In a perfect world, yes. In reality, it depends.
As research continues to mount about the positive benefits of exercise on health and longevity, insurance companies and lawmakers are taking notice. Advocacy groups such as the Health and Fitness Association have been lobbying for these benefits as preventative medicine in insurance plans. It’s creating slow, but impactful shifts in exercise as medicine when it comes to your healthcare costs.
So while policies are changing, individuals will still have to do some digging into their own insurance plans to determine whether or not their gym membership is covered. Sounds fun, I know. Here are some tips to get you started.
Tips:
- Check with your employer and your insurance company.
- Look for wellness or self-care benefits when choosing a plan.
- Partial coverage or reduced rate opportunities are more widely accessible.
- Check your Flexible Spending Account options. If not specifically listed, medical necessity may need to be provided by your physician.
- Check your reimbursement options. Gyms can provide documentation of your membership costs to be submitted to your providers.
As the health coverage landscape steadily evolves, preventative interventions like nutrition and exercise will continue to play an important role in your longevity. For more information and guidance on all things exercise and wellness, contact one of our personal trainers or wellness coaches in your club.
