Money at Work: Hidden Health Insurance Benefits That Save You Money
Your Health Insurance May Do More Than You Think
Most of us think of health insurance as something we use when we are sick: a doctor visit, a prescription, or a trip to urgent care. But many health plans also include extra health benefits that can save you money and help you stay well. The problem is, most people never hear about them.
Over the years, I have been on several health insurance plans that offered much more than I expected. Some gave me free exercise apps and physical therapy through an app. Some offered telehealth appointments for around $40 (each plan is different). Some gave gift card rewards for completing health challenges. Some have even sent me a scale and offered a nutrition program.
Others offered gym membership discounts. And for people with chronic illness, some of my plans had nurse coordinators to help you understand your medical questions.
None of these benefits are hidden on purpose. They are just buried in member portals, welcome packets, and emails that are easy to skip. This post is part of the Money at Work series. It walks you through the health benefits many plans offer, how they can save you money, and what to check before you use them.
Why So Many People Miss These Benefits
They are not on your insurance card. Most extra benefits live in the member website or app.
They come from partner companies. A free physical therapy app or nutrition program may have a different name than your insurance company, so the emails look like ads.
They change every year. A benefit you had last year may be gone, and a new one may have been added.
No one walks you through them. Benefits meetings usually focus on premiums and deductibles, not the extras.
If you have never logged into your health plan's member website, start there. You might be surprised.
Free Exercise and Wellness Apps
Many health plans now offer free or low-cost access to fitness and wellness apps. These may include workout videos, yoga, walking programs, stretching routines, meditation, and sleep support. Some plans connect to fitness trackers and count your steps or activity toward rewards.
If you are paying for a fitness or meditation app on your own, check whether your health plan already gives you one for free.
Virtual Physical Therapy Through an App
Some employers and health plans offer digital physical therapy programs. One well-known example is Hinge Health, which partners with employers and health plans to offer exercise therapy, virtual physical therapy, and health coaching through a mobile app at no charge to eligible members.
Programs like these can help with back pain, joint pain, and recovery from injuries, without the time and cost of driving to appointments. For many people, that means fewer copays and fewer missed hours at work. Ask your plan if a program like this is available and whether you need a referral.
Telehealth Visits
Telehealth lets you see a doctor or nurse practitioner by video or phone. Many plans charge a lower cost for telehealth visits than for an office visit, urgent care, or the emergency room. On some of my plans, a telehealth visit was about $40, but every plan is different, and some plans charge even less.
Telehealth can be a great fit for things like colds, rashes, allergies, prescription refills, and many follow-up questions. It is not the right choice for emergencies. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Gift Cards and Rewards for Healthy Habits
Some health plans pay you to take care of yourself. I have been on plans that gave gift cards for completing health challenges. Rewards may be offered for things like:
Completing a health questionnaire
Getting a yearly checkup or screening
Getting a flu shot
Reaching step or activity goals
Finishing a wellness challenge or class
These rewards often have deadlines, such as the end of the plan year, so check the rules early. Some employers also lower your premium if you complete certain wellness activities.
Nutrition and Weight Programs, Sometimes With a Free Scale
Some plans offer nutrition coaching, weight management programs, or diabetes prevention programs. Some of my plans have sent me a scale and offered a nutrition program. Some programs include a connected scale that sends your weight to a coach or app so you can track progress.
For people at risk of diabetes, some plans cover diabetes prevention programs that focus on healthy eating, activity, and small, steady changes. If you have been told you have high blood sugar or prediabetes, ask your plan if one of these programs is available to you.
Gym Membership Discounts
Many health plans offer discounted gym memberships or access to a network of fitness centers.
Some also offer discounts on yoga, massage, or fitness classes. If you already pay for a gym, compare your current cost to what your plan offers.
Nurse Lines and Nurse Coordinators for Chronic Illness
This may be one of the most valuable benefits that almost no one uses. Many plans have a 24/7 nurse line you can call any time with medical questions. That call can help you decide whether you need the ER, urgent care, a telehealth visit, or just rest at home, which can save you a costly trip.
For people with chronic illness, some plans also offer nurse coordinators or case managers. Some of my plans had them, to help members understand their medical questions. They can explain your diagnosis and treatment options, help coordinate care between doctors, answer questions about what your plan covers, and help you prepare for appointments. If you are managing a serious or ongoing condition, call the number on your insurance card and ask if you can be connected to a nurse coordinator or case manager.
Other Health Benefits That Can Save Money
Preventive care at no cost: Many checkups, screenings, and vaccines are covered at no cost when you use in-network providers.
Mental health support: Some plans offer therapy apps, virtual counseling, or an Employee Assistance Program with free sessions.
Quit-smoking programs: Coaching and sometimes medication to help you quit.
Diabetes and medical supplies: Some plans cover certain equipment and supplies.
Mail-order pharmacy: Ordering a 90-day supply of regular medications by mail may cost less than filling them every month.
Cost estimate tools: Many member websites let you compare prices for procedures, tests, and doctors before you go.
Do the Math: How Small Benefits Add Up
These numbers are made up, just to show how quickly small savings add up. Your plan will have its own numbers.
Telehealth instead of urgent care: If urgent care costs you $75 and telehealth costs $40, you save $35 a visit. Four visits in a year: $35 × 4 = $140 saved.
Gym discount: If your plan saves you $25 a month on a gym membership: $25 × 12 = $300 a year.
Wellness rewards: If your plan gives a $50 gift card for a checkup and a $50 gift card for a challenge: $100 a year.
Free fitness app: If you cancel a $15 a month app because your plan gives you one free: $15 × 12 = $180 a year.
Added together: $140 + $300 + $100 + $180 = $720 in one year, just from benefits you might already have.
What to Watch Out For
Not every plan has every benefit. These extras vary by insurance company, employer, and plan.
Check eligibility. Some programs are only for people with certain conditions, or only for the employee and not family members.
Use in-network options. Telehealth and gym programs may only be covered through certain companies.
Watch the deadlines. Rewards and challenges often expire at the end of the plan year.
Read the privacy information. Before you join a program or connect a device, read how your health information will be used and shared.
Will you actually use it? A free app only helps if you open it. Pick one or two benefits to start.
Not Sure About a Benefit? Check With Your HR Department
Every employer and health plan is different, and benefits can change from year to year. If you are unsure whether you have any of the benefits in this post, or in any post in the Money at Work series, check with your HR department. They can tell you what your plan includes, who is eligible, how to sign up, and who to call with questions. You can also call the member services number on the back of your insurance card.
How to Find Your Plan's Extra Benefits
Log into your health plan's member website or app. Look for sections called "wellness," "extras," "programs," or "rewards."
Call member services. Ask, "What extra programs or wellness benefits come with my plan?"
Read your benefits guide from work. Extras are often listed near the end.
Ask HR. They often know about partner programs that are easy to miss.
Open those emails. Messages from partner companies may be real benefits, not ads. When in doubt, confirm with your plan or HR before signing up.
Small Steps to Use the Health Benefits You Already Have
Learning everything your health plan offers can feel overwhelming. The heart of Surviving Life Lessons is breaking big problems into small, manageable steps. Here are some SMART-style examples:
"This week, I will log into my health plan's member website and write down three extra benefits I find."
"Before I get sick again, I will save my plan's nurse line and telehealth number in my phone."
"This month, I will check whether my plan offers a free exercise or physical therapy app."
"By the end of the plan year, I will complete one wellness reward activity, like my yearly checkup."
"If I have a chronic illness, I will call member services this week and ask about a nurse coordinator."
If a step feels too big, make it smaller. If a time frame feels too short, give yourself more time.
Making These Steps Fit Your Life
Everyone's health, schedule, and budget are different. Someone with chronic illness may get the most value from a nurse coordinator, while someone who is healthy may save the most with telehealth and wellness rewards. Choose the benefits that fit your life right now. You can also learn from others. That is why we have free community groups, where people share how they have used their benefits to save money and take care of their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What extra benefits does health insurance offer?
Many plans offer extras like free fitness apps, virtual physical therapy, low-cost telehealth, wellness rewards, nutrition programs, gym discounts, 24/7 nurse lines, and nurse coordinators for chronic illness. Benefits vary by plan.
Is telehealth cheaper than urgent care?
Often, yes. Many plans charge less for a telehealth visit than for urgent care or an office visit. Check your plan's costs, and always go to the emergency room for emergencies.
What is a nurse coordinator or case manager?
A nurse coordinator or case manager is a nurse who works with your health plan to help you understand your condition, coordinate care between doctors, and answer questions about your coverage.
How do I find out what my health plan offers?
Log into your member website or app, call the number on your insurance card, and check with your HR department.
Where to Go From Here
Health benefits are easier to use when you have people to ask. At Surviving Life Lessons, we believe in life survivors helping life strugglers. Our Healthcare Self-Advocacy Support Group can help you understand and use your health benefits, and our Saving, Budgeting & Frugal Living Group is a place to share the ways you save on health costs. You can also browse our Community Groups Catalog to find every group that fits where you are right now.
Next, read Money at Work: A Simple Guide to Your Work Benefits or Money at Work: 10 Reasons to Get an HSA While You're Young and Healthy.
Your Story Matters
We need your nice comments below! Your thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
Drop a comment, Say Hello, and join the conversation.
Need More Personalized Support?
Everyone's journey is unique. If you're looking for personalized guidance, encouragement, or one-on-one support, explore our services to find the option that's right for you. We're here to help you take your next step with confidence and hope.
Helpful Resources for Your Journey
Explore our collection of books, journals, coloring books, and printable PDFs designed to encourage, inspire, and support you every step of the way.
References
Aetna: "Lesser-known health perks your plan may offer", https://www.aetna.com/health-guide/lesser-known-health-perks-plan-may-offer.html
Texas Department of Insurance: "Don't overlook these unexpected health plan benefits", https://www.tdi.texas.gov/blog/dont-overlook-these-unexpected-health-plan-benefits.html
Hinge Health: "What is Hinge Health and how does it work?", https://help.hingehealth.com/en/support/solutions/articles/155000002588-what-is-hinge-health-and-how-does-it-work-
Optum: "6 health insurance benefits you might not know about", https://www.optum.com/health-articles/article/health-care-finances/6-health-insurance-benefits-you-might-not-know-about/
About the Author:
Deborah Ann Martin is the founder of Surviving Life Lessons, a published author, poet, speaker, and trainer with over 20 years of management experience across multiple industries. An MBA graduate, U.S. veteran, single mother, and rare cancer survivor, Deborah brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her writing on resilience, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Her mission is to empower others with practical wisdom and real-life insight to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.
.png){kind=small}
Comments