When you think of health insurance, you probably think of coverage for major surgeries, specialist visits, or medications. While those are the core functions, many insurance plans—especially employer-sponsored and marketplace plans—include a surprising array of value-added benefits that often go unused.
These hidden perks are designed to encourage preventive care and healthier lifestyles, ultimately saving both you and the insurer money in the long run. By digging into your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), you can unlock resources you’re already paying for.
1. Wellness and Fitness Reimbursements
Many employers and insurance carriers incentivize a healthy lifestyle by offering to pay for fitness-related expenses.
- Gym Membership/Fitness Class Subsidies: Some plans offer a monthly allowance or full reimbursement for a gym membership, yoga studio, or popular fitness apps (like Peloton or Calm). You usually have to submit receipts or usage logs at the end of the year.
- Weight Management Programs: Coverage often extends to well-known programs like Weight Watchers (WW) or counseling with a registered dietitian, especially if you have a health condition that would benefit from weight loss.
- Preventive Screenings: Beyond standard screenings, check for coverage of advanced screenings like genetics testing (for high-risk conditions) or comprehensive nutritional assessments.
2. Telehealth, Virtual Care, and Mental Health Access
While general telehealth exploded during the pandemic, many plans now offer specialty virtual services that are significantly cheaper than in-person visits.
- Virtual Specialist Consults: You might be able to have a first consultation with a dermatologist, psychiatrist, or cardiologist via video, saving travel time and often reducing the co-pay.
- Dedicated Mental Health Coaching: Many carriers partner with third-party providers to offer unlimited virtual access to mental health coaches or licensed therapists, sometimes with a $0 co-pay. This is separate from your standard behavioral health coverage.
- Digital Tools for Chronic Conditions: If you have diabetes or asthma, your insurance may cover connected devices, apps, or remote monitoring programs to help you manage your condition actively from home.
3. Coverage for Lifestyle and Alternative Therapies
Don’t assume your insurance only covers traditional medicine. Many plans now recognize the value of complementary therapies.
- Chiropractic and Acupuncture: Often, a certain number of sessions per year (e.g., 10-12 visits) are covered for both chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture to treat chronic pain or specific injuries, sometimes without requiring a referral.
- Massage Therapy: In some cases, a doctor can prescribe massage therapy for physical conditions like lower back pain, making it a covered expense under physical therapy benefits.
- Smoking Cessation Programs: Almost all plans offer coverage for programs, counseling, and nicotine replacement products (patches, gum) with no or minimal cost to you.
4. Discounts on Everyday Items and Services
Insurance companies often leverage their massive networks to secure discounts on non-covered items, which can add up quickly.
- Vision and Dental Discounts (Even without full coverage): If your plan doesn’t include full dental or vision coverage, it often provides access to discounted networks for exams, glasses, contact lenses, and certain dental procedures.
- Travel Assistance: If you get seriously ill or injured while traveling a certain distance from home (e.g., 100 miles), some premium plans include coverage for emergency medical evacuation or help getting you home.
- Health Device Discounts: Look for deals on products like smartwatches (Apple Watch, Fitbit) or blood pressure monitors that track health data and integrate with your insurer’s wellness program.
Your Next Micro-Step: Checking Your Benefits
You’re already paying for these benefits! The micro-step here is to dedicate 10 minutes to finding out what you’re missing.
- Look for the “Value-Added Benefits” or “Wellness” section on your insurer’s website.
- Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically about gym reimbursements or mental health support.
Don’t let these savings and health supports go to waste—they are part of the service you purchased.