Health Insurance Coverage for Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know

Massage therapy is increasingly popular among patients seeking relief from pain or injury, and the health care industry is responding.

Health Insurance for Massage

• In some states, insurance companies are required to include massage therapy as part of the alternative medicine option.

Prescriptions For Massage

• Doctors--including chiropractors, osteopaths, and homeopathic doctors--can write prescriptions for massage therapy. The prescription should outline what the treatment should address and modality recommendations to ensure no further injury results from massage.

Auto Insurance

• Often, auto insurance will cover massage therapy when it is part of a treatment plan following an auto accident. The massage treatment is done under the supervision of a chiropractor, physical therapist or doctor.

Covered Treatments

• If your insurance covers massage, there will be a list of approved modalities. Swedish, deep tissue, medical and acupressure massage usually are covered. Light therapy, energy work or aromatherapy typically are not covered.

Learn More

• Check with your insurance company to find out whether massage therapy is covered. If it is covered, most likely it will be in the alternative medicine option list.