Top 8 Health Insurance Benefits You Didn’t Know You Had
For many people, health insurance feels like a mystery box. A recent survey found most Americans don’t understand their health benefits, and few realize just how many Health Insurance Benefits they already have. Between confusing terms and fine print, it’s easy to miss valuable perks you’ve already paid for. This article uncovers eight hidden benefits that may be included in your plan – from free preventive care to gym discounts – so you can take advantage of them and save money.
1. Preventive care services (free check-ups and screenings)
One of the most valuable Health Insurance Benefits is free preventive care. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), *“most health plans must cover a set of preventive services — like shots and screening tests — at no cost to you.”*. In practice, this means annual check-ups, blood pressure and cholesterol tests, diabetes screenings, cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.), and routine vaccines are fully covered in-network. For example, plans commonly pay for immunizations and childhood wellness visits. Taking advantage of these preventive services can catch health issues early and keep you healthy without adding to your bill.
2. Mental health and substance abuse support
Mental health care is another essential Health Insurance Benefit that many people overlook. The ACA requires *“all Marketplace plans [to] cover mental health and substance abuse services”*. This means your plan must cover counseling, therapy, and even inpatient treatment for addiction, usually at the same copay or coinsurance as other medical services. In fact, qualified plans are required to pay for outpatient and inpatient behavioral health treatment and substance use disorder services. Thanks to this coverage, you may be able to see a psychologist or attend rehab with no surprise costs – a benefit many people don’t realize is included in their policy.
3. Telehealth and virtual care
Telehealth and virtual visits have become a standard Health Insurance Benefit. Today, most insurers include telemedicine options. The federal government notes that *“many commercial health plans have broadened coverage for telehealth services”*. GoodRx confirms *“Telehealth is covered by most private health plans”*, and that during the COVID-19 pandemic insurers greatly expanded these services. In practice, this means you can often schedule a video or phone appointment with your doctor or therapist from home. Many plans even charge the same copay for a tele-visit as an in-person visit, making it an easy, no-extra-cost way to get care.
4. Discounts on fitness programs and gym memberships
Believe it or not, staying healthy can be an actual Health Insurance Benefit. Many plans reward fitness by subsidizing gym memberships and wellness programs. For example, GoodRx explains that *“some health insurance plans will reimburse you for all or some of your gym membership fees… while others give you access to discounts.”*. Indeed, *“many health insurance plans offer fitness benefits like gym membership discounts or full or partial wellness reimbursements”*. In practice, insurers might reimburse $20–$50 per month of your gym fee or give you free access to partner programs like SilverSneakers and Active&Fit. Some companies even provide cash rewards or gadgets (like a free fitness tracker) when you meet exercise goals.
5. Maternity and newborn care
If you’re planning to start or grow your family, note that maternity care is a required Health Insurance Benefit. HHS confirms “All Marketplace and Medicaid plans cover pregnancy and childbirth,” and that “maternity care and newborn care” are essential benefits that *“all qualified health plans … must cover.”*. This means prenatal checkups, labor and delivery (in a hospital or with a midwife), and postnatal care are covered under your plan’s terms. Your newborn is usually covered too – for example, the baby’s first hospital stay and pediatric visits are paid for under your policy once you enroll the newborn. Many parents aren’t aware of how comprehensive this coverage is until they need it.
6. Prescription savings programs
Prescription drug coverage is a cornerstone Health Insurance Benefit. Beyond that, many plans include extra savings features. For instance, check if your insurer offers a mail-order pharmacy with deep discounts or a prescription savings card. Some plans partner with services like GoodRx to help lower costs. In fact, one employee benefits bulletin notes that *“Good RX provides discounts and savings on medications up to 80%”*. Additionally, most plans have tiered formularies: generics often cost as little as $0–$5 copays. By using generics and participating in these savings programs (or manufacturer coupons), you can slash your out-of-pocket costs for even high-price drugs.
7. Free annual screenings and vaccinations
Closely related to preventive care, annual screenings and vaccines are typically free Health Insurance Benefits. Federal rules mandate dozens of no-cost services. For example, KFF Health News reports insurers must cover “cancer screenings, certain vaccinations” and many other preventive services with no patient cost-sharing. HHS similarly points out that plans pay for “routine vaccinations against diseases” like measles, polio or flu, and routine adult and pediatric check-ups. In practice, this means you can get your yearly physical exam, immunizations (including seasonal flu shots), and recommended cancer screenings with little or no copay. Scheduling those free annual visits and shots is a simple way to use a benefit you already have.
8. Alternative therapies (chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.)
You may also find coverage for alternative therapies among your Health Insurance Benefits. Coverage varies, but many plans include at least some care. An insurance industry overview notes “the CAM therapies that are most often covered by health insurance are chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage,” and specifically that *“chiropractic is almost universally covered by insurance”* (usually up to a visit limit). Coverage for acupuncture and massage is less common and often limited to certain conditions, but it does exist in many plans. For example, if you see an in-network chiropractor, you might only pay your normal copay instead of the full treatment cost. Check your plan details to see if these services are included.
How to Check These Benefits in Your Plan
Now that you know what’s possible, how do you find these benefits in your plan? Start by reviewing your plan’s documents or online portal. Most insurers’ member websites list covered services and programs. One expert guide suggests “review your health insurance plan’s benefits” by logging into your account to see all included perks. You can also call the number on your insurance card and ask a representative about preventive care, mental health coverage, fitness discounts, or any other benefits. If your insurance comes through your job, talk to your HR or benefits administrator – they can tell you about any special programs (like wellness reimbursements or EAP services) that your plan offers.
By taking a few minutes to call or click, you could unlock services you’ve been missing – all at no extra cost beyond your premium. Think of it as making your insurance work for you.
Conclusion
Don’t let these underused Health Insurance Benefits go to waste. By understanding and using your plan’s perks – like free screenings, telehealth visits and even gym subsidies – you can improve your health and avoid unnecessary costs. Schedule those preventive checkups, sign up for covered telemedicine or fitness programs, and use any prescription savings available. Call to action: Log in to your insurance account or reach out to your doctor, carrier, or HR rep today to confirm these benefits. The coverage is already there – you just have to claim it!