Massage Therapy Coverage with Insurance

Massage therapy offers tons of health benefits. Not surprisingly, many people turn to it to get relief from musculoskeletal issues, sports injuries, nerve pain, stress, and depression. 

But is it covered by health insurance? How much coverage does private health insurance provide for licensed massage therapists? 

Read on to find out the answers. 

What is massage therapy and what are its medical benefits?

A massage treatment involves using different techniques, pressures, and movements to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Massage therapy is part of integrative medicine, and often, doctors prescribe or recommend it for a wide range of health conditions, including:

• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia
• Postoperative pain
• Digestion disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Sports injuries
• Scar tissue
• Nerve pain
• Neck pain
• Soft tissue injuries and strains

Physical benefits of massage therapy treatment include:

• Reduced joint inflammation
• Improved circulation
• Decreased muscle stiffness
• Improved flexibility
• Better sleep quality
• Less soreness and pain
• Strengthen immune system

Understanding your massage coverage

Canada has a universal health care system, but it doesn’t cover everything, and the rules vary from one province to another. Massage therapy treatment is one of those things that your provincial health plan won’t pay for. But the good news is that many private individual health insurance plans cover it.

An extended health care plan often includes coverage, provided the therapist is a licensed and registered member of the provincial association. Regardless of the type of private health insurance plan you have, take some time to read the fine print. You need to know your plan — what is covered and what isn’t, the policy exclusions, and coverage limits for different things, to name a few — to avoid rude shocks at the time of filing a claim.

Accessing Massage Therapy Coverage

This is a straightforward process that begins with finding a registered massage therapist (RMT) in your area. You can start by searching online directories or asking for referrals from friends, family, or your primary care physician.

Once you’ve identified a potential RMT, schedule an appointment and provide your insurance information to ensure your coverage is applicable. It’s important to review your insurance plan’s details to understand coverage limits, deductibles, and any pre-authorization requirements. This preparation will help you make the most of your therapy coverage and avoid unexpected costs.

Qualifications for Registered Massage Therapists

In Canada, this requires meeting stringent qualifications and standards. Prospective massage therapists must complete a minimum of 2200 hours of formal education and training from a recognized institution. Following their education, they must pass a certification exam and register with a provincial association, such as the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).

They are also required to engage in ongoing education and professional development to maintain their registration. These rigorous standards ensure that RMTs provide high-quality, professional treatment.

Employee benefits coverage for massage

As said earlier, only private health insurance offers this type of coverage. Private health insurance is of two types:

• Group health insurance
• Individual health insurance

Group insurance, obtained through an employer, includes a range of paramedical benefits. Not all group and individual health insurance plans include massage therapy coverage, but some do. Although not a legal requirement, many Canadian employers offer group health coverage to their employees.

Check your group health coverage details to see whether it includes massage therapy treatment and the terms and limits for this coverage. You’ll likely find these details in the paramedical coverage section.

Group health plans usually:

• Don’t have a “per visit” maximum for massage treatment
• Have an annual limit (e.g., $300 a year)
• Require a referral from a physician

Individual health insurance coverage for massage therapy

With many people using massage therapy for its health benefits, it seems that individual health insurance should cover massage. However, not all plans do. 

Individual or personal health insurance is a policy that you purchase on your own. Typically, it offers more comprehensive coverage than workplace medical insurance and is not affected by any change in your employment status. The coverage lasts for as long as you pay the premiums. 

Typically, an extended healthcare plan offers more comprehensive coverage and includes paramedical coverage. Most of these plans require a prescription or referral from your doctor.

Usually, there are per-visit maximums, along with a maximum number of visits that are covered in a year. The maximum amount you can claim per visit depends on your plan, but generally, your co-pay is the range between $20 to $40. 

Submitting a Claim for Massage Therapy

Submitting a claim for massage therapy is a relatively simple process. After receiving treatment from a registered massage therapist, request a detailed receipt that includes the therapist’s name, RMT number, and registration association. The receipt should also itemize the charges, including any gratuity, service date, and location.

You can then submit this receipt to your insurance provider, either online or by mail, along with a completed claim form. It’s important to review your insurance plan’s details to understand the claims process and any requirements for supporting documentation. This ensures your claims are processed smoothly and efficiently.

How much does massage therapy insurance cost?

Massage therapy coverage is not available in the form of a stand-alone policy. Instead, it is a part of the paramedical coverage offered by personal health insurance. While insurers determine the health insurance premiums differently, common factors that affect the cost of private health insurance are: 

• Your age: Like life insurance, health insurance premiums go up the older we get.
• Your location: If you live in a city where the cost of healthcare services is higher than the national average, you’ll pay higher premiums. 
• Your overall health profile: Pre-existing conditions and their severity can impact the cost of insurance. 
• Your chosen benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, which covers more medical procedures and has a higher annual limit for each of them, costs more than a basic plan.
• Payment frequency: Most insurers offer a discount to policyholders who pay premiums annually instead of monthly. 

Getting the Most Out of Your Massage Therapy Coverage

To maximize the benefits of your massage therapy coverage, it’s essential to thoroughly understand your insurance plan’s details and limitations. Review your plan’s coverage limits, deductibles, and any pre-authorization requirements. Additionally, choose a registered massage therapist with the right experience and qualifications for your specific needs.

Discuss their approach to treatment and ensure it aligns with your health goals. By working with a qualified RMT and being well-informed about your insurance, you can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment and improve your overall health and well-being.

Responsible Usage of Massage Therapy Coverage

Responsible usage of massage therapy coverage is crucial for maintaining the integrity and affordability of your insurance plan. Always seek massage therapy from registered massage therapists and only claim for medically necessary treatments. Avoid submitting false or exaggerated claims, as this can lead to increased premiums and even policy cancellation.

By using your this coverage responsibly, you contribute to the sustainability of this valuable health benefit, ensuring it remains accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it.

Conclusion

Massage therapy is typically classified as paramedical coverage. Though government health insurance does not provide coverage for it, some private health insurance policies do. If you are looking for an affordable plan that includes massage therapy coverage, let Dundas Life help you.

We can provide you with options from various insurers, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget. Book your call today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I really need insurance coverage for massage therapy?

Massage therapy offers a number of benefits, including improved circulation, better quality of sleep, decreased muscle stiffness, less pain and soreness, and improved flexibility. It can prove helpful in many health conditions, such as digestive disorders, chronic headaches, nerve pain, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, and insomnia. 

As beneficial and popular as massage therapy is, it is not covered by your provincial or territorial health plan. Without massage therapy coverage, you will have to bear the entire cost of massage treatment. The coverage is not costly and can help significantly reduce your massage therapy treatment costs if you have a medical condition that requires regular massage sessions.  

What does massage therapy insurance not cover?

It covers massage therapy referred or prescribed by a physician and obtained from a registered massage therapist. Leisure massages are not covered by massage therapy insurance.  

Can massage really help me, or will it only worsen my condition?

Massage therapy provides many therapeutic benefits. It is a viable and beneficial treatment for individuals with a variety of health ailments, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, anxiety, depression, and stress. 

Massage therapy can alleviate your symptoms and provide a lot of relief. But it is no panacea, nor is it a substitute for primary healthcare. 

How do I choose the best insurance provider for massage therapy?

Picking the right health insurance provider doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. An independent insurance advisor can match you with the right health insurance product and company for your situation and help you secure the best price possible. If you want to go solo, you must consider the provider’s reputation, coverage options, customer service, and premium rate.