Complementary Health Insurance Policy

Energy and spiritual healing, massage, herbal, chiropractic therapies and acupuncture are known as alternative medicine and complementary therapy. Because these are not proven traditional medical treatments, insurance companies have been reluctant to cover them in policies. But as these complementary treatments become popular, more insurance companies are adding them to their policies.

Chiropractic Coverage

• Chiropractic coverage is covered by some policies.

  Chiropractic coverage can be purchased from traditional insurance providers and through group health plans. At each visit, you will pay a co-pay out of pocket. When you have reached the yearly deductible on the policy for the year, the insurance company will then pay its percentage of the fees. Chiropractic care can also be purchased at discounted rates, but you will not be reimbursed.

Massage Therapy

• A massage therapist working with a patient.

  Massage therapy may be a complementary and alternative medicine rider on your health insurance policy. It may also be covered on your policy, but only if your therapy is in a doctor's office. Your doctor will write a prescription and a referral. His prescription will communicate to the therapist diagnosis codes, how many treatments you need and how often you need them. Plus, with the doctor's name and ID number, the prescription will state that massage therapy is medically necessary for you. And, of course, you will provide your insurance information. If the insurance company does not pay for your treatments, you are responsible for the full amount.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture therapy is covered in 11 U.S. states.

  Acupuncture coverage on your health insurance policy is required in 11 U.S. states. Ask your insurance companyif you have coverage on your policy for acupuncture. You will want to know how many treatments are covered. If you have unlimited complementary treatments, you can receive three acupuncture treatments each week for as long as you need.

Discount Plans

• Some policies will discount alternative therapies.

  Some insurance companies will not offer complementary health insurance policies. However, they will offer discounts with no reimbursement from your insurance company. You pay the discounted cost out of pocket for each treatment.

Denied Claims

• Check your insurance policy for specifics about coverage.

  Know which complementary treatments your health insurance policy covers before you go to a practitioner. If your claim is denied, compare the codes on your paperwork from the insurance company with the codes on the therapists' billing. Request a review if you find a mistake on your claim. Your therapist or practitioner may write a letter on your behalf, and you may also contact the state department of insurance.

Complementary/Alternative Plans

• Complementary and alternative medicine health insurance premiums may be more expensive than paying for traditional health insurance. But, if you use complementary and alternative medicine often, then adding the rider or purchasing complementary health insurance will help cover the expenses of your treatments.

State Department of Insurance

• Complementary health insurance may not be recognized in some states in the U.S. Call the Department of Insurance in your state to get and approved list of providers.