Can a Massage Be Billed to Insurance?

Whether or not a massage can be billed to insurance depends on your insurance plan and why you are receiving massage.

Health Insurance

• Check your health insurance coverage; some health insurance companies will pay for massage and some won't. According to the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies, only a few states allow massage therapists to become contracted providers with health insurance companies.

Health Insurance Considerations

• While a few health insurance companies that cover massage may pay for it as a preventative measure, most require a specific reason (for example, soft tissue injuries or back or neck pain) and a doctor's referral for massage.

Auto Insurance

• If you are in a motor vehicle accident, and you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of your auto insurance coverage, PIP will pay for massage if you have a doctor's referral. If you don't have PIP, and are involved in a third-party case, massage bills can be included as part of the treatment costs sent to the other party's insurance company.

Workers' Comp

• According to the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies, all 50 states let massage therapists bill for massage sessions with clients who were injured on the job (workers' compensation). You must have a doctor's referral.

Considerations Finding a Massage Therapist

• Not all massage therapists choose to bill insurance, so be sure to ask before making an appointment. If your health insurance plan requires that you see an in-network provider, you will need to find a massage therapist who is a provider for the insurance plan.