1 Massage therapy can help with muscle tension, circulation, pain relief, stress and anxiety management, and a host of other health issues. Massage therapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that can be used in conjunction with traditional medical care when dealing with some medical conditions and circumstances. 2 According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 55.2 million adults (23.5%) spent at least one dollar on a complementary health strategy.
With so many patients using massage therapy to assist with medical treatments, it would seem reasonable that health insurance should cover it as well. However, not all plans do. For example, since “massage therapy” is not covered by Medicare, you will be liable for the entire expense if you seek treatment. There could be limits on what is protected by your health insurance plan, even though it offers coverage. Here are the fundamentals of massage therapy insurance coverage, as well as how to determine whether the health insurance covers it.
If You Have Massage Coverage?
An insurance provider can define massage therapy in a variety of ways. Whether or not you are covered by your policy depends on how it is described and why you are having a massage. 3 If your insurance doesn’t cover a “massage therapist” appointment, be sure to inquire about these other choices and discuss them with your doctor.
These visits can be compensated if you are qualified for care from osteopaths, chiropractors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists who also use massage techniques.
Insurance firms do not have to cover massage costs as a matter of course. Massage therapy can be covered if the massage is deemed medically appropriate and/or meets the health insurance company’s description and requirements for coverage. • If the massage meets the criteria for a “habilitative or habilitation” procedure, it may be covered as an important health benefit by health insurance. To be sure, you’d need to check with your doctor and your insurance provider.
Massage therapy is becoming more widely provided by health insurance providers, but the best way to find out if it’s covered in your case is to ask the insurer directly.

Having Massage Covered by Insurance
How Does Massage Coverage Work
Is coverage available for all forms of massage
If you and your spouse both have health insurance from your employers, you will be entitled to file a claim under both your and your spouse’s plans. Coordination of benefits may be used to make a claim for both policies. This will allow you to get the most out of both plans in situations where massage therapy is covered, potentially doubling your coverage.