Gym Memberships in Switzerland: How Health Insurance Can Help Cover the Costs

Staying fit and healthy is a priority for many people in Switzerland, and gym memberships are a popular way to achieve fitness goals. What many people don't know is that, in Switzerland, your health insurance may help cover the cost of your gym membership, at least partially. Here's how it works:

Basic Health Insurance and Gym Memberships

Under the Swiss healthcare system, basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) does not cover gym memberships. However, supplementary health insurance (Zusatzversicherung) often provides benefits that can help reduce the cost of a gym membership.

Supplementary Insurance: What’s Covered?

Different insurance companies in Switzerland offer a variety of supplementary insurance plans, each with its own level of coverage for gym memberships. Here’s a look at what some of the major insurers offer:

1. Helsana
   • Completa and Completa Extra: Helsana offers up to CHF 500 per year towards gym memberships as part of their Completa and Completa Extra supplementary plans. These plans typically cover memberships at recognized fitness centers that meet certain quality standards.
2. CSS Insurance
   • PREMIUM Supplementary Insurance: CSS offers up to CHF 300 per year towards the cost of gym memberships, provided the fitness center is recognized by the insurer.
3. Sanitas
   • Basic Supplementary Insurance: Sanitas provides up to CHF 200 per year for gym memberships, with some of their supplementary insurance plans, like Classic and Jump. The gym must be part of a recognized network or meet specific criteria.
4. Swica
   • COMPLETA TOP and OPTIMA: Swica offers up to CHF 800 per year for a combination of gym memberships and other fitness activities like yoga and Pilates classes.
5. KPT/CPT
   • ALTERNATIVE Supplementary Insurance: KPT/CPT provides up to CHF 300 per year for gym memberships under their alternative supplementary plans. Coverage is typically for recognized fitness centers.
6. Assura
   • Assura's supplementary insurance plans vary, but they generally offer a contribution of up to CHF 200 per year for gym memberships, as long as the fitness center meets their approval criteria.

Conditions for Reimbursement

To benefit from these reimbursements, certain conditions typically apply:

• Recognized Gyms: Most insurers only reimburse memberships at recognized or certified fitness centers. It’s important to check with your insurer to ensure your gym qualifies.
• Active Membership: Some insurers may require proof that you are actively using your membership, such as attendance records.
• Doctor’s Recommendation: In some cases, a doctor’s note may be required to justify the gym membership for health reasons, such as for physical therapy or managing a chronic condition.

How to Apply for Reimbursement

Applying for reimbursement is usually straightforward:

1. Save Receipts: Keep all receipts and proof of payment for your gym membership.
2. Submit Claims: Use your insurer’s app or online portal to submit your claim, along with any required documentation.
3. Follow Up: If you don’t receive your reimbursement within the expected time frame, contact your insurer for a

‍