Are Alternative and Complementary Therapies Covered
As an FCA-authorised broker that's helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr explains which alternative therapies are covered by private medical insurance in the UK. This guide demystifies coverage for treatments like acupuncture, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, helping you make an informed choice for your health.
Insurer coverage for acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, and holistic therapies
The world of health and wellness is constantly evolving. In the UK, more and more people are turning to therapies that sit outside the realm of traditional medicine. From acupuncture for pain relief to osteopathy for back problems, these treatments are now a mainstream part of many people's healthcare routines.
But when it comes to paying for them, where does private medical insurance (PMI) stand?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting alternative and complementary therapies covered on your UK health insurance policy. We'll explore which treatments are typically included, what the common limitations are, and how to ensure you get the most value from your cover.
Understanding Alternative vs. Complementary Therapies
Before we dive into insurer policies, it's vital to understand the terminology. The terms 'alternative' and 'complementary' are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things, especially to an insurer.
- Complementary Therapy: This is a treatment used alongside standard conventional medical care. For example, using acupuncture to help manage pain after surgery prescribed by your consultant.
- Alternative Therapy: This is a treatment used in place of standard conventional medical care. For example, choosing to treat a serious illness with herbal remedies instead of prescribed medication.
Insurers are far more likely to cover complementary therapies. Why? Because they are used to support, not replace, evidence-based medicine recommended by a qualified doctor or specialist. They "complement" the primary treatment plan.
| Therapy Type | Definition | Insurer View | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complementary | Used with conventional medicine. | More likely to be covered. | A GP refers you for physiotherapy to aid recovery from a sports injury. |
| Alternative | Used instead of conventional medicine. | Almost never covered. | Deciding to use homeopathy instead of antibiotics for a bacterial infection. |
The Golden Rules of PMI: Acute vs. Chronic & Pre-existing Conditions
To understand what any private medical insurance policy will cover, you must first grasp two fundamental principles. These rules apply to all treatments, including complementary therapies.
1. PMI is for Acute Conditions Only Private health cover is designed to treat acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.
- Examples of Acute Conditions: A slipped disc, a broken bone, appendicitis, or a joint injury.
PMI does not cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed.
- Examples of Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, asthma, long-term high blood pressure, or arthritis.
If you need a complementary therapy like osteopathy to manage a long-standing, incurable back problem (a chronic condition), your PMI policy will not cover it. However, if you need osteopathy for a new, acute back injury, it is likely to be covered, provided it's part of your policy.
2. Pre-existing Conditions Are Excluded Standard PMI policies do not cover conditions you had symptoms of, or received treatment for, before you took out the policy. This usually applies to conditions from the last five years. If you had ongoing chiropractic treatment for a bad back before buying a policy, you cannot claim for that same condition after your cover starts.
Which Therapies Are Commonly Covered by UK Health Insurance?
While policies vary, a core group of evidence-based therapies are now routinely included in many mid-tier and comprehensive private medical insurance UK plans. These are sometimes referred to as "the big three" of complementary medicine, often grouped with the most common therapy of all, physiotherapy.
1. Physiotherapy
This is the most widely covered therapy. It uses physical methods like massage, manipulation, and exercise to treat injuries and conditions affecting the muscles, joints, and nerves. It's a cornerstone of rehabilitation for musculoskeletal issues, and virtually all insurers who offer therapies will cover physiotherapy, often with generous limits.
2. Osteopathy
Osteopathy focuses on the health of the entire body by strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. Practitioners use their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of health problems. It's particularly effective for:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain and headaches
- Shoulder and elbow pain (e.g., tennis elbow)
- Postural problems caused by driving or office work
Insurers view osteopathy favourably because its effectiveness is recognised by the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing lower back pain.
3. Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine. Chiropractors aim to reduce pain and improve the function of patients, as well as educate them on how they can account for their own health. It's commonly used for:
- Acute and chronic back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Sciatica
Like osteopathy, chiropractic treatment is well-established, and practitioners in the UK must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). This professional regulation gives insurers the confidence to include it in their policies.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. Originating in traditional Chinese medicine, it is now used within Western medicine to stimulate sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This is thought to result in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. It's often covered when used for:
- Chronic tension-type headaches
- Migraines
- Musculoskeletal pain
Insurers will typically only cover acupuncture when it's performed by a qualified medical professional (like a doctor or physio) or a practitioner registered with a body like the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
Summary of Commonly Covered Therapies
| Therapy | What It Treats | Insurer Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | Musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation, mobility issues. | GP/Specialist referral. Practitioner must be HCPC registered. |
| Osteopathy | Back pain, neck pain, postural problems, joint pain. | GP/Specialist referral. Practitioner must be GOsC registered. |
| Chiropractic | Back and neck pain, headaches, sciatica. | GP/Specialist referral. Practitioner must be GCC registered. |
| Acupuncture | Pain relief, migraines, tension headaches. | GP/Specialist referral. Practitioner must be medically qualified or BAcC registered. |
A Closer Look at Insurer Policies: What Do the Big Providers Offer?
Coverage for complementary therapies is a key differentiator between insurers and policy levels. What one provider includes as standard, another might offer only as a paid add-on.
Here’s a general overview of what you can expect from some of the UK’s leading private health cover providers. Please note that these details are for guidance only and specific coverage depends on the exact policy you choose.
| Provider | Typical Therapy Coverage | Annual Limits (Example) | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic often included. Acupuncture may be available. | Often offers a set number of sessions (e.g., up to 10) or a financial limit. | Requires GP referral. Treatment must be for an acute condition. |
| Bupa | Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, and Chiropractic are common. Acupuncture is also frequently covered. | Limits vary by policy level, from around £350 to unlimited on comprehensive plans. | Requires referral. May have specific approved lists of specialists. |
| Aviva | "Expert Select" and other plans often include Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, and Chiropractic as standard. | Typically has financial limits (e.g., £500-£1,500) shared across therapies. | Requires GP or specialist referral. Practitioners must be from their approved network. |
| Vitality | Offers a unique approach, often linking therapy access to its wellness programme. Core cover includes some therapies. | Can be a fixed number of sessions (e.g., 6) or a financial limit. Can be 'topped up'. | Referral required. Encourages use of their network of partners. |
This table illustrates why comparing policies is so important. A policy with a £1,500 limit for therapies is significantly different from one offering 6 sessions. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can analyse these details for you, ensuring you don't get caught out by the fine print.
Therapies That Are Rarely or Never Covered
While the "big three" are often included, many other holistic therapies are almost always excluded from standard PMI policies. This is typically because their clinical effectiveness has not been proven to the standards required by medical bodies like NICE.
Common exclusions include:
- Aromatherapy
- Homeopathy
- Naturopathy
- Reiki
- Reflexology
- Indian Head Massage
- Hypnotherapy (unless part of structured psychiatric treatment)
If these therapies are important to you, you should expect to pay for them yourself. Insurers focus their resources on treatments with a strong evidence base for treating acute medical conditions.
How to Get Your Complementary Therapy Covered: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you have a private health insurance policy and an acute condition you think could benefit from osteopathy or acupuncture. What's the process?
-
Check Your Policy First: Don't assume you're covered. Read your policy documents carefully. Pay close attention to the section on "Out-patient cover" and "Therapies". If you're unsure, your best option is to speak to your insurer or a broker like WeCovr who can clarify your benefits for you.
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Get a GP or Specialist Referral: This is non-negotiable for almost all insurers. You must see your GP (either NHS or private) or a specialist consultant about your acute condition. If they agree that a complementary therapy is an appropriate course of treatment, they will provide you with a referral letter.
-
Find a Recognised Practitioner: Insurers will not pay for treatment from just anyone. The practitioner must be registered with the relevant UK professional statutory body.
- Physiotherapists: Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Osteopaths: General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
- Chiropractors: General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
- Acupuncturists: British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) or a registered medical doctor.
-
Understand Your Limits: Before starting treatment, be crystal clear on your policy limits.
- Is there a financial limit? (e.g., £500 per policy year)
- Is there a session limit? (e.g., 8 sessions per policy year)
- Is there an excess? (You may need to pay the first £100 of your claim).
-
Get Pre-Authorisation: This is a crucial step. Once you have your referral and have chosen a recognised practitioner, you must call your insurer to get the treatment pre-authorised. You'll need to give them details of your condition, the referral, and the practitioner. They will confirm your cover and give you an authorisation number. Do not start treatment without this number, as your claim may be rejected.
The Rise of Wellness Benefits and Holistic Health Support
Modern private medical insurance is about more than just treating you when you're ill. The best PMI providers are increasingly focused on helping you stay healthy in the first place. This holistic approach means many policies now come with a wealth of wellness benefits, designed to support your overall physical and mental wellbeing.
These benefits can include:
- Discounted Gym Memberships and Wearable Tech: Providers like Vitality are famous for rewarding active lifestyles with cheaper premiums, cinema tickets, and coffees.
- Mental Health Support: Access to mental health helplines, therapy sessions, and mindfulness apps like Headspace or Calm is becoming standard.
- 24/7 Virtual GP Services: The ability to speak to a GP via video call at any time of day or night, often with onward referrals.
- Nutrition and Diet Support: Some policies offer consultations with nutritionists to help you improve your diet and manage your weight.
At WeCovr, we enhance this further. All our health and life insurance clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This tool empowers you to take control of your diet and supports a healthier lifestyle, perfectly complementing the preventative goals of modern PMI.
Furthermore, clients who purchase private medical insurance through WeCovr can also receive discounts on other types of cover, such as life insurance or income protection, providing comprehensive financial and physical security.
Is It Worth Adding Complementary Therapies to Your Policy?
For many people, the inclusion of therapies is a major reason for taking out private health cover. According to the Office for National Statistics, musculoskeletal problems, particularly back and neck pain, are a leading cause of sickness absence in the UK.
Having quick access to treatments like osteopathy or physiotherapy can mean the difference between a speedy recovery and weeks of painful waiting for an NHS appointment.
Let's consider a real-life example:
Mark is a 45-year-old software developer who spends long hours at his desk. He suddenly develops sharp, debilitating lower back pain (an acute condition).
Without PMI: He calls his NHS GP and gets an appointment in a week. The GP diagnoses a muscle strain and refers him for physiotherapy. The local waiting list is six weeks. Mark is in pain, his work is suffering, and his quality of life is poor.
With PMI (including therapies): He uses his virtual GP service and speaks to a doctor the same day. The doctor refers him to an osteopath. He calls his insurer, gets pre-authorisation, and has his first appointment within 48 hours. His policy covers 8 sessions, and after three weeks of treatment, his pain is gone and he's back to normal.
For someone like Mark, the therapy benefit on his PMI was invaluable.
However, consider the cost. A policy with comprehensive therapy cover will be more expensive than a basic one. If you are young, fit, and have no history of musculoskeletal problems, you might decide it's more cost-effective to pay for a few sessions of physiotherapy out-of-pocket if needed. A single osteopathy session might cost £50-£80, so you can weigh this against the higher annual premium.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal health, lifestyle, and budget.
Do I always need a GP referral for therapies like osteopathy or physiotherapy?
Is acupuncture for fertility treatment or quitting smoking covered by PMI?
What happens if I use an unregistered practitioner for my treatment?
Are there limits on how many therapy sessions I can have per year?
WeCovr: Your Expert Guide to Navigating the PMI Maze
Choosing the right private medical insurance can feel overwhelming. The differences in cover for complementary therapies are a perfect example of how complex policies can be. This is where an expert, independent broker can be your greatest asset.
WeCovr is an FCA-authorised broker with years of experience and deep knowledge of the UK health insurance market. Our advisors enjoy high satisfaction ratings because we put our clients first.
- We Compare the Whole Market: We're not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from all the leading providers to find the one that truly fits your needs and budget.
- We Explain the Jargon: We cut through the confusing terminology to explain exactly what is and isn't covered, including the fine print on therapy limits and exclusions.
- Our Service is Free: You get the benefit of our expert advice and market comparison at no cost to you. Our commission is paid by the insurer you choose.
Ready to find a private health insurance policy that covers the therapies you need? Speak to one of our friendly, expert advisors at WeCovr today. We'll compare the market for you, answer all your questions, and find the right cover at the right price.
Related guides
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
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Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
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