How can I improve my health for free?

Young man wearing a blue singlet tying his shoes and preparing to go for a walk with his Labrador

Keen to make healthier choices without the big cost?

16 May 2022 3 minute read

Whether it’s on billboards, TikTok or from your GP, we’re constantly told the importance of keeping healthy.

And, if you’re thinking that it’s probably a whole lot easier to keep healthy and well when you have loads of money, time and energy, we get it.

For those of us on tight budgets, it can be hard and getting advice from a George Clooney lookalike who drives a Ferrari while drinking his latte makes it even more frustrating.

So, if you’re keen to make healthier choices but you don’t have unlimited cash to splash, we’ve put together a range of free ways you can look after your physical and mental health.

Free mental health help

Mental health support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of your financial situation, and with an estimated 45% of Aussies experiencing a mental health condition in their lifetime, it’s never been more important to look after yourself. There are a number of free apps and online resources, including Smiling Mind.

The MindSpot Clinic even offers a free online and telephone service for those with symptoms of anxiety or depression.

If you are concerned about your mental health, it’s important to get personalised advice
from your GP, who may provide you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan for up to six Medicare rebatable psychologist sessions.

Free ways to work on your fitness

There’s no reason to let your fitness suffer just because you can’t afford exxy gym memberships. Got a smartphone or a laptop? There are plenty of online videos and programs available and you don’t need to pay a cent. At nib, we work with a range of fitness experts to develop workouts for every level, from this 10-minute do-anywhere workout to these 7 bodyweight workouts you can do at home. Alternatively, nib foundation partner Live Life Get Active runs a range of boxing, cross-training and yoga camps across Australia – and they’re all free! You can also visit their website for at-home exercise programs and nutrition and mindfulness advice.

Two young girls laughing and walking together on the street

Free health tools

At nib, we want to be a health partner, so we work with the experts to give you the best guidance and tools to live health first. The last thing we want is for Aussies to neglect their health because of their financial circumstances. That’s why we launched GreenPass, a health membership that gives you access to a range of online health checks, a health tracking app and healthy living rewards and discounts – and the best bit? You can sign up to the Basic level for free.

Discounted health appointments

Hands-up if you’ve ever skipped a dental or optical check-up because you were worried about the cost? Or, maybe you know you should’ve seen a physio about that injured muscle, but you suffered in silence instead because you didn’t have Extras insurance?

With GreenPass, you can upgrade your subscription to the Advanced tier for just $4.99 a month and unlock exclusive pricing from our network of providers, including dental, physio and optical centres as well as extra rewards and discounts to keep you looking and feeling your best.

What is GreenPass?

GreenPass is about giving you the tools you need to keep as healthy as possible – because we’ve all heard the saying: prevention is better than cure! GreenPass gives you access to a range of personalised health information, health checks, expert tips, health trackers, rewards and discounts. As a member of Advanced GreenPass, you’ll also be able to receive exclusive pricing from nib’s network of providers, including dental, physio and optical centres – you’ll get all of these perks without the commitment of a health insurance policy.

Discover more about GreenPass

Ready to access a free membership? It takes just a few minutes to sign up and you’ll be able to start using rewards and discounts from some of your favourite brands immediately – including Garmin, New Balance, Sunglass Hut and Endota Spa.

Find out more at the dedicated GreenPass page.

Need more information about mental health services? If you or someone you know needs help, please call:

Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Please note: The tips throughout this article serve as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.