Insurance coverage for massage therapy varies significantly across providers, with each carrier setting its own guidelines for eligibility and access. While some insurers recognize the value of massage therapy for medical conditions, navigating the complexities of coverage—such as visit limits, pre-authorization, and documentation requirements—can be challenging for both patients and providers. As a result, many massage therapists choose not to participate in insurance networks, opting instead for direct payment models. Below is a list of the top insurance carriers in the U.S. and an overview of their massage therapy benefits.
Click on each link to explore how these carriers handle massage therapy coverage.
Aetna
Aetna acknowledges the benefits of massage therapy and offers discounts on such services through programs like the Aetna Natural Products and Services program. However, coverage specifics can vary based on individual plans and regional policies. Learn more…
Anthem (now Elevance Health)
Anthem’s coverage for massage therapy varies by state and specific plan. Some plans may offer coverage when the therapy is medically necessary and prescribed by a physician, while others may not include it. Members should consult their plan documents or contact customer service for precise information.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
BCBS operates through independent companies across various states, leading to variability in massage therapy coverage. Some BCBS plans may cover massage therapy when deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a physician, often as part of physical therapy or rehabilitation services. Coverage specifics, including visit limits and pre-authorization requirements, differ by state and plan. Members should consult their local BCBS company or plan documents for precise information.
CareSource
CareSource provides massage therapy coverage under some Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans, requiring it to be medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider. Limitations on visits and providers may apply, so members should consult their plan documents or customer service for details.
Cigna
Cigna’s coverage for massage therapy is generally limited and typically requires the therapy to be part of a broader treatment plan, such as physical therapy, with a clear medical necessity. Coverage details, including the number of allowed visits and the need for pre-authorization, vary by plan. Members are advised to review their specific plan benefits or contact Cigna customer service for accurate information.
EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth includes massage therapy benefits in certain plans, often tied to physical therapy or rehabilitation services. Coverage requires medical necessity and is subject to visit caps, pre-authorization, and network restrictions. Members should review their specific plan documents or contact customer service for exact coverage information.
GuideWell Mutual Holding (Florida Blue)
Florida Blue, under GuideWell Mutual Holding, recognizes massage therapy as beneficial for certain medical conditions and includes it in select plans when prescribed by a physician. However, coverage is often restricted to medically necessary treatments and may require pre-authorization or be subject to visit caps. Consult Florida Blue’s policies for more details.
Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC)
HCSC, the parent company for several Blue Cross and Blue Shield affiliates, offers massage therapy coverage in select plans when deemed medically necessary. Coverage is often tied to a physical therapy benefit and may require a physician’s referral or pre-authorization. Variability between states and plans can lead to confusion about what is covered. Check your HCSC plan for specifics.
HealthPartners
HealthPartners may cover massage therapy when it is part of an active treatment plan for a specific condition and deemed medically necessary. Coverage details, including the number of allowed visits and referral requirements, vary by plan. Members are encouraged to review their specific plan benefits or contact customer service for detailed information.
Highmark Health
Highmark Health provides limited coverage for massage therapy, often requiring it to be part of a prescribed physical therapy regimen for medically necessary conditions. While the inclusion supports certain medical needs, coverage is typically subject to visit caps, pre-authorization, and network restrictions, limiting access for broader wellness purposes. Contact Highmark customer service or consult your plan documents for specific details.
Independence Health Group
As part of its wellness offerings, Independence Health Group includes massage therapy in some plans, particularly when connected to physical therapy or rehabilitation programs. Coverage is typically restricted by visit caps, medical necessity requirements, and prior authorization. Members are encouraged to review plan details for clarification.
Kaiser Permanante
Kaiser Permanente’s coverage for massage therapy varies by region and specific plan. Some plans include massage therapy when medically necessary and prescribed by a physician, while others may not offer coverage. Members should refer to their Evidence of Coverage or contact member services to understand their benefits.
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Medical Mutual of Ohio offers limited coverage for massage therapy, typically when it is part of a treatment plan for a diagnosed condition. Medical necessity, physician referrals, and pre-authorization are common requirements, with coverage often subject to visit limits. Check your plan documents for specific benefits.
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage for massage therapy varies by state. Some state Medicaid programs offer limited massage therapy benefits, often with restrictions on the number of visits and specific conditions covered. Beneficiaries should check with their state’s Medicaid office for detailed information.
Metropolitan Group
The Metropolitan Group includes massage therapy in some employer-sponsored plans as part of its wellness offerings. Coverage is usually tied to medical necessity and requires a physician’s prescription, with limitations on sessions. Review plan details to confirm benefits.
Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare’s massage therapy coverage is generally limited and often included only under Medicaid or Medicare Advantage plans. Massage therapy must be prescribed by a physician and deemed medically necessary for coverage, with strict limits on visits. Members should review their benefits closely or contact Molina for detailed information.
TRICARE
TRICARE does not cover massage therapy for most beneficiaries. Active duty service members, retirees, and their families typically do not have massage therapy coverage under TRICARE. Beneficiaries should consult the TRICARE website or contact their regional contractor for detailed information.
United Healthcare
UnitedHealthcare may cover massage therapy when it is part of a treatment plan for a specific condition and deemed medically necessary. Coverage details, including visit limits and referral requirements, vary