For policyholders, these gym discounts can mean anything from reduced monthly memberships to cashback incentives for regular activity. For insurers, it’s a way to reward healthy habits and support preventative care—ultimately reducing the need for costly treatment later on.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of going to the gym, explain why gym access is becoming a core part of private health care, and list insurers—especially those connected with Healthplan—who provide these valuable perks.
The Benefits of Going to the Gym
The benefits of going to the gym extend far beyond building strength or losing weight. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve both physical and mental health, and gyms provide a structured, accessible environment to help people stay active consistently.
From a physical perspective, gym routines can reduce the risk of serious conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Cardiovascular workouts support a healthy heart, while strength training improves muscle tone, joint support, and bone density—especially important as we age. Many people also notice better posture, mobility, and energy levels with regular gym attendance.
Just as important are the mental health benefits. According to The Guardian, three-quarters of gym-goers report a boost in mental wellbeing. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which help relieve stress, boost mood, and improve sleep quality. For many, the gym becomes a vital part of their daily routine for managing anxiety or low mood.
Combining these benefits with gym discounts through a private health insurance plan makes it easier—and more affordable—for individuals to commit to their long-term wellbeing. Whether through in-person training or hybrid wellness perks, insurers are increasingly recognising that gym access plays a central role in preventive health.
Why Gym Discounts Are a Win-Win
Offering gym perks is one of several valuable health insurance benefits that encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce long-term costs. Here’s why this benefit matters:
- Encourages proactive health management: Access to fitness facilities supports cardiovascular health, weight management, and stress reduction—all of which lower the likelihood of needing serious treatment.
- Supports mental wellbeing: Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage mental health, reduce anxiety, and boost mood—something that complements other wellbeing benefits like mental health cover.
- Improves long-term outcomes: By encouraging policyholders to stay active, insurers can reduce long-term claims and create more sustainable policies.
- Boosts engagement: Customers feel they’re getting more value out of their plan beyond just treatment access.
- Highlights the benefits of going to the gym: Physical activity improves mood, sleep, and energy levels, and helps reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Health Insurers That Offer Gym Membership Discounts
Staying active has never been more important—and now, some private health insurers are rewarding that effort. With fitness incentives and gym discounts built into their health plans, insurers are helping policyholders take proactive steps to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
These gym benefits can range from discounted memberships at top chains to wellness allowances that support a healthier lifestyle overall. For customers, it’s a way to get more value from a private health plan. For insurers, it’s a smart approach to prevention—reducing long-term health costs by encouraging healthy habits.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of going to the gym and highlight the UK insurers that offer gym-related perks—focusing on those connected with Healthplan, including Vitality, Bupa, Aviva, and WPA.
Vitality Health
The Vitality gym discount is one of the most well-known perks in the private insurance space. Vitality rewards healthy behaviour through its Vitality Rewards programme, which includes discounted gym memberships at Nuffield Health, Virgin Active, and David Lloyd—based on your activity level.
- Discount: Up to 50% depending on your activity points
- Bonus: Access to fitness trackers, health checks, and nutrition deals
- Healthplan connection: Yes – Vitality policies available through Healthplan
- More info: https://www.vitality.co.uk/rewards/partners/gym-memberships/
Bupa
The Bupa gym discount is typically offered through workplace wellbeing programmes or corporate plans. While not part of all individual plans, Bupa includes a range of fitness-related extras such as wellness app integrations and mental health support.
- Discount: Varies by policy, with up to 40% off multi-gym memberships through Hussle
- Bonus: Digital wellness tools and fitness content
- Healthplan connection: Yes – Bupa policies available through Healthplan
- More info: https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/health-insurance
Aviva
The Aviva gym discount is usually included in employee wellbeing schemes and corporate group health plans. It may not be standard in individual policies but is a valuable option for those with workplace cover.
- Discount: Often offered through workplace benefits
- Bonus: Access to broader wellness tools and mental health services
- Healthplan connection: Yes – Aviva policies available via Healthplan
- More info: https://www.aviva.co.uk/health/
WPA Health Insurance
WPA is known for its flexible and benefit-rich policies. While it doesn’t offer a fixed gym discount, it provides an optional health and wellbeing benefit which can be used toward fitness activities, including gym memberships, personal training, and classes—depending on the plan tier.
- Discount: Flexible wellbeing allowance (varies by plan), with gym membership discounts starting at 20%.
- Bonus: Can be applied toward fitness, wellness, or stress-relief activities
- Healthplan connection: Yes – WPA policies available through Healthplan
- More info: https://www.wpa.org.uk/news/member-offers
AXA Health
AXA Health offers a well-rounded gym benefit scheme through its partnerships with both Hussle and Nuffield Health. Members can enjoy generous discounts on in-person gym memberships and virtual workouts, making it easy to stay active—whether at home or at the gym.
- Discount:
- 40% off Nuffield Health monthly individual memberships for you and anyone covered under your AXA Health policy
- 40% off Hussle Monthly+ passes (multi-gym access)
- 20% off Nuffield for your partner/spouse if they’re not covered on your AXA plan
- £4.19/month for Nuffield Online 24/7 workouts (normally £6.99/month)
- Bonus:
- Hussle passes require no sign-up fee and no annual contract (minimum 3-month membership)
- Online and in-gym options for added flexibility
- HealthPlan connection: Yes – AXA policies available through HealthPlan
- More info: https://www.axahealth.co.uk/personal/gym-discount/
Tips for Making the Most of Your Gym Discount
If your health plan includes gym discounts, here’s how to make the most of them:
- Check eligibility: Not all plans include this by default—speak to your provider or broker.
- Use the right platform: Many gym discounts are managed through partners like Hussle or the Vitality app, so make sure you’re signed up and tracking your visits.
- Be consistent: Some schemes offer increasing rewards the more active you are—like the Vitality gym discount.
- Combine perks: Take advantage of other wellness offers like nutrition apps or mental health support to build a full health routine.
How to Find the Right Plan With Gym Perks
If staying active is part of your lifestyle, gym benefits can make a big difference when choosing a health plan. Providers like AXA and Vitality lead the way, offering some of the most flexible and generous gym discounts available today. Others, like Bupa and Aviva, may provide benefits through workplace schemes or specific plan tiers.
At Healthplan, we’ll help you compare options and find private health care insurance that not only supports your medical needs—but also encourages everyday wellbeing. From the Vitality gym discount to the Aviva gym discount, we’ll guide you to a plan that fits your goals.
FAQ – Gym Membership Discounts and Private Health Insurance
1. Which health insurers offer gym discounts in the UK?
AXA Health, Vitality, Bupa, and Aviva all offer some form of gym discount or wellbeing incentive.
2. Do I get free gym access with private health insurance?
Usually not—most providers offer partial discounts like the Vitality gym discount of up to 50%, rather than full memberships.
3. Are gym discounts available on individual health insurance plans?
Yes. The Bupa gym discount and AXA gym discount may be included depending on the policy. The Vitality gym discount is available to individual policyholders.
4. How do I redeem my gym discount?
Typically via a third-party platform such as Hussle or through a provider app—e.g., for the Vitality gym discount, you’ll use the Vitality app.
5. Can Healthplan help me find a policy with gym perks?
Yes—we’ll guide you to insurers that offer gym discounts and other wellness benefits, tailored to your lifestyle.
Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/healthy-living/staying-active
https://www.comparemyhealthinsurance.co.uk/private-health-insurance-and-gym-discounts
https://www.fulcrumfitness.com/blog/10-benefits-of-going-to-the-gym
https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/exercise-and-fitness
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/
