Does massage therapy count as medical expense?
Asked by: Margie Herman | Last update: October 26, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (57 votes)
Can I deduct massages as a medical expense?
Getting a massage would not be considered a taxable deduction or a taxable expense. A massage is considered a private medical expense which isn't a claimable expense.
Is massage therapy considered medical?
Definition. Clinical massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body for therapeutic purposes. Based in ancient traditions, massage therapy is a professional health care discipline in the United States.
What does massage therapy fall under in insurance?
In these cases, massage therapy is often categorized as physical therapy or alternative care. Plan Type: Some Cigna plans may offer coverage for massage therapy as part of complementary or alternative care services, while others may not include it or may require additional riders or supplementary coverage.
What cannot be claimed as a medical expense?
Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.
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What are IRS qualified medical expenses?
Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.
Are gym memberships tax-deductible?
The IRS typically does not allow taxpayers to deduct gym memberships or other costs associated with general health and wellness. The main reason is that these expenses are considered personal, even if they contribute indirectly to improved work performance, stress reduction, or overall well-being.
What category does massage therapy fall under?
Massage therapy generally falls under the classification of "general health," which refers to a service or procedure that can provide a boost to a person's overall health and wellness but is not considered a vital treatment to alleviate a specific medical condition.
How much does a massage cost?
On average, prices in the United States range from $50 to $150 per hour, with higher rates typical in urban areas and luxury spas. The cost is also affected by the therapist's experience, the type of massage, and any additional services provided.
Will Medicaid pay for massage therapy?
The government calls these Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The ACA doesn't see them as essential benefits. So, it's hard to claim massage therapy through Medicaid and insurance. You'll likely need to pay the full cost.
What subject does massage therapy fall under?
Subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathology, and nutrition provide students an overview of the human body and how it works. Classroom coursework in topics related to the practice of massage. Topics on law, ethics, communication, and management prepare students for professional practice.
Does insurance cover lymphatic drainage massage?
Coverage largely depends on whether the massage is deemed medically necessary. For instance, if a doctor prescribes lymphatic drainage massage as part of treatment for a specific medical condition like lymphedema, your insurance might cover it.
Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?
The medical expense deduction covers a wide variety of expenses. However, because of the high Standard Deduction and the 7.5% of AGI threshold requirement, it can be difficult to benefit unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket costs.
Is massage a qualified medical expense for HSA?
Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor.
Is massage therapy covered by insurance?
Fewer policies, on average, cover the costs of professional massage therapy. Additionally, even if your health insurance does provide coverage, there may be limitations, such as how many appointments you can make within a certain period. Some policies will flat-out fail to cover massage therapy.
Is it rude not to tip a massage therapist?
Since tips are standard protocol for a private masseuse, you should assume a 20 percent tip in any massage or spa treatment situation (unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive). Not sure? When in doubt, always ask, says Post, who says tipping is always appreciated.
How long is a 1 hour massage?
All well known massage franchises offer 50 minutes of hands-on treatment time, and call that a One Hour Massage. At Be Well Bodyworks, our One Hour Massages are 60 minutes of hands-on treatment. That added 10 minutes makes a BIG difference and allows therapists to work on every part of the body, without feeling rushed.
Is massage considered a medical treatment?
This is just a small number of allied healthcare workers, and some estimates state that up to 60% of employees in healthcare are in allied care. So, by definition, massage therapy is part of healthcare services, and massage therapists are medical professionals.
What is the IRS code for massage therapy?
It's essential to know the tax code for massage therapists. They typically operate under the principal business code 621399 in their tax filings, which pertains to "Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners."
How many massages can a therapist do in a day?
Massage therapy sessions
How many appointments you have in a day depends on your availability and scheduling preferences, but most full-time therapists will see around five clients a day with massage appointments typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
Are massages tax deductible?
Massages may be tax deductible if prescribed as a treatment for musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or fibromyalgia. If a licensed medical practitioner prescribes massage therapy to address musculoskeletal issues, it can be tax-deductible as a medical expense.
Can you write off a Rolex as a business expense?
Common write-offs or deductions include mortgage interest, interest on student loans and business equipment. Clothing and accessories can be write-offs, but only in very limited circumstances. Sadly, luxury watches like a Rolex are not on the list.
What deductions can I claim?
- Alimony payments.
- Business use of your car.
- Business use of your home.
- Money you put in an IRA.
- Money you put in health savings accounts.
- Penalties on early withdrawals from savings.
- Student loan interest.
- Teacher expenses.