TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange cover for over 750,000 people, WeCovr offers this guide to chiropractic care and private medical insurance in the UK. We’ll explore what chiropractors do, when your policy is likely to cover treatment, and how to get the most from your health cover. WeCovr reviews chiropractic care and when PMI covers it A sudden twinge in your lower back after a weekend of gardening, a stiff neck from long hours at your desk, or a nagging pain from an old sports injury.
Key takeaways
- Diagnosis: Your first visit will involve a thorough assessment. The chiropractor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. They will also perform a physical examination, which might include testing your reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion. In some cases, they may refer you for an X-ray or MRI scan.
- Treatment: The primary treatment method is called a 'spinal manipulation' or 'adjustment'. This involves using skilled, precise, and gentle movements to the spine to improve movement and relieve pain.
- Other Techniques: Chiropractors also use a range of other methods, including:
- Soft tissue massage
- Stretching exercises
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange cover for over 750,000 people, WeCovr offers this guide to chiropractic care and private medical insurance in the UK. We’ll explore what chiropractors do, when your policy is likely to cover treatment, and how to get the most from your health cover.
WeCovr reviews chiropractic care and when PMI covers it
A sudden twinge in your lower back after a weekend of gardening, a stiff neck from long hours at your desk, or a nagging pain from an old sports injury. These are common complaints for millions of people across the UK. In fact, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, like back and neck pain, are a leading cause of work absence.
Many people find relief through chiropractic care, a hands-on therapy focused on the spine and wider MSK system. But this raises a crucial question: will your private medical insurance pay for it?
The answer is often yes, but it’s rarely a simple case of booking an appointment and sending the bill to your insurer. Understanding the rules, limits, and processes is key to accessing the care you need without facing an unexpected invoice.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about chiropractic treatment and private health cover in the UK.
What is Chiropractic Care? A Plain English Guide
Before we dive into the insurance details, let's clarify what chiropractic care involves. It’s a common and well-established form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
A chiropractor is a trained healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent conditions related to the bones, joints, muscles, and nerves of the body—the musculoskeletal system. They are particularly known for treating pain in the back and neck.
What to Expect from a Chiropractor:
- Diagnosis: Your first visit will involve a thorough assessment. The chiropractor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. They will also perform a physical examination, which might include testing your reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion. In some cases, they may refer you for an X-ray or MRI scan.
- Treatment: The primary treatment method is called a 'spinal manipulation' or 'adjustment'. This involves using skilled, precise, and gentle movements to the spine to improve movement and relieve pain.
- Other Techniques: Chiropractors also use a range of other methods, including:
- Soft tissue massage
- Stretching exercises
- Advice on posture, diet, and lifestyle
- Hot and cold therapy
It's a common misconception that chiropractic adjustments are painful or dangerous. When performed by a qualified professional, they are generally safe and gentle.
Crucially, in the UK, all chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). This is a legal requirement. The GCC ensures practitioners meet high standards of training, professional skills, and behaviour. You should never receive treatment from someone who is not on the GCC register. Insurers will only ever cover treatment from a GCC-registered chiropractor.
The Big Question: Does Private Medical Insurance Cover Chiropractic Treatment?
For many people with private health cover, the answer is yes—but with important conditions attached. Most comprehensive private medical insurance UK policies include cover for 'complementary therapies', and chiropractic care almost always falls into this category alongside osteopathy and physiotherapy.
However, coverage is not guaranteed and depends entirely on three factors:
- The type of policy you have.
- The nature of your medical condition.
- Following your insurer's claims process correctly.
The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
This is the most critical concept to understand in all of private medical insurance.
- Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. For example, a sudden back sprain from lifting a heavy box. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions.
- Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that continues for a long time, has no known 'cure', and may require ongoing management. For example, long-term back pain caused by osteoarthritis. Standard UK PMI policies DO NOT cover chronic conditions.
Chiropractic treatment will only be covered if it is for an acute condition that has started after you took out your policy.
The Second Rule: Pre-existing Conditions
Similarly, private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you had treatment or advice for back pain in the years before your policy began, any future issues with your back will likely be excluded from cover.
Here’s a simple table to illustrate what’s typically covered.
| Scenario | Likely Covered by PMI? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| You strain your neck while playing tennis for the first time. | Yes | This is a new, acute injury that occurred after your policy started. |
| You have long-term arthritis in your spine, causing daily pain. | No | This is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, not a cure. |
| You had physiotherapy for a slipped disc two years before buying your policy. You now want chiropractic care for the same issue. | No | This is a pre-existing condition, so it will be excluded from your cover. |
| You wake up with sudden, severe lower back pain with no prior history of back problems. Your GP refers you for treatment. | Yes | This is a new, acute condition that is expected to resolve with treatment. |
How to Get Chiropractic Treatment Covered by Your PMI: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a new musculoskeletal issue and believe you need chiropractic care, you can't simply book a session and expect your insurer to pay. You must follow their pre-authorisation process.
Here are the typical steps:
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See Your GP First: Most insurers require a GP referral. Your GP will assess your condition and determine if a course of chiropractic treatment is medically appropriate. An open referral (where the GP recommends a type of therapy rather than a specific person) is usually sufficient. Some modern policies now offer direct access to therapy services without a GP referral, but you must check your policy documents.
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Contact Your Insurer for Pre-Authorisation: This is a non-negotiable step. Before you book any appointments, you must call your insurer's claims line. You will need:
- Your policy number.
- Details from your GP referral.
- Information about your symptoms.
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Choose a Recognised Chiropractor: Your insurer will have a list or network of approved chiropractors. You must choose a practitioner from this list. Using a chiropractor who is not recognised by your insurer will mean your claim is rejected. At WeCovr, our advisors can help you understand your insurer's network of specialists.
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Attend Your Sessions: Provide your authorisation code and policy details to the chiropractor's clinic. In most cases, the clinic will bill the insurer directly, so you don't have to pay anything upfront (unless you have an excess on your policy).
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Request More Sessions if Needed: If your chiropractor believes you need more sessions than were initially authorised, they will need to provide a report to your insurer. The insurer will then review the request and decide whether to extend the authorisation.
Comparing UK Private Health Insurance Providers for Chiropractic Cover
Not all private health cover is created equal. The level of cover for therapies like chiropractic care can vary significantly between providers and policy tiers. Basic, budget-friendly policies may exclude it entirely, while comprehensive plans often include it as standard.
Here’s a general overview of how major UK providers typically handle chiropractic cover in 2025. Please note that these are generalisations, and the exact terms will depend on the specific policy you choose.
| Provider | Typical Chiropractic Cover Level | Key Features & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | Often included as standard in their 'Therapies' option on most plans. | Generous session limits are common. AXA has a large network of recognised specialists. May offer access without a GP referral via their 'Working Body' service. |
| Bupa | Usually included in comprehensive policies. May be an optional add-on for basic plans. | Bupa has a vast network of Bupa-recognised therapists. They often require a GP referral to ensure the treatment is for an acute condition. |
| Aviva | Typically an optional 'Expert Select' or 'Therapies' add-on. Not always standard. | Limits can be based on a number of sessions or a financial cap (e.g., £500). The 'BacktoBetter' service provides specialised, direct access for MSK issues. |
| Vitality | Included as part of their core cover, often with a focus on encouraging proactive health. | Often linked to the Vitality Programme. They may provide incentives for staying active. Access is typically via their 'Panel of Premier Consultants'. |
| The Exeter | Therapies, including chiropractic, are an optional benefit that can be added to their 'Health+' policy. | Offers flexibility to add or remove cover to suit your budget. Known for clear terms and good customer service. |
Choosing the right provider can be confusing. This is where an expert PMI broker like WeCovr adds immense value. We compare policies from across the market, explain the small print, and help you find a plan that provides the right level of therapy cover for your needs and budget—all at no cost to you.
What if My PMI Doesn't Cover Chiropractic Care? Your Other Options
If you discover your policy excludes chiropractic treatment, or if your condition is deemed chronic, you still have options for managing your pain.
- Upgrade Your Policy at Renewal: When your policy is due for renewal, speak to your provider or a broker about adding a therapies option. This will likely increase your premium, but it might be worthwhile if you anticipate needing such treatments.
- Pay for Treatment Yourself (Self-Pay): Paying privately is the most direct route. Costs vary by location and the chiropractor's experience, but you can expect to pay between £40 and £90 for an initial consultation and £30 to £70 for subsequent sessions in the UK.
- Explore NHS Services: Chiropractic treatment is sometimes available on the NHS in certain areas of the UK. However, availability is very limited, and it is not a standard service. You would need a referral from your GP, and you could face long waiting lists for MSK services. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for community MSK services can be several weeks.
- Consider a Health Cash Plan: A health cash plan is different from PMI. You pay a monthly premium, and in return, you can claim a set amount of cash back for various healthcare treatments, including dental, optical, and therapies like chiropractic. It won't cover major surgery, but it can be an affordable way to budget for routine treatments.
A Holistic Approach to Musculoskeletal Health: Prevention is Better Than Cure
While having insurance for treatment is reassuring, the best strategy is to look after your musculoskeletal health to prevent problems from arising in the first place. This is especially important in our modern world of desk jobs and sedentary lifestyles.
Here are some wellness tips to keep your back and neck healthy:
- Stay Active: Regular, gentle exercise strengthens the muscles that support your spine. Activities like swimming, walking, yoga, and Pilates are excellent choices. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Perfect Your Posture: When sitting at a desk, ensure your feet are flat on the floor, your back is supported, and your screen is at eye level. Take regular breaks to stand up and stretch.
- Lift Safely: When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees and hips, keep your back straight, and hold the object close to your body. Never twist while lifting.
- Optimise Your Sleep: A supportive mattress is crucial. The best sleeping position for your back is generally on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D is vital for bone health. Anti-inflammatory foods like oily fish, nuts, and leafy greens may also help reduce joint pain.
To support your healthy lifestyle goals, all WeCovr clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a fantastic tool for making informed choices about your diet.
Why Use a PMI Broker Like WeCovr?
The UK private medical insurance market is complex. Policies are filled with jargon, and the differences between them can be subtle but significant. A specialist broker cuts through the noise.
- Expert Advice: We live and breathe insurance. We understand the nuances of therapies cover, policy limits, and insurer networks.
- Market Comparison: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare plans from a wide range of the best PMI providers to find the one that truly fits your needs.
- No Extra Cost: Our service is completely free for you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, impartial advice without paying a penny more.
- Ongoing Support: We're here to help you through the application process and can offer guidance if you ever need to make a claim. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to our clients.
- Extra Benefits: When you buy a policy through WeCovr, you can also benefit from discounts on other types of insurance, such as travel or home cover.
Finding the right private medical insurance is about securing peace of mind. It’s knowing that if you suffer an unexpected injury, you can access high-quality treatment like chiropractic care quickly, without worrying about NHS waiting lists or large private bills.
Do I need a GP referral for chiropractic treatment on my health insurance?
What's the difference between an osteopath, a chiropractor, and a physiotherapist?
Is long-term back pain covered by private medical insurance?
How many chiropractic sessions will my insurance cover?
Ready to find a health insurance policy that gives you access to treatments like chiropractic care when you need it most?
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
