Health Insurance Gym Memberships: Get Fit and Save Money

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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?

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

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

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

How do you 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. Fitness can reduce the 6.2% of Aussies with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and the $3.1 billion annual cost of diabetes.

Know your coverage limits

Coverage for gym memberships varies across providers and may include percentage-based benefits or limits. Ensure to check your policy details to understand your claim options.

We all know that physical activity is an important part of keeping healthy. 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 outside of hospital like physiotherapy, glasses or general dental treatment. And this can also extend to preventative health services like gym memberships and fitness classes. You may need to complete a Health Improvement Benefit form to access these benefits. 

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 help you compare extras policies to see if we can find one that can help with your gym membership. 

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 personal training sessions and weight management programs. Most funds require you to have a health professional fill in a form to state you need the membership or program to improve a specific health condition. 

Policies usually refer to these fitness benefits as ‘health management’, ‘lifestyle’, or ‘wellness’ benefits. If you already have health insurance with extras, check these sections of 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. 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. 

Finally, it’s important to note that some natural therapies, including yoga and naturopathy, can no longer be covered under health insurance policies. This means that you will not be able to claim any benefits for these treatments. 

Helpful tip:

Even if you can’t claim benefits for yoga or pilates, insurance providers can still help you out in other ways. Some providers offer special member rewards, including discounts on fitness classes and personal training at certain fitness centres. So, keep your eye out for these goodies when it comes to your insurer of choice, or get in touch with iSelect to see what’s on offer!

Dr. Jill Gamberg

GP, Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach

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, the healthier you’re living now, the less likely you are to have significant health issues later. They’re not just doing this because they’re good Samaritans either; it’s because a healthy lifestyle could make you a lot less likely to claim for chronic illnesses in the future. 

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) involves plaque buildup in artery walls, which includes conditions such as heart attack, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. ASCVD is a problem that many Australians face, with about 6.7% of Australian adults (over 1 million people) living with ASCVD.¹Australian Government | Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts From 2021-22, there were 568,000 hospitalisations related to CVD.²As above It accounts for billions of dollars in spending, and the cost is predicted to grow.³ScienceDirect – Lifetime Costs of Hospitalised Cardiovascular Disease in Australia: An Incidence-Based Estimate 

Diabetes is another disease that is a considerable cost to the Australian health system, costing $3.4 billion in 2020/21 alone.⁴Australian Government | Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Diabetes: Australian facts

Physical activity can not only help prevent chronic health issues such as ASCVD or diabetes, but can be used to help manage many of them as well. Physical activity is an important part of good asthma management and an excellent way to improve heart health, mental health, and reduce back pain. 

How much of your 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 or have monthly or annual limits. Make sure to check any conditions when you sign up, 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 you make a claim on gym membership and fitness extras? 

Your GP, physio, or healthcare provider may have to sign a health management form, and you should keep receipts for fitness services you plan on claiming. Also, your gym membership or fitness classes will need approval 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 you 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 in spin class.  

We compare a number 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!