Does my health insurance cover gym membership?

Updated 01/09/2023

Gym membership benefits are normally only available on high-level policies with extras. Find out how this works with your health insurance and what your options are.

Does my health insurance cover gym membership?

Whether it's your first time taking out health insurance or you're after a better deal, here's your complete guide to getting value for money from health insurance for singles.

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Overview

Getting to the gym and working up a sweat is something most of us aspire to.

But not all of us end up following through.

Reasons for inaction can span from being too time-poor to not having enough dosh in the bank to pay for a full-time membership, or a gym that doesn't provide the motivation you need.

So taking out a policy that rewards us financially can be a fantastic incentive to get back on the treadmill.

Not only can this sort of comprehensive health cover inspire us to take better ownership of our wellbeing, it can also help us keep a handle on our monthly expenses.

Some policies can save us several hundred a year!

Imagine where else that money could be going...a family holiday? That renovation you've been putting off? A new wardrobe?

Whatever it is, it could be just around the corner!

If you've been asking "will health insurance cover my gym membership?" for some time now, why not find out today?

Key Points

  • Many Australians don't know that some health insurance policies can save you up to several hundred dollars a year on your gym membership.

  • Discounts, rebates and even additional health and lifestyle benefits are available.

  • These benefits are normally only available on high-level policies with extras. Any details would need to be confirmed with your health fund.

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Health funds that cover gym memberships

Coverage for gym services is available only if prescribed by a health care professional, and is granted on a case-by-case basis.

Tailored level of coverage

It's important that your health cover is customisable and that your provider can tailor it as much as possible to your individual needs.

Not all policies are as flexible on this, but some health funds do offer some surprising add-ons and wellness extras that many Australians don't know about. Find out what's on offer and see if you can choose the amount of cover you take out.

Too much cover could be a drag on your pockets with higher premiums, but too little might spell out disaster if anything goes wrong with your health.

Different life stages and family situations normally require different levels of cover. So the more flexibility your health insurance provider offers, the better.

Regardless of the type or level of cover you take out, it's likely that there'll be an annual limit to how much you can claim. The easiest way to know this in advance is to check with your health fund.

Incentives to benefit body and wallet

If you're passionate about both your health and finances, the benefits of taking out a health insurance policy that covers gym membership could be multifold.

Some health insurance policies can even reward healthier behaviour by offering lower premiums to those who are keeping fit and making conscious lifestyle decisions.

It's a win-win situation!

On the other hand, if you're concerned about the added costs of a gym membership, you can always think about reducing your level of cover overall. This way, you're still getting your extra benefits but avoiding those higher premiums.

But keep in mind that once you lower your cover, you may need to re-serve waiting periods if you decide to raise it again in the future.

Also be aware that a lower level of cover may offer you less financial support in the event of an illness or accident.

It's always best to consult your health insurance provider before deciding to make any major changes to your policy.

How to get started:

To begin, take a look at your current health insurance policy and see if there are any extra gym membership or lifestyle benefits you're missing out on.

This information should be outlined in your health insurance fund's published information and potentially available on their website.

If you don't have health cover yet, think about whether gym membership benefits could be an ideal option for you and your family.

As we've explored, many health funds in Australia offer this and sometimes even more.

For example, Westfund is known to cover swimming classes for children! See Westfund for details.

Getting on the phone to a health insurer and asking about health management, healthy lifestyle benefits and wellness extras is a perfect way to start the conversation.

Fill out a few quick details in the form below to contact an advisor.

Keep in mind that your fund may need certain information to give you all your benefits when you claim. For example, you may need to keep a record of any doctor's referrals, personal training plans, gym receipts or other documentation.

Be sure to confirm these details with your insurer so you'll be able to get your money back come claim time .

As with all insurance policies, exclusions may apply.

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This article is opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions.




Chris Stanley is the sales & operations manager of health insurance at Compare Club. With extensive experience and expertise, Chris is a trusted leader known for his deep understanding of health insurance markets, policies, and coverage options. As the sales & operations manager of health insurance, Chris leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health insurance needs.

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Chris Stanley

Sales & Operations Manager for Health Insurance