Are osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture included?
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr helps UK consumers navigate the world of private medical insurance. A common question we hear is whether policies cover treatments like osteopathy, chiropractic, and acupuncture. The simple answer is: often, yes, but it depends entirely on your specific policy.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about getting alternative and complementary therapies covered by your private health insurance in the UK.
Understanding Alternative and Complementary Therapies
First, let's clarify the terms. You might hear these treatments called "complementary and alternative medicine" or CAM.
- Complementary Therapies: These are used alongside conventional medical treatments. For example, using acupuncture to manage pain after surgery.
- Alternative Therapies: These are used in place of conventional medical treatments.
In the UK private medical insurance market, insurers typically use the term "complementary therapies" because they require the treatment to be part of a medically recognised care plan, usually initiated by a GP or specialist referral. For simplicity, we'll use the terms interchangeably here, focusing on the "big three": osteopathy, chiropractic, and acupuncture.
A Closer Look at the "Big Three" Therapies
These therapies are the most commonly requested and most likely to be included in a PMI policy. They primarily focus on musculoskeletal issues, which are a huge health concern in the UK. In fact, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that an estimated 477,000 workers suffered from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2022/23.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment that focuses on the structural integrity of the body. Osteopaths use a range of gentle, hands-on techniques like massage, stretching, and articulation to improve function and relieve pain.
- What it treats: General, acute, and chronic backache; joint pain; sciatica; muscle spasms; headaches arising from the neck.
- Regulation: Osteopathy is a statutorily regulated profession in the UK. All practitioners must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), which means they meet high standards of training, professional skills, and conduct. This regulation is a key reason why insurers are willing to cover it.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is another hands-on therapy focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system and general health. Chiropractors often use specific adjustments to the spine.
- What it treats: Lower back pain; mechanical neck pain; certain types of headache and migraine prevention.
- Regulation: Like osteopathy, chiropractic is regulated by law. All UK chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). This ensures they are properly qualified and insured.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. It involves inserting fine needles into specific sites on the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. Western medical acupuncture is a more recent adaptation, using knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
- What it treats: Often used for pain relief, including dental pain, nausea, and various types of chronic pain like tension headaches and osteoarthritis.
- Regulation: Regulation is less formal than for osteopathy or chiropractic. There is no single statutory regulator. However, insurers will typically require your practitioner to be a member of a recognised professional body, such as:
- The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
- The Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP)
- A registered medical doctor who practises acupuncture.
Does Private Medical Insurance UK Cover These Therapies?
This is the crucial question. The availability and extent of cover for osteopathy, chiropractic, and acupuncture depend on three main factors:
- Your Insurer and Policy Level: Comprehensive, mid-tier, and budget policies treat these therapies differently.
- The Nature of Your Condition (Acute vs. Chronic): This is a critical distinction in all UK PMI.
- Referral Pathway and Practitioner Choice: Insurers have strict rules on who can refer you and who can treat you.
Policy Level Matters Most
- Comprehensive Policies: High-end policies from major providers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Aviva often include a set number of sessions or a financial limit for these therapies as standard.
- Mid-Tier Policies: These may offer therapy cover as an optional add-on for an extra premium. You can choose to include it if it's important to you.
- Budget or Entry-Level Policies: These policies are designed to cover the big, expensive treatments like surgery and cancer care. They usually exclude complementary therapies to keep premiums low.
Key Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
This is the most important rule in private medical insurance. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions, which are diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.
Standard UK PMI policies do not cover chronic conditions – illnesses that are long-lasting and have no known cure, like chronic back pain, arthritis, or diabetes.
So, if you develop sudden, sharp back pain (an acute condition) after your policy starts, your PMI may cover chiropractic sessions to resolve it. However, if you have had a "bad back" for ten years (a chronic condition), it will not be covered. Likewise, any musculoskeletal problem that existed before you took out the policy will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will also be excluded.
How a Typical Therapy Claim Works
Let's say you wake up one morning with a painful stiff neck and can barely turn your head. Here's the typical journey to getting treatment via your PMI:
- See Your GP: Your first port of call is usually your NHS GP. They will assess you. If they believe osteopathy could help your acute condition, they will write a referral letter. Some insurers now offer a "Digital GP" service, which can speed this up.
- Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurer's claims line with your GP referral. You'll explain the situation and provide your policy number.
- Authorisation: The insurer checks your policy to confirm you have cover for therapies. They will verify that the condition is acute and not pre-existing. If everything is in order, they will authorise the treatment.
- Find a Practitioner: Your insurer will provide a list of approved osteopaths in your area. It is vital you use a practitioner from their list to ensure your treatment is covered.
- Attend Your Sessions: You attend your appointments. The osteopath will usually bill the insurer directly, so you don't have to pay upfront (unless you have an excess on your policy).
- Adhere to Limits: The insurer will have authorised a specific number of sessions (e.g., up to 8 sessions) or a financial limit (e.g., up to £500). If you need more treatment, the osteopath must provide a report to the insurer to request an extension.
Comparing How Major UK Insurers Cover Alternative Therapies
Policy details change, but this table provides a general overview of how leading UK PMI providers typically approach complementary therapies in 2025. This is for guidance only; always check the specific policy wording.
| Provider | Standard on Comprehensive Plans? | Optional Add-on? | Typical Limits (per policy year) | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Bupa | Yes, on Bupa By You Comprehensive. | Yes, on other plans. | Usually a combined limit for therapies, e.g., £500-£1,000. | GP referral is required. Practitioner must be Bupa-recognised. |
| AXA Health | Yes, often included as standard on comprehensive options. | Yes, on modular plans. | Can be a set number of sessions (e.g., up to 10) or a financial limit. | Strong focus on their "Working Body" service for musculoskeletal issues. |
| Aviva | Yes, on their higher-tier "Healthier Solutions" policy. | Available via their "Expert Select" option. | Limits can vary significantly, from £350 to over £1,000. | A GP referral is almost always needed. Physiotherapy is often covered more extensively. |
| Vitality | Yes, often included but may be linked to your Vitality status. | Available as an add-on. | Limits often start around £350-£500 and can be increased. | Known for its wellness programme; rewards can sometimes be used for therapies. |
| The Exeter | Yes, on their "Health+" policy. | Therapy cover can be added to their core "Health Cover" plan. | Generally provides a set number of sessions for each type of therapy. | Known for excellent customer service and clear policy terms. |
As you can see, the details matter. This is where an expert PMI broker like WeCovr adds immense value. We can quickly compare the small print from all these providers to find a policy that gives you the exact therapy cover you need, at the right price, and at no extra cost to you.
Beyond the Big Three: What About Other Therapies?
While osteopathy, chiropractic, and acupuncture are the most frequently covered, what about other treatments?
- Physiotherapy: This is the most widely covered therapy of all. Nearly all PMI policies, even some budget ones, offer some level of physiotherapy cover as it's a mainstream medical treatment for recovery from injury or surgery.
- Podiatry/Chiropody: Cover is less common. It's usually found on high-end corporate policies or as a specialist add-on. It's typically for treating underlying musculoskeletal issues rather than routine nail-cutting.
- Reflexology, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy: These are very rarely covered by standard private medical insurance UK policies. They are generally considered to be outside the scope of evidence-based medical treatment that insurers are willing to fund.
The Rise of Wellness: Proactive Health and Your PMI
Modern private health cover is about more than just reacting to illness. The best PMI providers are increasingly focused on helping you stay healthy in the first place. This often ties in perfectly with the preventative philosophy of many complementary therapies.
Providers like Vitality have pioneered this approach, rewarding members for healthy activities like going to the gym, tracking steps, and eating well. Other insurers have followed suit with their own wellness platforms and benefits.
This is a philosophy we champion at WeCovr. When you arrange a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you manage your diet. We also offer discounts on other types of insurance, helping you protect your health and your finances in one place.
Simple Tips for Musculoskeletal Health
You can take proactive steps to protect your back, neck, and joints, potentially reducing your need for therapies in the first place:
- Stay Active: Regular, gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga strengthens muscles that support your spine.
- Perfect Your Posture: If you work at a desk, ensure your chair, screen, and keyboard are set up ergonomically. Take regular breaks to stand and stretch.
- Lift Safely: When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees and hips, not your back. Keep the object close to your body.
- Manage Your Weight: Excess weight puts extra strain on your joints, particularly your back, hips, and knees. A balanced diet is key.
- Prioritise Sleep: Your body repairs itself while you sleep. A supportive mattress is crucial for spinal alignment.
This depends on your personal circumstances and attitude to risk.
Consider the out-of-pocket cost of a single therapy session in the UK:
- Osteopathy: £45 - £80
- Chiropractic: £40 - £75
- Acupuncture: £50 - £90
If you needed a course of six chiropractic sessions, you could be looking at a bill of £240 - £450. Adding therapy cover to your PMI policy might increase your monthly premium by £10 - £30.
The benefit of having it on your insurance is peace of mind. If an unexpected acute injury occurs, you know you can access expert treatment quickly without worrying about a large, unforeseen bill. A specialist PMI broker can help you run the numbers and decide if it's a worthwhile investment for you.
Do I need a GP referral for osteopathy on my PMI?
Generally, yes. Almost all UK private medical insurance providers require a GP referral before they will authorise and cover treatment from an osteopath, chiropractor, or acupuncturist. This is to ensure the treatment is medically necessary for an acute condition. Some insurers offer Digital GP services which can provide a faster referral.
Is there a limit to how many chiropractic sessions I can have?
Yes, all private health cover policies impose limits on complementary therapies. This is usually managed in one of two ways: either a set number of sessions (e.g., up to 8 or 10 sessions per policy year) or a financial cap (e.g., up to £500 per year). If more treatment is medically required, your practitioner will need to apply to the insurer for an extension.
Will my premium go up if I claim for acupuncture?
Potentially, yes. When you renew your policy, your premium is recalculated based on your age, medical inflation, and your claims history. Making a claim, whether for acupuncture or any other treatment, is likely to affect your renewal premium. However, some policies have a "no-claims discount protection" feature you can add to prevent this.
Is my chronic back pain covered by a PMI policy with therapy benefits?
No. This is a critical point. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It explicitly excludes pre-existing conditions and chronic conditions (long-term issues with no known cure). Therefore, long-standing, chronic back pain would not be covered, even if your policy includes benefits for osteopathy or chiropractic.
Finding the right private medical insurance can be complex, especially when you have specific needs like cover for complementary therapies. Let us do the hard work for you.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the entire market to find the perfect policy for your health and budget.