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Family policies that include physiotherapy are more expensive than individual or joint policies
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Can I get physio on health insurance?
In the UK we’re lucky enough to have a free private health service with the NHS but in some cases people may choose to pay for private physiotherapy. This is usually because they don’t want to wait for treatment via the NHS but it can be for a variety of reasons e.g. they need a number of treatments and can't get these appointments with the NHS.
If you have private health insurance, this can cover some or all of the costs of private treatment. It can cover many different treatments, including physiotherapy. However, physiotherapy insurance cover isn't included as standard with health insurance. Instead, most providers offer it as an optional cover you can add it to your policy for an additional cost.
To find quotes for health insurance with physiotherapy cover, complete our initial question set with your personal details and policy requirements. When you are given your results you will have the option to filter quotes based on the outpatient treatments your policy will cover
How does physio work on private health insurance?
The steps you need to take to get private physio treatments covered by your health insurance can vary depending on your provider.
However, this is what a typical process looks like:
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See a doctor for a medical referral
Health insurance will cover physiotherapy if it is prescribed as treatment for a specific condition. Usually, you will need a referral note from a GP or other medical professional before your insurer will book you in for your treatment at an authorised physiotherapy clinic.
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Speak to your insurer
Your insurer will tell you what your policy will cover and how to arrange treatments. Most health insurance plans have specific lists of hospitals where you can receive your treatment, so you will need to confirm that your chosen treatment provider is covered by your policy
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Attend physiotherapy
You are usually seen by a physiotherapist as an outpatient and most people are given an initial batch of sessions, such as three or five. Your insurer receives an invoice from the physiotherapist and arranges the payment, so you should not usually have to pay anything before receiving care.
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Claim up to a limit
Depending on your policy, there will usually be a limit to how many sessions of physiotherapy your health insurance will cover. After the first block of sessions, your insurer may want evidence from the physiotherapist to show how much more treatment is needed. If you exceed your cover limit, any further sessions won't be covered by your policy.
What physiotherapies will health insurance cover?
Physiotherapy can include a variety of healthcare treatments, plus many offer sports injuries cover as a policy add-on. Standard treatments offered include the following:
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Mobility exercises
These exercises can assist with stiff joints and can help after an unexpected stay in bed, for example after a stroke
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Manipulation
Manipulation is a form of physiotherapy where pressure is applied to specific areas of your body and is used to reduced back pain and strain and improve mobility
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves needles being inserted into your body at specific points and is commonly used to treat pain, such as back, neck, or joint pain
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Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is the use of small electrical currents to treat a range of health conditions relating to nerves and muscles and reduce pain
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Massage
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissue with hands to loosen tight muscles and tissue. It's commonly used to reduce pain and swelling
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Hydrotherapy
If you have joint or muscle pain, hydrotherapy involves exercises in water. The warm water can support you and reduce pressure on painful joints and muscles
How much does physiotherapy cover cost?
The cost of physiotherapy cover will depend on your specific circumstances and your chosen health insurance policy. Here are a few factors that will affect the cost of your health insurance:
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Cover level
Some providers offer different levels of cover. Choosing unlimited will be more expensive than limited cover
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Medical history
Health insurance may cost more if you have a history of serious medical problems or pre-existing conditions
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Your location
The cost of private healthcare varies across the country, with London typically being the most expensive
Our expert says…
The NHS is amazing and we’re one of the only countries in the world to have free healthcare but if you need physiotherapy, it may be quicker to choose a private plan. If you have private health insurance – whether you’ve bought it on your own or you have it through work – it’s worth looking into. It can give you free treatment and you should be seen relatively quickly. Just be sure to read the small print so you know what you’re covered for.
Rebecca Goodman Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Why compare private health insurance with MoneySuperMarket?
There are lots of great reasons to use MoneySuperMarket to find your next health insurance policy:
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Save time
MoneySuperMarket makes it easy to compare policies from multiple providers in one place, saving you the time of researching each provider individually
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Save money
By comparing policy quotes and features MoneySuperMarket makes it easy to match our best deals with prices to fit your needs and budget
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Get tailored cover
With a wide range of policies available, you can find health insurance that meets your needs and provides the coverage you need to protect your investment
What do I need to get a health insurance quote?
To get a health insurance quote you’ll need the following details:
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Personal details
This includes your name, address, age, smoker status and profession as well as the details of family members you want your health insurance policy to cover. Some providers may also want to know if you take part in any dangerous sports or activities
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Your medical history
Depending on your policy's underwriting, you will need to provider your insurer with details of your full medical history or any medical conditions that you have had symptoms, treatment, advice or medication for in the last 5 years
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Treatment details
You will need to provider details of and additional cover you want to add to your health insurance, which can include cover for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, outpatient diagnostic tests, specialist fees, and physiotherapy
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Your hospital list
You need to know which hospitals offer physiotherapy to check if your policy's hospital list will cover you. Some providers offer optional extensions to your hospital list for increased premiums
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How quickly can you see a physiotherapist?
Depending on when and how your condition is diagnosed, you can usually see a physiotherapist within days if you choose to go the private route. You’ll also avoid NHS waiting lists, which can be up to 18 weeks from when you are referred.
Which physiotherapist can you use?
Some insurers allow you to pick any physiotherapist you prefer, but most will have a list of recognised practitioners you will need to choose from. It is important to speak to your insurer before you proceed with any treatment so that you know you will be covered.
Are there any limitations or restrictions on physiotherapy coverage in health insurance?
All insurance policies are different but you will usually be covered up to a certain number of physio session or a set financial limit. You may be required to pay some or all of the costs after this initial limit has been reached. Your insurer should tell you all of this in detail before you take a policy out.
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