The short answer is, “Probably not.” While many insurance companies do not directly cover the cost of Weight Watchers or similar programs, they often offer access to discounted memberships or include them as part of wellness programs designed to encourage healthier lifestyles.
For example, insurers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Cigna provide members and seniors with discounts or special offers through their wellness or rewards programs. These initiatives aim to support members in achieving their weight loss goals by making it more affordable to join programs that promote healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.
Tip: Insurance companies offer myriad plans. Check your plan details or contact your insurance provider directly to understand the specific benefits and discounts available to you regarding weight loss and wellness programs
Here’s today’s best membership promotion (view all) plus more info about whether popular health insurance companies including Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross, and United Healthcare cover WeightWatchers or similar weight loss and wellness programs.
Does insurance cover WW? Aetna | Cigna | United Healthcare | Blue Cross
Aetna:
Aetna doesn’t directly cover the cost of Weight Watchers or similar weight management programs as part of its health insurance benefits. However, Aetna members might catch a break with access to discounts for these programs. Through Aetna’s health benefits, you can tap into savings on popular weight-loss programs and meal plans, potentially including Weight Watchers.
This setup means you’re looking at a more wallet-friendly way to kickstart or maintain your weight loss journey without direct coverage. It’s like Aetna’s giving you a nudge towards a healthier you, just without footing the bill upfront. So, while you won’t see Aetna covering your Weight Watchers membership fees directly, those special health and wellness discounts are pretty sweet!
Related: Is Noom covered by insurance?
Cigna:
Cigna offers a Healthy Rewards® program, which includes special discounts on various programs and services aimed at health and wellness, such as Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, and more, to help enhance your health journey.
While Cigna covers weight loss surgery under most policies, the coverage for weight loss programs like Weight Watchers may primarily come in the form of discounts rather than direct insurance coverage. This approach is designed to make participation in these programs more affordable, encouraging healthy lifestyle changes.
United Healthcare:
UnitedHealthcare doesn’t directly cover the cost of Weight Watchers or similar weight loss programs. However, they do offer a program called Real Appeal, which is designed to help members build healthier habits across key areas such as nutrition, fitness, sleep, and stress management at no additional cost to eligible members and dependents as part of their health plan benefits.
This program includes support from an online health coach, digital tools to track food and activity, and a Success Kit to kick-start the health journey. UnitedHealthcare also provides a variety of wellness and rewards programs to support and motivate members to maintain their health, which could indirectly support weight loss goals
Tip: You might find WW membership offers even better than those promoted by your insurance company listed here. Look for 3 free months or join for as little as $10 per month with bonuses like a free scale or cookbook. Groups like teachers, healthcare workers, NYC employees, and students may also qualify for a special discount membership.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) members might not have direct coverage for Weight Watchers or similar weight loss programs, but there’s a silver lining. Through the Blue365 program, BCBS offers members special discounts on health and wellness services, which can include Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, and Noom.
This means while BCBS doesn’t cover the cost upfront, they make it more budget-friendly to access these programs. Essentially, BCBS is on your side for weight management, offering a supportive nudge towards healthier habits by making them more accessible through discounts. So, if you’re looking to join Weight Watchers, it’s worth checking out the Blue365 deals to save some cash while pursuing your health goals.
Your WW Membership is Probably Not Covered or Reimbursed by Insurance
So, in conclusion, while your insurance company probably doesn’t directly cover the cost of WeightWatchers, they do offer many wellness discounts and benefits to members and seniors including up to 50% off gym or WeightWatchers membership.
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