Staying in shape is essential for healthy mental and physical health, which is why more and more people want to join a gym every day. However, memberships are not the most affordable of all the options.
Through some insurance policies, you can become a member at a more affordable price at one of the gyms in town. However, ensure you have the option because not all policies offer it.
All health insurance policies cover gym membership
Not all health insurance policies have this benefit, but the ones that can offer it give you the best solutions to help you save money on your membership. Within the options, there are a variety of benefits provided by many insurers; among the most demanded are:
- Gym memberships
- Exercise class memberships (e.g., yoga, swimming, pilates)
- Skin cancer screenings
- Health screenings
- Weight management programs
- Smoking cessation programs
- Access to nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and more
- Diet and nutrition consultations.
Although all of the above policies are common, not all insurers have all of these benefits. The best solution is to evaluate all available options before purchasing health insurance if you wish to enjoy this benefit.
Insurance companies that cover gym membership fees
Almost all companies at work cover memberships; you will find plans that reimburse part of the costs when you meet some conditions. Some popular companies are:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
One of their great benefits is the fitness program offered to their clients, the Fitness Your Way offers you access to 8000 gyms in different cities around the country. Within their plan, it covers a $29 monthly membership.
Aetna
Another of the country’s popular insurance companies has an interesting discount program that allows you to save on memberships at various gyms in the country. From the moment you purchase your health insurance, you can access this program.
You have the possibility of choosing among 10,000 gyms that are part of the GlobalFit network, and you will have preferential rates.
Depending on your profile, you can receive reimbursements of up to $150 of the annual fees. On the other hand, you have the exclusive offer of the Personal Health Improvement Training Program. Not only will you enjoy gym memberships, but you can also access educational tools to maintain your wellness.
AmeriHealth
With this insurer’s program, you’ll get reimbursed up to $150 of the fees charged by gyms. You will be reimbursed when you complete 120 workouts during 365 days, starting from the moment you enroll.
To access the program, you can only register for one workout per day, and there must be 8 hours between each exercise. If you wish to be an eligible member, you must be at least 18 years old, and the health plan must be a managed care plan such as PPO and HMO.
Cigna
Reimbursement with this insurer can be up to $100 for each calendar year and up to $300 if any of your family members are part of the plan. To obtain benefits, you must choose a qualified health club and be a member of the gym and Cigna for three years.
How to claim gym membership fees?
When you complete the period required to be part of the service, it is time to contact the insurer and find out what needs and restrictions you have to apply for the service. You also need to know the total amount you can claim, which is usually detailed in the policy booklet. To complete the reimbursement, you must send your gym receipts to the insurer to certify the information provided.
Ways your health insurance can pay for these types of memberships
Exercising has many benefits, and it is best to find out if your health insurance can pay for the membership at a more affordable price. Some ways you can receive the membership through your insurance are:
Full reimbursement or stipend
Some insurance companies will reimburse you between $100 and $400 annually for the fees you have spent on your gym membership. To receive these reimbursements, you must provide documentation of the fees paid.
You must also prove that you are an active user at the gym; some companies require you to submit a workout log.
Exclusive member discounts
Other insurers offer, along with the reimbursement program, a discount on health and fitness through an online marketplace. You should ask your insurance provider if you have this option.
Incentive Programs
Companies like Blue Cross offer rewards and rebates as incentives; for example, a weight loss program may provide you with a rebate after following up and finding that you have made beneficial progress. They may also refund your enrollment fee.