Your Fitbit or Apple Watch might seem like a luxury purchase, but it could actually be a covered health benefit. Millions of Americans can get fitness trackers for free or at significant discounts through their health insurance plans. These aren’t marketing gimmicks but genuine wellness investments that insurance companies make because healthier members cost them less money over time.

Why Insurance Companies Want You Wearing a Tracker

Insurance companies have discovered that fitness trackers create a win-win situation. When members increase their daily activity, they experience better cardiovascular health, improved diabetes management, and fewer chronic conditions. This translates to lower medical claims for insurers.

United Healthcare reports that participants in their Motion program walk an average of 11,000 steps daily, more than twice the 5,200 steps logged by the average American adult. By investing in a $200 fitness tracker, an insurance company might save thousands in avoided medical treatments.

Major Insurance Plans Offering Tracker Benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield: The 20% Discount Leader

More than 60 million BCBS members have access to fitness tracker deals through the Blue365 program. Members receive 20% off Fitbit devices with free shipping, and employers can purchase devices in bulk at subsidized prices.

United Healthcare: Earn While You Move

UnitedHealthcare’s wellness programs offer multiple pathways to free fitness trackers through their Motion program and other initiatives. Eligible members can receive a free Fitbit Charge 5 or Apple Watch by meeting daily activity targets. Participants can earn more than $1,000 per year for hitting goals based on various physical activities.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members get an even better deal: a free Fitbit device every two years through their Renew Active program, plus monthly $10 discounts for walking at least 7,500 steps for 10 days in a month.

Humana: Points-Based Rewards System

Humana’s Go365 program turns healthy activities into points that can be redeemed for free Fitbit or Garmin watches. You earn points for exercise, health assessments, preventive care like dental cleanings, and wellness challenges.

Aetna: Comprehensive Wellness Discounts

Aetna members can access discounted fitness trackers through their health and wellness benefits. The Attain by Aetna app allows members to earn points toward Apple Watches or gift cards by meeting daily active calorie targets.

Medicare Advantage: The Senior Fitness Revolution

Medicare Advantage plans have embraced fitness tracker benefits enthusiastically. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 95% of Medicare Advantage plans now offer fitness benefits, a dramatic increase since 2019.

Aetna Medicare: Up to $1,200 Annual Allowance

Aetna Medicare Solutions members can receive annual allowances ranging from $360 to $1,200 for fitness-related expenses, including trackers. The program requires submitting receipts along with a reimbursement form, but the process is straightforward.

SilverSneakers Connection

Many Medicare Advantage plans include SilverSneakers membership, providing access to fitness facilities nationwide. Some plans combine this with fitness tracker benefits, creating comprehensive wellness packages.

Premium Device Programs

Some insurance programs include premium smartwatches and comprehensive health monitoring devices. United Healthcare provides Apple Watches through their Motion program, while some plans include complimentary Apple Fitness+ subscriptions.

Life insurance company John Hancock offers programs where members can earn free Amazon Halo or Fitbit devices with a three-year commitment to their Vitality program, with healthier behaviors translating to insurance premium discounts.

How to Access Your Benefits

Start with Your Member Portal

Log into your insurance company’s website and look for health and wellness sections. Most major insurers have dedicated areas where members can explore available discounts and programs. Benefits vary significantly by specific plan.

Check Employment Benefits

If you have insurance through your employer, ask your HR department about wellness programs. Many companies negotiate enhanced fitness benefits as part of their group insurance packages.

Medicare Advantage Shopping

If you’re Medicare-eligible, compare plans during open enrollment specifically for fitness benefits. You can often find plans with zero monthly premiums that include substantial fitness tracker benefits.

HSA and FSA Eligibility

Fitness trackers can sometimes be purchased using Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, but this typically requires a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor. The device must be prescribed for a specific medical condition, such as monitoring heart rate for cardiac patients.

While this path requires more documentation, it can make higher-end devices eligible for pre-tax purchase, effectively reducing the cost by your tax rate.

Taking Action

The trend toward insurance-sponsored fitness technology continues growing. As wearable devices become more sophisticated at monitoring health metrics, insurance companies see increasing value in preventive health investments.

View your fitness tracker not as a gadget purchase but as a health investment that your insurance company is willing to subsidize. With proper research and program participation, that $300 smartwatch on your wrist might cost you nothing but a commitment to healthier daily habits.

The most expensive fitness tracker is the one you never use, but when your insurance company is picking up the tab, there’s never been a better time to make technology part of your wellness journey.