In fact, according to the NHS, back and neck pain are among the biggest causes of long-term disability, and more than 8.75 million people are living with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis.
What is covered by your private health insurance policy depends on the insurer and the level of cover you choose. Some policies include physiotherapy as standard, while complementary therapies may be offered as optional extras or only covered in specific circumstances.
Of course, the NHS provides access to physiotherapy and other therapies in certain situations, but waiting times and availability can vary. Private health insurance can offer faster access to treatment, more choice over providers and wider access depending on your policy.
Which therapies are covered by private health insurance?
Private health insurance policies that include outpatient cover (which don’t require admission to hospital) may provide access to physiotherapy as well as a range of complementary therapies. Physiotherapy is often included as part of core medical cover, while other therapies may be offered depending on the level of plan or as optional extras.
Physiotherapy
Also known as physical therapy, physiotherapy aims to restore or maintain movement and function in your body. It can help you recover from illness or injury, manage long-term health conditions, and may also help prevent future injury or health problems.
Other therapies
Some policies may also include complementary therapies that support recovery, pain management and general wellbeing.
Acupuncture: A treatment using fine needles placed at specific points on the body, often used for pain and musculoskeletal conditions.
Osteopathy: A hands-on treatment focused on improving movement and reducing discomfort in muscles and joints.
Chiropractic treatment: Treatment focused on the spine, joints and nervous system through manual adjustment.
Podiatry: Assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs.
Homoeopathy: A treatment approach using highly diluted substances intended to support the body’s natural responses.
Some policies may also include additional benefits such as mental health support, speech therapy, or dietary advice as part of wider outpatient or wellbeing cover.
How can I get physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy can be accessed through the NHS or privately, depending on your circumstances.
Through the NHS
Musculoskeletal conditions are common and account for around three in ten NHS GP appointments, highlighting the demand for support with problems affecting the muscles, bones and joints.
On the NHS, physiotherapy is available free of charge, although waiting times can vary depending on demand in your area. In some cases, treatment may also be provided at home if you are unable to travel.
If you are looking to access physiotherapy through the NHS, speaking to your GP surgery is often the first step. However, if you live in England, you can self-refer for physiotherapy services without needing to see a GP first.
Arrange treatment privately
If you choose private physiotherapy, there are two main options:
Health insurance: Claiming through private health insurance if your policy includes physiotherapy cover.
Self-pay: If you can’t claim on your health insurance or don’t have cover, you can still pay for treatment yourself on a self-pay basis. When choosing a private physiotherapist, make sure they are chartered (MCSP) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
How much does physiotherapy cost?
If you’ll be arranging physiotherapy privately, costs can vary depending on where you live, the type of treatment required and whether you are paying yourself or using your private health insurance cover.
Bupa say that a typical physiotherapy treatment plan usually involves around four to six sessions, although this depends on individual needs and clinical assessment. Costs can vary between providers, with London generally being more expensive than other parts of the UK. Figures given by Bupa are:
Initial assessment (up to 45 minutes): £95 in Greater London or £72 outside Greater London.
Follow-up session (up to 30 minutes): £72 in Greater London or £55 outside Greater London.
How UK insurers approach physiotherapy and other therapies
If your private health insurance includes outpatient cover, it will usually pay up to a set limit for outpatient treatments such as physiotherapy and other therapies, depending on your policy.
Once you reach your outpatient limit, you would normally need to pay for any additional treatment yourself unless your plan includes unlimited outpatient cover.
The table below provides a general overview of whether leading insurers include physiotherapy and other therapies as standard or make them available as optional extras. Some do both: there is a level of standard therapy cover, with additional cover available as an add-on.
Here is more information on each insurer’s approach:
Bupa
Core cover: Includes outpatient physiotherapy and other therapies that do not require inpatient treatment.
WPA
Optional extra: Access to physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, homeopathy and acupuncture with benefit limits of £500, £750, £1,000, £1,500 or unlimited. Within your chosen limit, you can self-refer for up to four sessions of physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment or osteopathy.
Fast Track: Adding therapies cover also provides access to Fast Track Physiotherapy, offering up to five face-to-face or remote physiotherapy sessions.
The Exeter
Core cover: Up to three physiotherapy sessions following eligible surgery to support recovery. Up to six remote physiotherapy consultations each year for musculoskeletal assessment and support.
Optional extra: Therapies cover includes physiotherapy, chiropractic care, osteopathy, acupuncture, podiatry, speech therapy and dietitian consultations following referral.
Vitality
Core cover: Self-referred physiotherapy through the Priority Physio network for up to six sessions.
Optional extra: Therapies cover includes chiropractic treatment, osteopathy and acupuncture, plus up to two consultations with a dietician.
AXA Health
Core cover: Access to online physio support through a phone or video appointment with a physiotherapist or specialist without a GP referral for over-18s.
Aviva
Optional extra: Therapies cover includes treatment with a physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor or acupuncturist following a GP referral.
Freedom Health Insurance
Optional extra (Elite plan): Adding outpatient cover includes diagnostic tests requested by a GP (up to £750), specialist fees and physiotherapy treatment.
Optional extra (Elite plan): Adding alternative therapies includes cover for osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, homeopathy and podiatry when referred by a GP or specialist, up to your chosen level of cover.
Optional extra (Essentials plan): Covers specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and physiotherapy fees up to £500 or £1,500 depending on your selected level of cover.
National Friendly
Core cover: Includes outpatient therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, osteopathy and physiotherapy before inpatient or day-patient treatment. Also includes foot and lower limb therapies such as chiropody, podiatry and gait assessment for medical conditions.
We’ve done our best to ensure this information is accurate and up to date at the time of writing. However, insurers can change their terms, pricing, cover and limits at any time. This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for full policy documentation, which you should always review to help you confirm that the cover meets your individual needs.
Money Service can help you compare your health insurance options
Searching for the right health insurance plan can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it simple. With expert advice and support, we help you understand your options and find cover that suits your needs. We also identify the most cost-effective option, including checking for insurer offers or added-value benefits.
With Money Service, you’ll get:
Fee-free, impartial advice from a dedicated adviser.
A comparison of plans from top UK insurers, including Bupa, Aviva and AXA.
Great overall value – we’ll check extra benefits, insurer rewards and cashback deals.
Clear, straightforward explanations to cut through the jargon.
Confidence that you’re choosing the right cover for you.
Speak to a specialist health insurance adviser today to get started with your health insurance. Call 0800 144 4777 or request a call back at a time that suits you.
FAQs
Does private health insurance cover acupuncture?
It can do. Several leading insurers offer policies that include acupuncture as part of their core cover or as an optional extra. Check the policy details to see if any outpatient limits apply.
Is chiropractic treatment included with private medical insurance?
Yes, it is included on some policies, particularly for musculoskeletal conditions that have had a GP referral. Limits can apply so check the policy details.
Are alternative therapies covered automatically?
Not always. Some insurers include them as standard, while others require add-ons or higher levels of cover. Other insurers may not include them at all, so be sure to compare insurers if this is important to you.
Do I need a referral for alternative therapy treatment?
Some insurers require a GP or specialist referral, while others allow direct access depending on the policy. Always check your cover details before starting treatment.
