Free Health Perks: Eye Tests, Fitness Passes & Wellness Products
You don’t need to be ill, struggling, or on benefits to access free health perks. Many are designed specifically for healthy, working adults as a way to prevent problems early, encourage good habits, and build long-term loyalty.
From free eye tests to gym trials and wellness freebies, here’s how normal people can stay well without spending extra money.
Why free health perks are common
Free health perks exist because prevention is cheaper than treatment. Employers want productive staff with fewer sick days, gyms want new members who might stay long term, and wellness brands want customers who build habits around their products.
The result is a wide range of legitimate freebies that often go unused simply because people don’t know they exist or don’t think they apply to them.
Free eye tests
Eye tests (even if your vision is “fine”) aren’t just about glasses. They can detect early signs of eye strain, glaucoma, and even broader health issues long before symptoms become obvious.
Workplace eye tests
If you use a screen for work, your employer may be required to offer a free eye test or reimburse you for one. This applies to many office-based, hybrid, and home workers.
These benefits are often hidden inside HR policies or intranet pages rather than actively promoted, so it’s worth checking what you’re entitled to.
Optician promotions
High-street opticians regularly offer free or heavily discounted eye tests, particularly as part of marketing campaigns. These may include free tests for new customers, free tests when using employer-issued vouchers, or seasonal promotions designed to attract quieter footfall. Chains like Specsavers rotate these offers throughout the year, especially outside peak periods.
Public eye tests
In the UK, the NHS provides free eye tests for certain groups. However, many people who don’t qualify still end up paying nothing thanks to workplace schemes or optician-led promotions.
Money tip: a free eye test today can prevent expensive problems later — and costs nothing but around 30 minutes of your time.
Free fitness passes & gym trials
You don’t need to be a gym fanatic to benefit from free fitness perks. Many are designed for casual users or people who simply want to try something new.
Free gym trials
Many gyms offer short-term access to attract new members. This can include free day passes, three- to seven-day trials, or complimentary classes for local residents or friends of existing members. These are ideal if you exercise occasionally or want to test a gym’s atmosphere before committing. Asking at reception often works better than searching online, as not all offers are advertised publicly.
Employer fitness benefits
Some employers provide fitness-related perks that go unused. These may include free or subsidised gym memberships, monthly wellness budgets that can be spent on fitness activities, or multi-gym access schemes that allow flexibility. These benefits are often overlooked by people who don’t see themselves as “fitness types,” even though they are designed to be inclusive.
Fitness apps & class passes
Fitness platforms regularly offer free trials that unlock access to gyms, studios, and classes. Services like ClassPass allow users to try multiple workouts without paying upfront, making them ideal for variety or low-commitment exercise.
If you don't want to join a gym, there are lots of ways to keep healthy in the great outdoors!
Free wellness products & self-care freebies
Wellness brands are particularly generous with free products, especially when targeting new customers.
Free vitamins & supplements
It’s common to find free starter packs, single-use trial sachets, or sample subscriptions for vitamins and supplements. If you already take supplements, using samples first can significantly reduce costs over the course of a year.
Free skincare & toiletries
Health and beauty retailers frequently give away skincare samples, toiletries, and wellness testers. Loyalty schemes, such as those offered by Boots, allow points and targeted promotions to unlock genuinely free items rather than small discounts.
Mental wellness perks
Many workplaces and apps provide free access to mental wellness tools. These can include meditation trials, sleep support tools, and stress or focus programmes designed for everyday pressure rather than clinical treatment.
How to find free health perks easily
You don’t need to spend hours searching. The simplest ways to uncover free health perks include checking your work benefits portal or HR policies, signing up for gym and wellness newsletters, using pharmacy loyalty cards, and asking directly at opticians or gyms. Whenever possible, choose a free trial before paying.
Most free health perks go unused simply because no one asks.
Are free health perks worth it?
Yes—especially if you work on screens, sit for long periods, want to stay healthy rather than fix problems later, or enjoy saving money without cutting back on your lifestyle. These perks are part of modern work, fitness, and wellness culture, not charity.
Free health perks aren’t just for “other people.” They’re for busy, healthy adults who want to protect their health, try new habits without risk, and keep more money in their pocket.
A free eye test, a week of workouts, or a handful of wellness freebies may seem small—but together, they can save hundreds each year and quietly improve your quality of life.