Health Insurance & Massage Therapy

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.

References

• CNN - Health Insurance Takes Note Of Massage Therapy
• American Massage Therapy Association
• University of Minnesota