Most insurance companies will not cover massage.

However, massage is not always about relaxation.

Therapeutic massage helps people who are in chronic pain to manage that pain, to cope with depression, and get relief from other ailments.

In such cases, massage is considered part of a treatment plan and is liable for insurance coverage.

Read Through the Insurance Policy

Read through your insurance policy to confirm that your health insurance has a clause on medical-massage.

Some insurance companies do not cover massage whether a doctor prescribes it or not. Peruse the policy thoroughly and ensure there is a clause that allows the policy to pay for a massage.

Otherwise, your doctor’s prescription will be in vain.

Research Throughly

Research thoroughly and confirm that therapeutic massage therapy is an option in treatment for your particular illness. If massage is not a recognized treatment method for your disease, your doctor will not recommend a massage chair. 

You may need to produce evidence, for example case studies that prove the benefits of a massage chair.Make an appointment with your doctor and discuss the symptoms you have and what treatment options you have. Most doctors will recommend painkillers, and massage therapy only as a last resort. Let the doctor know your reasons for suggesting massage, then cite the studies that have been a success with the same condition as yours.

Type of Therapy

While you discuss which massage therapy clinics you can check into, be wary of wellness spa recommendations. Insist on medical rehabilitation massage clinics that accept various insurance types to be sure the policy covers you.

If the doctor is skeptical about massage prescription, listen to his/her concerns. You might get a prescription that covers medication and frequent doctor appointments. If the doctor, for any reason, says no to a massage prescription because of the insurance policy, get a a second opinion.If the doctor approves and writes a massage prescription, send this authorization to the insurance company, attaching receipts for purposes of reimbursement

Keep Careful Records

Keep careful records in case your insurance company demands any documents in the future. Documents including a copy of the referral and other relevant documents may be requested in the future to provide further information or for reference to support your reimbursement.

If you lose these documents and the insurance company asks for them, you will be at risk of not being reimbursed.

Conlusion: What You Need to Know!

Not all insurance providers regard massage as a form of treatment. As with everything else, do not make assumptions. Due diligence will go a long way in ensuring you do not get frustrated by the unknown.

It can happen, that you will get free massage sessions, but not a massage chair from your insurance.