Health Insurance Perks You're Probably Paying For But Not Using
You’ve got health insurance. You pay your premiums. You assume it’s only for doctor visits, prescriptions, and maybe a yearly checkup. But here’s the truth: your health insurance is probably packed with untapped perks that you’re either overlooking or don’t even know exist. These hidden benefits could save you real money, improve your well-being, and even make your everyday life easier.
Let’s peel back the curtain on some of the most underutilized health insurance benefits and how to take full advantage of what you're already paying for.
Free Preventive Services That Keep You Out of the ER
Most major medical plans—especially those that are ACA-compliant health insurance plans—cover a wide range of preventive care services at no cost to you. Think annual physicals, mammograms, flu shots, colonoscopies, diabetes screenings, and more. These services are 100% covered when you go to an in-network provider.
Yet millions of Americans skip them.
Preventive care isn’t just about staying healthy; it’s about avoiding financial catastrophe. As we covered in this blog about managing healthcare costs, skipping early screenings can lead to far more expensive treatments down the road.
Discounts on Fitness, Vision, and Alternative Therapies
Some of the best hidden health insurance perks aren’t even medical. Many insurers offer:
- Gym membership reimbursements
- Discounts on vision and hearing products
- Chiropractic or acupuncture coverage
- Free mental wellness apps and meditation programs
These lifestyle-related perks fall under wellness benefit programs, and they’re rarely promoted unless you dig into the fine print. Some plans even give you cash rewards or premium credits for completing fitness challenges or participating in smoking cessation programs.
If you're self-employed or shopping solo, our guide to saving money on health insurance breaks down how to choose a plan that includes these types of extras.
Telehealth Services: Virtual Care That’s Fast and Free
Still driving across town and sitting in a waiting room for every little health issue? You might be ignoring one of your plan’s most convenient benefits: telehealth.
Most plans now include 24/7 access to board-certified doctors, therapists, and even dietitians through phone or video calls. These telemedicine services often cost far less than in-person visits—and some plans offer them for free.
As discussed in our post on how tech is shaping health insurance, this isn't just a COVID-era trend. Virtual care is becoming a core part of how insurance companies deliver value.
Prescription Drug Savings That Don’t Require a Coupon
Even if your plan covers your prescriptions, there may be additional savings waiting for you through:
- Mail-order pharmacy programs
- Tiered formulary lists (ask your doctor to prescribe lower-cost alternatives)
- Generic drug incentives
- In-network pharmacy pricing
Always ask your insurer if there’s a preferred pharmacy or prescription program. These pharmacy benefit management services are designed to reduce your out-of-pocket costs—if you know how to use them.
Care Coordination and Case Management Services
If you or a loved one is dealing with a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, your insurance likely offers access to case managers—dedicated healthcare professionals who help you navigate appointments, treatment plans, and billing.
These services are part of your plan’s care management programs and can significantly improve outcomes while cutting down on surprise costs.
Health Insurance Marketplace Plans With Added Value
If you're purchasing coverage through the Marketplace, you might be eligible for premium subsidies, cost-sharing reductions, or even plans with expanded benefits beyond the basics.
Our blog on navigating the health insurance marketplace walks you through how to spot the plans that go the extra mile.
Keep an eye out for plans that advertise wellness rewards, chronic condition support, or expanded behavioral health coverage. These bonus features are often the difference between a basic plan and a great one.
Don't Let These Health Insurance Benefits Go to Waste
You wouldn’t pay for a gym membership and never go, right? Yet that’s exactly what millions of Americans are doing with their health insurance. From free preventive services to virtual care and wellness discounts, there are dozens of underutilized features that could help you save money and improve your quality of life.
So take the time to review your health insurance plan details, ask your broker or agent the right questions, and explore what’s available to you. If you're not sure what you're missing, we’ve got your back.
Set up a consultation today and let us help you unlock every benefit your health plan has to offer.
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