Why is my physical therapy not covered by insurance?

Asked by: Edison Lebsack Sr.  |  Last update: September 6, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (63 votes)

If your doctor does not prescribe physical therapy as an essential benefit, it may not be covered by your insurance plan. Before going to your first appointment, check with your insurer to find out if your physical therapy is covered by your insurance plan.

What to do if insurance denies physical therapy?

Some insurance companies allow a second internal appeal if your first is denied. When your insurance company denies a claim as medically unnecessary or experimental, you can submit an external appeal to an independent review organization (IRO) if your internal appeals are denied.

Why would a physical therapist not take insurance?

Insurance companies do not reimburse that well for visits, and even if they did, the paneling process with insurance companies is arduous and time consuming. Plus, many therapists are self employed and have to pay their own taxes.

Is physical therapy always covered by insurance?

In most cases, health insurance does cover physical therapy, as it is considered a medically necessary treatment for various injuries, illnesses, or post-surgery rehabilitation. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on your specific insurance plan and the country or region you are in.

How to get therapy when insurance doesn t cover it?

10 Affordable Therapy Options Without Insurance
  1. Medicaid. ...
  2. Sliding Scale Therapists. ...
  3. Online Therapy. ...
  4. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) ...
  5. College Healthcare Centers. ...
  6. Disability Benefits. ...
  7. Group Therapy. ...
  8. Support Groups.

Does My Insurance Cover Physical Therapy? Definitions, Coverage and Payment

31 related questions found

What to do if insurance won't cover treatment?

Your right to appeal

Internal appeal: If your claim is denied or your health insurance coverage canceled, you have the right to an internal appeal. You may ask your insurance company to conduct a full and fair review of its decision.

How do I know if my PT is covered by insurance?

Review your policy documents to learn more about your insurance coverage. You can also contact your insurance provider directly. They can give you further details on your plan's coverage, limitations, and requirements to cover physical therapy services.

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.

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.

How long does insurance pay for PT?

Insurance typically won't pay for physical therapy that you seek out yourself. Most insurance plans put a cap on how many physical therapy visits will be covered. A typical plan could only cover 30 physical therapy visits per year. After that, you'd have to pay the full cost yourself.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover physical therapy sessions?

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.

Why don't physical therapists go by doctor?

So, while physical therapists aren't doctors in the traditional sense, they are trained as doctors in their specific field of physical therapy. A key difference between the two (aside from specified training) is the notion that fellowships and residencies are optional in the PT program.

How to get insurance approval for physical therapy?

Getting Prior Authorization for Physical Therapy
  1. Contact your patient's insurance company. Find the phone number on their insurance card.
  2. Request a prior authorization form or number. The insurance company will likely tell you what information they need.
  3. Gather required documents. ...
  4. Submit the request.

Why didn't my insurance cover my physical?

The service might not be covered by the health plan, or the health plan might require specific procedures to be followed in order to have coverage (a referral from a primary care physician, for example). Depending on the health plan, care might only be covered if the medical providers are in-network.

Why would insurance deny rehab?

Understanding why insurance might deny rehab coverage is crucial for getting necessary treatment. The most common reasons include lack of medical necessity, insufficient coverage, pre-existing conditions, and using out-of-network providers.

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 many PT sessions does insurance cover?

These are usually various wellness, fitness programs, health education, prevention, and sports performance enhancements. Most insurance plans will also cover only a limited number of physical therapy visits, and usually, it's 20 visits. Check with your insurer to find out about your plan.

Does insurance usually pay for 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.

Is PT insurance worth it?

For both dogs and cats, the average annual cost of veterinary care exceeds the average annual cost of pet insurance, suggesting that pet insurance is worth it if you have comprehensive coverage. Of course, there will probably be years when you spend more on pet insurance than you save on veterinary care.

How much does physical therapy cost per hour?

Cost Per Hour

The average cost can range between $50 to $100 per hour. The cost significantly varies depending on your time with the therapist.

Does physical therapy fall under preventive care?

Do physical therapists provide wellness and preventive care? Yes, they do! While most people do not see a physical therapist until there is a problem, it does not have to be this way.

Why won't insurance cover therapy?

Insurance companies create quotas for how many therapists they will work with in a certain geographic area and types of therapists. They may decide that they need more bilingual therapists or specialists in addiction, so they reject those without a specialty area.

How do I check if my insurance covers something?

If you have any questions about what your plan covers, contact your insurance company. Member Services representatives are there to answer exactly these types of questions. They can tell you whether a doctor, prescription or service is covered, plus how much your insurance will pay.

How do you know if a therapist is covered by insurance?

Check your description of plan benefits—it should include information on behavioral health services or coverage for mental health and substance-use disorders. If you still aren't sure, ask your human resources representative or contact your insurance company directly.