Being an athlete or sports personality involves pushing your body to the limit almost daily. So, it is very likely that you feel discomfort, pain, and limited mobility in your joints and muscles, as a result. If left untreated this can cause problems in the body and decrease your overall mobility.
Sports Massage effectively treats many potential issues that can affect your body before or after sports. The problem for many people is cost and whether or not their insurance plan will cover it. The answer can be a little complicated, but thankfully for you, we have all the answers! Read on to find out more.
Does Your Insurance Cover Sports Massage?
Health insurance generally covers physiotherapy. Unfortunately, only a few clinics will offer sports massage. That means you will need to meet all the costs when you seek this treatment from a provider who does not cover it. Different insurers define sports messages differently. Generally, there is no specific standard requirement for insurance providers to reimburse expenses for sports massage therapy. However, your health insurance may cover this treatment if:
- Your health insurance company considers the massage therapy medically necessary and/ or it fits their coverage criteria
- The massage fits the definition of a “rehabilitative or rehabilitation” treatment
If you already have health insurance, then the only way to know for sure is to contact them.
Are You Really Covered?
As sports massage becomes more and more popular, some health insurance companies are beginning to cover it. The first thing you should do to find out if the massage is covered for your case is to speak to your health insurance provider.
Ideally, you will need to know if the insurer considers the massage medically necessary to be covered and how you can meet their criteria. Ask the following questions once you discover that your health insurance company covers sports massage:
- Does the policy cover all types of massage therapies?
- What conditions do you need to meet to qualify for sports massage reimbursement?
- Is there any deductible or costs you will need to pay out of your own pocket?
- Is there a maximum amount your insurance can pay per policy term?
- Are there specific massage clinics/therapists you must go to?
- Is there a maximum reimbursement per session? For example, if the maximum per session is £45, and you go to a clinic that charges £80, you will have to pay the difference.
These are some of the questions you should ask your health insurance provider. Ensure you get all the information you need to understand how the policy works.
