typically pay you back for part of your fees once you show proof that you’ve been using your membership regularly. Depending on your plan, you might even qualify for corporate wellness reimbursements that cover at-home workout gear (things like mats, weights, or resistance bands), in addition to gym or studio memberships. Some plans also extend to yoga, pilates, spin classes, and even spas, massage therapy, or recovery services.
Most insurers will require a few months’ worth of visit logs or proof of attendance to qualify. Some plans, like Blue Cross’ Fitness Program, will cover up to $150 per year — and while that might not cover the full amount, it can slash your monthly expenses considerably.
To find out if you qualify, check your insurer’s website or call customer service and ask about fitness reimbursement programs under your plan.
4. Use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), which is typically offered through your employer, you might be able to use those pre-tax dollars to pay for a gym membership and other health-related expenses.
There are a few caveats, though. Most plans will require what’s known as a “letter of medical necessity” from your doctor explaining that regular exercise is prescribed to treat a specific condition, such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension. Once that’s on file, you can submit your gym payments for reimbursement just like you would with any other qualified medical expense.
Keep in mind that enrollment isn’t automatic, but if you’re already exercising for health reasons, it’s worth checking with both your doctor and your FSA or HSA administrator to see if your membership qualifies.
Don’t Forget About Online and At-Home Options
If you prefer working out at home, many insurers now cover part (or sometimes even all) of virtual fitness programs and apps. These can include subscriptions to Peloton, Fitbit Premium, or ClassPass, and even wellness apps focused on yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. According to CDPHP, eligible members can be “reimbursed up to $400 per plan year for qualified fitness activities and fitness trackers.”
You can also find countless free classes on YouTube, whether you’re looking for strength training, Pilates, cardio, or low-impact workouts. This option is especially handy if you live far from a participating gym or prefer to work out on your own schedule.
Worth the Hassle
No one loves dealing with insurance and filling out paperwork, but if it means getting your workouts covered, it’s worth the hassle. The worst they can say is no — and the best case? You’re taking care of your health by walking away with a discounted (or possibly free!) gym membership.
More health content:
- 10 Costly Mistakes You’re Making at the Gym — Amid lunges and squats, we might unknowingly make expensive mistakes at the gym that end up draining our wallets.
- Is Your Gym Membership Holding You Hostage? Here’s How To Bust Out — Follow these tips to learn how you can cancel your gym membership more efficiently next time.
- 19 Real Medical Bill Horror Stories That Show How Expensive Healthcare Can Get — These real stories of outrageous medical bills reveal the darker side of the U.S. healthcare system.
