How much does it cost to see a physical therapist with insurance?

Asked by: Nathanael Kris DDS  |  Last update: August 21, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (16 votes)

How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost With Insurance? Physical therapy costs $20-55 per session. Most insurance providers can cover at least 50 percent of the costs. But coverage is only accessible after you've paid your yearly deductible, which could range from $250 to $1250 or higher.

How much is a physical therapy session with insurance?

Note that if you have insurance to cover physical therapy, you likely won't be paying the entire amount yourself. The average copay for a physical therapy visit is between $25 and $50.

Does insurance usually cover physical therapy?

Most health insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, will cover all or part of the cost of physical therapy services. Private health insurers will often cover a portion of the cost for PT as well. You may have cost-sharing for PT, like meeting your insurance deductible or copays.

How much is 8 weeks of physical therapy?

Physical therapy costs $25 to $60 per session on average for a co-payment with insurance. Out-of-pocket physical therapy costs $70 to $160 per session without insurance. Physical therapy treatments for a 6- to 8-week period will cost $200 to $1,450 on average with insurance coverage.

How much is cash pay for physical therapy?

Typical cash based physical therapy rates

Physical therapy private pay rates can vary widely depending on factors such as location, provider expertise, practice setting, and the specific services offered. Generally, cash pay rates for physical therapy sessions range from $75 to $125 per session.

Patient's Guide: How to Check Insurance Coverage for Physical Therapy Services

17 related questions found

What is copay for physical therapy?

Co-pays: You will pay a certain sum at the time of the appointment for services covered by your insurance. For instance, you might pay a $30 co-pay for each physical therapy session after meeting your deductible.

How is physical therapy billed?

Each healthcare industry uses different medical billing services and codes. However, the fields of physical and occupational therapy generally use the same standardized unit-based system for billing patients. In this system, each unit represents the specific amount of time the therapist spent providing treatment.

Is physical therapy worth it?

Physical therapy (physiotherapy) is a common treatment for lots of injuries and health conditions. It's also a common rehab step after surgeries. Whether you only need a few sessions after an injury or long-term help managing a chronic condition, physical therapy can improve your strength, flexibility and mobility.

Is physical therapy covered by insurance Blue Cross?

By choosing Blue Cross Insurance for your physical therapy needs, you can enjoy the benefits of continuity of care. This means that if you require ongoing treatment or multiple sessions, Blue Cross Insurance will support your treatment plan and provide coverage for the duration of your therapy.

How often should I go to physical therapy?

Typically speaking, your physical therapist might want to see you between 1-3 times a week. Some other varying factors that determine your duration of treatment can include: How recently has the condition emerged?

Can insurance cover the cost of therapy?

Insurance can cover therapy and mental health treatment depending on the plan's specifics and coverage. Understanding your plan's benefits, such as copays and covered therapies, can help you understand the payment options available to help your teen and family mental health treatment costs.

Why would insurance deny physical therapy?

Common reasons for medical claim denials in physical therapy include: Lack of Medical Necessity: Insurers often deny claims if the therapy does not meet their criteria for medical necessity. Treatment plans must be well-documented and justified in terms of medical necessity.

How to pick a physical therapist?

Choosing Your Physical Therapist
  1. Look for a physical therapist near you (we'll help). ...
  2. Make sure you receive physical therapy from a licensed physical therapist. ...
  3. Contact the physical therapist's clinic to ask about the services they offer. ...
  4. Ask if the physical therapist's clinic accepts your health care plan.

How many PT visits does insurance cover?

Know your limits

If you have a very low number of visits per year (sometimes 20-30) or you have a policy that combines physical, occupational, and speech therapy visits, you can also ask if there is any appeal process for this limit. It is rare, but some insurance providers may make exceptions for catastrophic cases.

Why is my physical therapy not covered by insurance?

For example, a patient may have reached their maximum benefits for the year, or their policy may not cover certain services, such as physical or occupational therapy. Other eligibility issues include: Inactive or terminated insurance policies. Insufficient coverage for the service provided.

How much is a hospital bill for physical therapy?

Cost Per Hour

Many hospitals charge patients on an as-per-hour basis for physical therapy treatments. The average cost per hour can be expected to be between $20 to $75. However, the cost can vary depending on several factors, like the treatment method and the therapist's experience.

How much does a physical therapy visit cost with insurance?

How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost With Insurance? Physical therapy costs $20-55 per session. Most insurance providers can cover at least 50 percent of the costs. But coverage is only accessible after you've paid your yearly deductible, which could range from $250 to $1250 or higher.

Do you pay a copay every visit for physical therapy?

Typically, you must pay this amount at the time of service. Again, copay amounts are fixed—which means you will always pay the same amount, regardless of visit length. In most cases, copayments go toward your deductible.

What is the best insurance for physical therapy?

Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, and others like Aetna and Cigna are among the top providers that individuals typically consider for physical therapy coverage. Each of these insurance companies offers different tiers of plans, ranging from basic coverage to more comprehensive options.

What not to say to a physical therapist?

What You Should Never Tell Your Physical Therapist in Morningside Heights
  • Don't Downplay Your Symptoms. ...
  • Don't Lie About Doing Your Homework. ...
  • Don't Rush Your Physical Therapist. ...
  • Don't Say You Understand an Exercise If You're Still Unsure. ...
  • Don't Lie About Why You're Canceling an Appointment.

What are the negatives of physical therapy?

Potential drawbacks include time commitments, adherence challenges, and the potential for injuries to feel worse before they feel better.

How long does it take to see results from physical therapy?

Many people believe that physical therapy takes too long to show results and does not work well. However, it is essential to note that the frequency and duration of physical therapy will depend on many factors. Physical therapy may take 2 to 3 months to show effective results.

What is the 15 minute rule for physical therapy?

To calculate the number of billable units for a date of service, providers must add up the total minutes of skilled, one-on-one therapy and divide that total by 15. If eight or more minutes remain, you can bill one more unit. Otherwise, you cannot.

Do you have to pay for physical therapy upfront?

There are several ways to pay for your physical therapy treatments. You can use an HSA or FSA, review your insurance coverage, or pay in full. Ultimately, the best way to pay for your treatment is the method that works best for you and your budget.

Do you tip a physical therapist?

It's worth noting that most physical therapists, regardless of setting, don't expect tips.