Can Massages Be Covered by Insurance?

For many people, massage therapy is more than a luxury—it's an essential part of managing chronic pain, stress, or injury recovery. But with rising healthcare costs, one question keeps coming up: Can massage therapy be covered by insurance? The answer is yes, but with some important caveats.

When Is Massage Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Massage therapy may be covered by insurance if it’s deemed medically necessary. This usually means a doctor must prescribe or recommend it as part of a treatment plan. Common situations where this applies include:

• Chronic pain management (e.g., back pain, fibromyalgia)
  

• Injury recovery (e.g., car accidents, sports injuries)
  

• Rehabilitation after surgery
  

Types of Insurance That May Cover Massage

1. Health Insurance
   Some major health insurance plans include massage therapy as a reimbursable treatment under their physical therapy or complementary care provisions. However, you’ll usually need:
   
   

• A prescription or referral from a licensed healthcare provider
  

• To see a licensed massage therapist (LMT) recognized by your plan
  

• Documentation of treatment goals and progress
  

2. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
   These pre-tax accounts can often be used to pay for massage therapy if it's prescribed for a medical condition. Just make sure to get a letter of medical necessity from your doctor and keep all receipts. This is the most common method used here at A Better Body.
   
   

3. Auto Insurance
   If you're recovering from a car accident and massage is part of your treatment plan, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may reimburse you.
   
   

4. Workers’ Compensation
   Injuries sustained on the job that require massage as part of physical rehab may be covered under workers' comp—but again, proper medical documentation is key.
   
   

What’s Not Usually Covered

• Massages for relaxation or general wellness without a medical diagnosis
  

• Services from unlicensed or non-network therapists
  

• Tips or extra services at spas
  

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Covered

1. Get a Prescription: Ask your doctor to write a detailed referral explaining why massage is medically necessary.
   

2. Use an Approved Provider: Make sure your massage therapist is licensed and covered under your insurance network.
   

3. Document Everything: Keep receipts, appointment logs, and progress notes in case your insurer requires proof.
   

Final Thoughts

While massage therapy can be covered by insurance, it’s not guaranteed—and it typically requires a bit of legwork. Always check with your insurance provider for specific guidelines and requirements. When done right, getting massages reimbursed can be a game-changer for your health and your wallet.

Book your next therapeutic massage with one of our licensed massage therapists HERE.