Is There Insurance for Massage Therapy? A Guide

Is There Insurance for Massage Therapy? The answer is yes! You can have insurance for massage therapy if you follow our guide!

Are you someone who suffers from chronic back pain or joint pain? Do you have an underlying condition that causes aches and pains in your body?

Did you know that you can use your insurance to pay for massage therapy? Massage therapy is a great alternative to ease the pain in your body, and the best part is, some insurance companies cover this expense!

If you are curious about how massage therapy insurance works and if you can get your massage covered under your medical insurance policy, then you came to the right place. This brief massage therapy guide will go over what you need to know about massage therapy and who you can reach out to for more help!

Is Massage Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Yes, certain insurance companies cover massages under your personal medical health insurance coverage. To make sure that your insurer covers your massages, you will want to reach out to them and ask a few specific questions. 

If you already received a prescription for a therapeutic or medical massage, you can ask your insurer if this would be covered under your policy. You can also ask what needs to be included in the prescription and what type of doctor needs to prescribe the massage in order for insurance to cover the cost.

If your insurer does cover massages under your medical insurance, make sure to ask if they have specific massage therapists you need to go through in-network. You will also want to clarify whether there are any limitations on the number of visits you can have per year. 

When Can My Doctor Prescribe Massage Therapy?

There are many different doctors that turn to massage therapy to help their patients alleviate pain from their conditions. Most patients with nerve pain or soft tissue sprains can benefit from massage therapy. 

Other conditions that benefit from massage therapy:

• Paresthesia
• Sports injuries
• Fibromyalgia

If you experience any back pain or joint pain, you can ask your doctor for a massage therapy recommendation. If they find it to be fitting for your treatment plan, they can write you a prescription. Again, you will want to reach out to your insurer to see if they will cover your massage therapy needs. 

Medicare Massage Therapy Insurance

Currently, Medicare does not cover massage therapy. If your medical insurance doesn’t cover massage treatment, you will want to reach out to your doctor for alternative options.

Keep in mind that if you are eligible for services from occupational therapists, osteopaths, or physical therapists, you may go through them for their massage therapy techniques. There is no standard requirement for insurance companies to reimburse massage expenses unless the massage is medically necessary.

If your massage falls under the habilitation or habilitative treatment criteria, your insurance company may cover it as a health benefit. Of course, it is always best to reach out to your doctor and your insurance company to see if your insurance company can pay for the massage. 

How to Get Your Massage Covered by Insurance

If you want your medical insurance to cover your massage, you will need to have a doctor recommend or prescribe massage therapy. Even if your doctor prescribes the massage, you will want to double check with your insurer to ensure they will pay for the service. There is no guarantee that your insurer will cover your massage therapy, even if prescribed by a doctor. 

Other questions to ask your insurer:

• What conditions qualify for reimbursement for your massage?
• Do you have any deductibles?
• Do all massages qualify for coverage?
• Is there a time limit per body region?

It is imperative that you follow the guidelines set out by your insurer before you set up your massage therapy appointment. The last thing you want to do is get stuck with the entire bill when you thought your insurance would cover it. 

Keep in mind that even if your insurer does cover massage therapy, they may only cover up to a certain amount. If they do not cover upfront costs, you may be able to submit your receipt for reimbursement. 

What if My Insurer Does Not Cover Massages?

If your insurer does not cover any type of massage therapy, you still have other options available to you. For example, if you have a health savings account, also known as an HSA, you may be able to use it for your massage therapy. Of course, you will want to review with your HSA carrier to see if they cover medically necessary massages. 

You also have the opportunity to reach out to local massage schools. Their students may be able to provide you with a massage for a considerable discount. 

How to Find a Massage Therapist

If your medical insurance coverage allows medically necessary massages, you will want to find a masseuse in-network. You also can call different massage providers and ask if they accept your insurance coverage and if they need a referral from your doctor. 

Why Doesn’t Insurance Always Cover Massages?

Massage therapy is not a medically necessary form of therapy unless a doctor states otherwise. A massage is an alternative form of treatment, and most insurance companies do not cover this type of treatment. 

Relieve Your Pain Today!

There is no standard insurance for massage therapy, but a few insurance companies cover medically necessary massages. It is always best to reach out to your insurance provider to see what type of massage therapy you can get under your medical policy.

If your insurer states that they will cover your massage, call us at (402) 384-8400. We here at Faces Spa are willing to work with your insurance to provide you with the massage therapy care you need!