You might have a personal health coach waiting for you and not even know it. Many health insurance plans now include wellness coaching services as part of their standard benefits, offering one-on-one support to help you manage chronic conditions, lose weight, quit smoking, or simply adopt healthier habits. These aren’t basic advice hotlines; they’re comprehensive coaching programs staffed by certified professionals who can help you set and achieve meaningful health goals.

In 2025, health coaching is becoming an integral part of healthcare, with over 28,000 qualified coaching professionals nationwide.

What Wellness Coaching Actually Includes

Wellness coaching through insurance plans goes far beyond simple health information. These programs typically offer personalized, one-on-one support from certified health coaches who hold advanced degrees and certifications in areas like exercise, nutrition, chronic condition management, and behavior modification.

Health coaches help you create customized goals and connect you with wellness resources within your plan. The coaching relationship focuses on discovery (understanding your health status and goals), visioning (identifying specific goals and practical steps), and results (tracking progress and making adjustments).

Many insurance plans provide health coaching support for 16 common chronic conditions that can be improved through behavioral change, including asthma, heart disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Programs also support lifestyle goals like weight management, stress reduction, smoking cessation, and general wellness improvement.

Medicare and Medicare Advantage Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans often include wellness coaching as part of their supplemental benefits. These plans may offer one-on-one coaching for caregivers who need personal support via app or phone, lifestyle management coaching to help manage stress and maintain healthy weight, and chronic condition management coaching for specific health issues.

Some Medicare Advantage plans also include over-the-counter allowances for health and wellness products, fitness memberships like SilverSneakers, and access to wellness programs that aren’t covered by Original Medicare.

While Original Medicare doesn’t typically cover wellness coaching directly, it does cover preventive services that may include health risk assessments and counseling during annual wellness visits. Medicare Part B covers cardiovascular disease risk reduction visits, which may include lifestyle counseling from qualified healthcare providers.

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Programs

If you get insurance through your employer, you’re particularly likely to have access to wellness coaching. In 2019, 84% of large employers offering health benefits included workplace wellness programs, with many featuring health coaching components. These programs often include coaching for weight loss, smoking cessation, and lifestyle or behavioral coaching such as stress management.

Major Insurance Provider Programs

Cigna Healthcare offers the “Your Health First” program, providing health coaching support for chronic conditions and lifestyle management. Their Cigna Health Advisor Program identifies individuals who exhibit unhealthy behaviors and provides one-on-one coaching.

Aetna provides more than 70 wellness programs, including healthy lifestyle coaching and support networks to help members set and achieve health goals.

Anthem offers ConditionCare, which connects members to expert teams for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. They also provide Future Moms coaching for pregnant women.

How to Access Your Coaching Benefits

Check Your Benefits Summary

Start by reviewing your health insurance benefits summary or calling the member services number on your insurance card. Ask specifically about wellness coaching, health coaching, or disease management programs. Many people don’t realize these services are included in their plans.

Look for Digital Platforms

Many insurers offer coaching through digital platforms and mobile apps with health assessments, goal-setting tools, and direct messaging with coaches. Some programs allow you to start immediately after calling or logging into your member portal.

Employer Wellness Programs

If you have employer-sponsored insurance, check with your HR department about wellness programs. Many employers offer additional coaching services beyond the base insurance plan, sometimes with financial incentives.

Making the Most of Your Coaching Benefits

Start with a Health Assessment

Most coaching programs begin with a comprehensive health assessment that identifies areas where you can improve and what steps to take next. This assessment helps match you with appropriate coaching resources and creates a baseline for measuring progress.

Set Realistic Goals

Work with your coach to establish specific, measurable goals rather than vague intentions. Whether you want to lower your blood pressure, lose weight, or manage diabetes better, having clear targets makes coaching more effective.

Use Multiple Communication Channels

Take advantage of different ways to connect with your coach. Most programs offer phone sessions, secure messaging, and sometimes video calls. Some coaches are available for quick check-ins between formal sessions.

Track Your Progress

Many coaching programs include tools for tracking your health metrics, activities, and progress toward goals. Regular monitoring helps you and your coach adjust strategies and celebrate successes.

Getting Started Today

The beauty of insurance-included wellness coaching is that it’s often available to you right now, with no waiting periods or additional costs. Don’t wait for a health crisis to explore these benefits. Wellness coaching works best as a preventive tool, helping you build healthier habits before problems develop.

Remember that wellness coaching supplements, but doesn’t replace, medical care from your doctor. Use coaching to help implement your healthcare provider’s recommendations and to work on the behavioral changes that support your overall health goals.

Since these programs are included in your insurance benefits, you’re essentially paying for them whether you use them or not. Take advantage of this valuable resource to invest in your long-term health and well-being.