Health insurance pays for your fitness membership in 2026

Many gym members in Switzerland leave hundreds of francs on the table every year. Not because there is no money to be had, but because they simply do not know that their health insurance covers a large part of the fitness membership. The annual membership at Kraftwerk Fitness Heerbrugg costs CHF 690 and is QualiCert-certified. This is exactly the certification that most Swiss supplementary insurances require before they pay.

In concrete terms, this means that, depending on your supplementary insurance, you will get back between CHF 50 and CHF 670.50. Some insurance providers cover the membership completely. This guide shows you exactly who pays how much and how to submit the application so that you really get the maximum out of it.

Which health insurances really pay: The great comparison 2026

The following table lists all relevant Swiss health insurance providers with their supplementary insurances and the respective contribution they make to the Kraftwerk Fitness annual membership of CHF 690. The basis is the QualiCert certification of the studio.

Short version: Most standard models of outpatient supplementary insurance reimburse CHF 200 to CHF 300. Premium models range from CHF 300 to CHF 500. And SWICA with the combined insurance pays you back up to CHF 670.50 (out of 690.-).

Which health insurances really pay: The great comparison 2026

The short answer: A great many, but how much they pay depends heavily on your supplementary insurance. The decisive factor is not which basic insurance (KVG) you have, but which supplementary policy you have on top. The following table shows all relevant insurances and their contributions for an annual membership of CHF 690 at Kraftwerk Fitness.

Tip: SWICA currently has an exclusive competition running in partnership with Kraftwerk Fitness. On the SWICA x Kraftwerk competition page you can participate and win a 2-year membership with us. 

Taking out supplementary insurance: These 3 points you must consider

Before you take out a new supplementary insurance, there are three things you should definitely check so that you really benefit and do not experience any unpleasant surprises.

1. Check the QualiCert certification of the studio. Almost all health insurances require the fitness studio to be officially certified. The Kraftwerk Fitness in Heerbrugg is QualiCert-certified. You do not have to prove this yourself, the studio can issue you the certificate.

2. Observe waiting periods. Many supplementary insurances have a waiting period of 3 to 6 months before you can claim benefits. Anyone who signs up today cannot immediately apply for a refund for the current membership. Plan for this.

3. Do not miss the application deadline. Most insurance providers require you to submit the application in the same calendar year. If you pay for your membership in January but do not submit the receipt until December, you have to see if the insurance provider will still accept it. Submitting early is always better.

From registration to payout: Your 5-step plan

The process is simpler than most think. Here is everything you need to do, step by step.

1. Sign up for an annual membership. Register directly via the online registration on kraftwerk-fitness.ch for the annual membership. Price: CHF 690, duration 12 months, 24/7 access, no deposit fee.

2. Keep invoice / proof of payment. After you have paid, you will receive a confirmation. This is your most important document for the refund. Keep it handy digitally or physically.

3. Request QualiCert certificate. Ask the studio for the current QualiCert confirmation. Many insurance providers require this proof along with the payment receipt.

4. Submit application to your health insurance. Upload the payment receipt and QualiCert certificate in the app or online portal of your health insurance. Most insurance providers call this document upload or fitness cost contribution. This usually takes a few minutes.

5. Receive refund. After the review, usually within a few weeks, the contribution will be transferred directly to your account or applied as a credit to your health insurance invoice.

What does an annual membership cost me if you factor in the refund?

Short answer: almost always yes. Anyone who has supplementary insurance with at least CHF 200 fitness benefit effectively only pays CHF 490 per year for training, i.e., around CHF 41 per month. With a CHF 670.50 refund, the personal contribution drops to CHF 19.50 a year. That is less than CHF 2 a month.

Anyone who is still hesitating and wants to get to know the studio first can book a trial session at Kraftwerk Fitness anytime before deciding on a membership.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about health insurance refunds

Does basic insurance also pay a fitness contribution?

No. Basic insurance (mandatory healthcare insurance) does not cover fitness memberships. Only supplementary insurances, i.e., voluntarily concluded additions to basic insurance, contain fitness benefits.

Do I have to pay for the membership first and then get it reimbursed?

Yes, in most cases. You pay for the annual membership and then submit the receipt to your health insurance. Some insurance providers with a bonus program or health account work slightly differently, but the principle is the same.

What happens if I change my supplementary insurance during the year?

Then, as a rule, the insurance status at the time of payment applies. If you paid in March and change insurance in June, the insurance provider from March is normally responsible. Clarify this directly with your provider.

Can I also submit the 6-month membership?

That depends on the insurance. Many insurance providers reimburse contributions regardless of whether it is an annual or half-year membership, as long as the studio is certified. However, the maximum amount remains the same. Since the annual membership of CHF 690 often uses up the full annual amount of the provider, it is usually the more sensible model.

Where can I find all information about the Kraftwerk Fitness offer?

All details about memberships, prices, and options can be found on the membership page of Kraftwerk Fitness.