Health Insurance With Gym Membership

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Does health insurance cover gym memberships?

Do all extras policies include gym memberships?

What other health and fitness benefits can I get?

Fitness extras commonly available through health insurance

Why do some health insurers offer benefits towards gym memberships and fitness classes?

How much of my fitness costs will private health insurance cover?

How do I make a claim on gym membership and fitness extras?

How do I find a suitable policy that offers cover towards gym memberships?

Long story short

Health insurance can cover gym memberships

Some health insurance policies provide rebates for gym memberships or fitness classes. Usually, it’s extras cover that may cover the cost.

Broader fitness benefits available

Some policies cover personal training sessions and weight management programs, but you’ll need a health professional’s approval to access these benefits.

Insurers prioritise your long-term health

Health insurers believe in preventative health, since acting now can minimise your risk of health issues later on.

We all know that physical activity is an important part of looking after our wellbeing. That’s why some health insurance plans provide rebates and discounts for gym memberships. Heck, some insurers even provide cover for fitness classes. But which policies offer this kind of insurance? Let’s take a look to find out!

Does health insurance cover gym memberships?

In short, yes it can – but it depends on the fund and policy. When it comes to gym memberships, it’s extras cover – not hospital – that may help cover the cost. While hospital cover has a bunch of benefits, it usually just covers in-hospital treatments, so it isn’t going to help you with your gym fees. 

Extras cover is there to help with the costs of general services – the things you get outsideof hospital like physiotherapy, glasses, or general dental treatment. Think of a lot of the things Medicare doesn’t cover. 

Conveniently, your extras cover also extend to preventative health services like gym memberships and exercise classes. But your eligibility might hinge on you completing a Health Improvement Benefit form from your health fund.

Do all extras policies include gym memberships?

No, it’s important to be aware that not every extras policy includes benefits towards gym memberships! You’ll want to put on your detective hat and do some research before you commit to anything. iSelect can be the Watson to your Sherlock, though, and help you compare extras policies to see if we can find one that can help with your gym membership.

Health insurance providers that offer gym memberships and discounts

ahm

Depending on your extras policy, you could claim on gym membership, exercise classes like spin and aqua aerobics, and even sessions with a personal trainer.

Australian Unity

Your Australian Unity extras policy might be able to get you money back on extra wellbeing support, like nicotine replacement therapy and skin checks. 

frank

Your frank extras policy might come with additional health maintenance benefits, like money back on exercise classes, weight management programs, and even sunscreen and swimwear.

HCF

With certain HCF policies, you could claim money back on a gym membership, exercise classes, and dietitian-led weight management programs.

nib

Your nib cover could include Healthier Lifestyle benefits, getting you money back on gym memberships, personal training, and weight management programs. 

Peoplecare

With an eligible Peoplecare policy, you could claim money back on fitness programs, like gym memberships, pool entry fees, and personal or group training.

Note: Gym membership discounts and benefits depend on your policy and eligibility. Not all policies available from iSelect from the above health insurance funds include gym membership benefits.

What other health and fitness benefits can I get?

Extras cover might help you with more than just gym memberships. Some plans may also include discounts or benefits towards sessions with personal trainers and weight and health management programs. Most funds require you to have a health professional fill in a form to state you need the gym membership or exercise program to improve a specific health or medical condition.

Policies usually refer to these fitness benefits as ‘health management,’ ‘wellness,’ or ‘lifestyle’ benefits. If you already have health insurance with extras, check for these in your policy documents. You may already be covered for gym membership benefits that you aren’t claiming.

Some health insurers also have agreements with particular gyms or instructors. The same goes for certain exercise or fitness programs. This may help decide which insurer is the most suitable fit. iSelect can help review a range of policies and providers to see if we can match a plan to the type of fitness cover you’re after, or one that involves the gym closest to you.

Helpful tip

Your extras policy can make it easier to take a holistic approach to your health. For instance, you might want a policy with gym membership benefits to keep you active, dietetics to help you fuel your body more effectively, and physio and remedial massage to sort out sore muscles before they become a big problem.

Andres Gutierrez

General Manager – Health

Fitness extras commonly available through health insurance

Gym memberships

Weight management help

Dietary advice

Exercise physiologist services

Quit smoking programs

Personal training

Why do some health insurers offer benefits towards gym memberships and fitness classes?

The answer is simple. Gym memberships and fitness classes are often viewed by insurers as having a preventative health benefit, both to them and you! Basically, living a healthy lifestyle now could make you a lot less likely to claim for chronic illnesses in the future.

For instance, obesity and excess body fat can do a number on your body, including increasing your chance of chronic diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and Type 2 diabetes. And it’s not just theoretical risk. Being overweight was the leading risk factor contributing to disease burden in Australia in 2024, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing.

Physical activity isn’t just handy for prevention; it can also help manage many health issues. For example, being active can be an important part of good asthma management, improve your mental health, and reduce those aches and pains we associate with getting older. 

So, getting you moving can be a win–win for you and your health insurer.

How much of my fitness costs will private health insurance cover?

Health insurance gym membership and fitness benefits differ by provider. They’re also subject to change over time. They may be percentage-based – like 60% or 80%, and/or have set per person annual limits – like $100 or so each calendar year. 

Make sure to check any conditions when you sign up, like shared limits for services or people on your policy, as it’s important to know if these affect the amount you can claim. And remember, not all extras policies will pay benefits to help cover your fitness costs. 

How do I make a claim on gym membership and fitness extras?

Your GP, physiotherapist, or another healthcare professional may have to sign a health management form to confirm that your gym membership is for your health. Meanwhile, you should keep receipts for fitness services you plan on claiming. Also, your gym membership or fitness classes will need to be one approved by your health fund. 

Check with your private health insurer to find out which fitness providers they work with. Some gyms, often larger chains, offer considerable discounts on your membership depending on your provider, so it’s worth asking your gym if they’re affiliated with a particular health fund, or asking your fund if they are affiliated with a particular gym chain. 

How do I find a suitable policy that offers cover towards gym memberships?

There’s a lot to consider when comparing health insurers: how much they provide in benefits, how much you can afford, and which services they cover. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin! Fortunately, iSelect can help make the process a little bit easier, so the only spinning you’re doing is on an exercise bike. 

We compare a range of private health insurance plans with gym membership and fitness benefits. You can even weigh up different policies at a glance with our online comparison tool, or call us today on 1800 784 772. So, give it a try, you might just find the policy of your dreams!