If we have private health insurance, why can't we claim gym membership costs?

Question

after all, we taking care of our health (via gyms etc) therefore reducing the need to use our health insurance in some cases????

Answer 1

Because (a) its not medically necessary (b) why would they want to pay for a gym membership when most people only go the first weeks then become un-motivated. and (c) a gym/fitness center is not an elibible medical provider. (d)whats next, should they pay for spa's? hot tubs? pets have been known to reduce stress in people with heart problems...should they cover those to?? Bottom line is, it would open a whole can of worms and where do you draw the line?

Answer 2

Do you also claim vitamins?

How about yogurt or broccoli?

How about a bike helmet?

How about your new car (assuming it is safer than your old car)?

Just because something could potentially reduce your health care cost does not mean that your insurance should pay for it.

If you break your finger at the gym should insurance cover it?  In that example your gym membership ended up costing more to your insurer.

Answer 3

some health funds do let you claim gym membership it just depends on who you are insured with and the level of cover you choose to pay for with them.

If you would like gym membership then I suggest shopping around or speaking with your current insurance provided to see if you can change your coverage level.

http://www.iselect.com.au/ is a free service that lets you compare insureance companies.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Because your insurance won't pay for it.

Answer 6

Because that's what you are supposed to do.

Insurance was created for sudden and accidental events. That is it's whole purpose for existence. Insurance is meant to cover life-changing events in which you might not financially recover from or which would leave you with long term financial troubles.

The law is always based upon a reasonable and prudent person. We are expected to take care of our health, to wear helmets on a bike, to not smoke & drink heavily, to obey the laws of the road. There is no "extra credit" for doing what we are supposed to do. There are, however, penalties for someone who refuses to be reasonable and prudent (e.g. smokers, risk takers, people who speed / create traffic accidents, etc.). This penalty is normally in the fashion of high rates, limited coverage, or  no insurance coverage at all.

Answer 7

check with your provider,  more and more they will cover gym fees if you prove that you visit so many times in a 3-6 month period.  It is worth a shot.  Good Luck.