There’s more to staying healthy than just medical care. Sometimes it’s the wellness extras from your insurance company that can help you improve your health — and your life.

You book regular checkups with your doctor. And you’re always right on track with preventive health screenings. But there may be a few wellness “extras” available to you through your health insurance that you can take advantage of too.

These wellness services (sometimes called wellness programs) are meant to help you improve your health through preventive services, such as fitness, nutrition and tobacco cessation programs. They may even come with perks like premium discounts, cash rewards and other incentives to participate.

Check with your insurance plan to see if these 6 wellness services may be available to you. If so, they may be worth signing up for.

Do you need a health plan? Explore your insurance options now, or contact a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730.

1. Telehealth memberships

These can make going to the doctor as easy as picking up your phone. “They can provide convenient access to doctors via phone or video,” notes Rikin Shah. Shah is a financial services advisor in Greenbrae, California, and CEO of the insurance agency GetSure. These memberships can be particularly helpful for those with limited mobility or transportation options.

Telehealth membership plans usually have a network of physicians who can diagnose, treat and prescribe via the telephone, 24/7, every day of the year (including major holidays like Christmas). Even better, there are no consultation fees or time limits for these calls.

One example of a program is HealthiestYou, which offers virtual health care for families for as little as $20 a month. They also may offer other telehealth-related services for an additional fee, including:

• Mental health. You can talk with mental and behavioral health specialists by phone or video from your home, office or wherever you feel comfortable. You can also book follow-up visits too. (Visit fees apply, and they’re not included in your monthly fee.)

This service gives you access to psychiatrists, psychologists or therapists. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. And while a psychologist doesn’t have a medical degree, they specialize in talk therapy and may be able to prescribe medication in some states.

• Dermatology. In 2 business days or less, you may get a diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions like acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, among others. You don’t need an appointment, and you can communicate with a dermatologist through an online message center. (Visit fees apply, and they’re not included in your monthly fee.)

2. Medical alert systems

These provide voice-activated medical alert and communication systems. If you still live at home — especially if you live alone — they can help improve your safety. They can also give loved ones peace of mind.

“They’re especially useful for elderly people living alone at risk of falls or injuries,” points out Shah.

With the touch of a button or the sound of your voice, you can be connected directly to a 24/7 emergency response center. You can also have caregivers or loved ones download the app. That way, they can get real-time updates and call the emergency room themselves if they’re concerned. Some programs will even automatically detect if you fall.

Want to learn more about coverage? Explore your plan options now, or contact a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730.

3. Life coaching

Need some help getting on track to living a healthier, more balanced life? A health and wellness coach can work with you individually or in groups. (You might also see this referred to as healthy lifestyle coaching.) These life coaches often work in health care clinics.

With life coaches, you can set — and work toward — goals like:

• Better managing your stress
• Improving your communication skills
• Setting manageable work-life boundaries

4. Gym memberships — and more

You’ve made it a goal to make exercise a more regular habit. Now what? That’s where these fitness extras come in.

Your health insurance plan may offer:

• Free or discounted memberships at a gym near you
• Access to local health and wellness classes and events
• Membership to virtual fitness apps. These apps often have digital on-demand workout videos, live streaming fitness classes and more.

In exchange, you may have to commit to exercising a certain number of times per month. Some insurance plans may even give you incentives for reaching certain health milestones.

5. Dietary guidance

Sometimes all it takes to get back to track eating wise is a little help from a nutritional counselor. With these nutrition services, you’ll likely be paired with a registered dietitian nutritionist. This specialist can consult with you over the phone, virtually or in-person.

They’ll help develop a personalized eating plan for you that works for your lifestyle, needs and health goals. A bonus: These experts can often share recipes and meal prepping tips that can make eating healthy easier — and more delicious.

These nutrition services may be particularly helpful for people who:

• Need to stick to a healthier diet to prevent or manage a chronic condition, like diabetes
• Need help navigating a special gluten-free or plant-based diet, for example
• Need help losing or gaining weight

6. Tobacco cessation programs

Committed to quitting smoking, because you’ve heard of all the great health benefits to quitting? But you’re not really sure where to start — or how to stick with it? Tobacco cessation wellness programs are a great way to kick-start your goal (and your motivation).

These programs may offer services such as:

• A mobile app and access for resources, encouragement and reminders
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy, like patches or gum that can help you manage cravings
• Real-life tips and coach support to build a plan to quit, with recommended daily goals, articles and videos

Bottom line: Your health insurance plan may offer valuable wellness services, which can help get you on track to living a healthier life. Explore your plan options, or talk to a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for more information.

Sources:

Cornell University. “Recreational services.” Retrieved from https://scl.cornell.edu/recreation/employee-wellness-program/employee-individual-consultations Accessed February 29, 2024

Fair Health Consumer. “Wellness programs: coverage for promoting healthy living.” Retrieved from https://www.fairhealthconsumer.org/insurance-basics/your-costs/wellness-programs-coverage-for-promoting-healthy-living Accessed February 29, 2024

HealthCare.gov. “Wellness program.” Retrieved from https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/wellness-programs/ Accessed February 29, 2024

University of Vermont. “Integrative health and wellness coaching program.” Retrieved from https://learn.uvm.edu/program/integrative-health-and-wellness-coaching-certificate/ Accessed February 29, 2024

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50599-X-0324