Health insurance companies subsidize sporting activities
Health insurance companies benefit when their members do sports, as this prevents many health problems. That’s why many health insurance companies give you the opportunity to subsidize sporting activities with money. The insurance companies do not cover any direct costs for memberships in a sports club or in a fitness studio, but such activities are often rewarded with bonus programs, as the Urban Sports Club explains.
However, if you want your health insurance to pay for the sport, you can take part in various types of courses. For example, in courses for yoga, Pilates, fitness, back training, gymnastics, circuit training – but also in other health-related courses such as courses for stress management, healthy nutrition or autogenic training. As the Urban Sports Club further explains, all courses that are certified by the Central Prevention Testing Center (ZPP) are accepted. In order to ensure that the health insurance company covers the costs for the courses, however, it is important to attend them conscientiously (80 percent participation) and to provide proof of participation.
How t-online explains, however, only a few members take advantage of the opportunity to have their sporting activities subsidized. According to this, in 2021 it was only eight percent of the health insurance patients who requested a subsidy. This can be quite lucrative. Depending on the fund, subsidies of several hundred euros are possible. In a report, the news platform Utopia compares the offers of three large statutory health insurance companies that offer both health courses and a bonus program.
The offer of the Techniker Krankenkasse
The Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) reimburses two health courses a year. TK also offers a number of its own free health courses, such as back training. Since July 1, 2020, online courses have also been fully reimbursed at TK, but only up to a maximum of 100 euros. All other courses are only subsidized at 80 percent (maximum amount: up to 75 euros for individual courses or 150 euros for combination courses).
In addition, TK offers a points-based bonus program. Points are awarded for certain check-ups and for active membership in a sports club or gym. Participation in the aforementioned health courses or participation in challenges of the TK app also earns points. Such challenges include, for example, walking 60,000 steps in ten out of twelve weeks or cycling 40 kilometers. Members can then exchange the collected points for money. Each activity is worth 10 euros – a total of up to 160 euros can be paid out per year of participation. Alternatively, you can also double your point value and use it as a subsidy for further health measures.
Barmer’s offer
Barmer also subsidizes two courses per year – with up to 75 euros for face-to-face courses and up to 100 euros for online courses. In addition to free face-to-face events, Barmer also offers various online courses, including those on the subject of exercise. You can choose from online courses on yoga, Pilates and pelvic floor training. In addition, visitors to the health insurance company’s website will find numerous guides on the subject of sport.
With the Barmer bonus program, insured persons can receive up to 100 euros as a cash bonus or up to 150 euros in subsidies for health services. There is an active bonus for sporting activities and a preventive bonus for check-ups. Each measure brings between 100 and 150 points. 100 points correspond to a ten-euro monetary bonus. The special thing about Barmer: If you have collected at least 500 points in the bonus program three years in a row, you will receive a credit for another 500 points. Points can also be gifted to others. In addition to the option of simply having your points paid out, you can also choose from health subsidies (e.g. sports medical examinations or membership fees for sports clubs and fitness studios). Here, the health insurance company even adds 50 percent. If you redeem 500 points, you will receive 75 euros, with 1,000 points 150 euros.
The offer of the DAK
The DAK also subsidizes two courses a year with up to 75 euros. However, how much the fund actually subsidizes depends on the individual course. DAK also offers online coaching on topics such as cardiovascular training, pelvic floor and back. These courses include various units and workouts as well as knowledge texts and a quiz and are free of charge for members. There are also a number of prevention courses, also with a focus on exercise. This is mainly about back and endurance training. Courses from both areas are subsidized at 80 percent for adults. There are also prevention courses for sporty relaxation, including yoga. However, the offer varies depending on where you live.
The bonus program of the DAK (AktivBonus) is similar to that of the TK: Members receive bonus points for measures that benefit health. This includes dental check-ups, vaccinations, but also the aforementioned prevention courses and online coaching. Participation in sporting events/competitions also earns points. A collected point is worth one euro. However, those who opt for grants instead of money receive an additional 20 percent on the points collected. The points even count double for the purchase of sports equipment and body measuring devices.
E. Schmal / Editor finanzen.net
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