Does insurance cover massage?

Massage therapy is normally only covered by insurance providers when prescribed by a physician. When this form of treatment is prescribed, it must be provided by a licensed therapist as opposed to massage technicians found in day spas and other chain massage locations.

Insurance coverage varies by provider, which means that a patient who wishes to receive massage therapy should consult his provider about coverage. Some insurance carriers do cover massage as a form of alternative medicine, but therapy is often restricted to a designated list of providers. In some cases, therapy is covered in full, but most providers only allow a discount on services from specific massage therapists.