Is massage therapy covered by insurance?

Updated October 30th, 2025

Have you been considering massage therapy?

Massage therapy isn’t widely available on the NHS, so it’s likely you’ll need to arrange this treatment privately.

But if it’s something you need and you have private health insurance, could you make a claim?

First, let’s look at massage therapy and why you might need it.

Why you might need massage therapy

Massage therapy has a wide range of benefits for your health and wellbeing. And it can be used in the treatment of both physical and mental conditions.

The health benefits of therapeutic massage

The health benefits of massage therapy include:

• Reducing muscle tension
• Improving your sleep
• Boosting your mood
• Restoring flexibility
• Supporting your recovery
• Preventing Injury
• Promoting good circulation.

What conditions can massage therapy treat?

Massage therapy can be used for a range of conditions, including:

• Lower back pain
• Soft tissue injuries
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Sciatica
• Stress
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Hypertension
• Sports injuries
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Depression and anxiety.

Does health insurance cover massage therapy sessions?

You’d like to explore massage therapy as a treatment without worrying about the cost. But will your health insurer pay for it?

Possibly.

It all depends on your health insurance provider, what your policy covers and your reasons for wanting massage therapy.

If you need therapeutic massage for a specific condition, like chronic pain or injury, your health insurance might cover the cost of your sessions.

But it’s important to check with your provider before you book any treatment to make sure you’ll be able to claim the cost back.

Your insurer will be able to provide a full run-down of what’s covered by your policy. They might ask for details, like the type of massage therapy, how long the treatment will take and the qualifications of your massage therapist.

In some cases, you may need a referral from your GP in order for the sessions to be covered by insurance.

Why doesn’t insurance always cover massage?

While many people find it to be a beneficial form of treatment, insurance companies may not cover massage therapy unless it’s considered medically necessary.

How much does massage therapy cost?

If you can’t get massage therapy through your health insurance, how much is it likely to cost you?

At Hatt Clinic, our Massage & Manual Therapy Appointments are priced as follows:

• Up to 30 minutes: from£56 per session
• Up to 45 minutes: from £72 per session
• Up to 60 minutes: from £92 per session.

What does massage therapy include?

At Hatt Clinic, our massage and manual therapy sessions can be a mixture of both active and passive techniques. Our team is highly trained in advanced massage techniques, including:

• Muscle energy (a form of stretch)
• Cupping
• Trigger point
• Hot stones
• Sports massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Myofascial release.

The treatment you receive will depend on your specific needs along with recommendations from our experienced therapists. We offer personalised treatment plans to address your unique concerns and help you achieve your wellness goals.

How to get a massage on your health insurance policy

Start by checking your policy documents to make sure your health insurance will cover the cost. If you’re in any doubt, call your policy provider and ask them.

If your insurer has questions about the treatment or massage therapist, call Hatt Clinic on 01380 730473 and we’ll give you the answers you need.

When you’re sure you’re covered, you can book and pay for your treatment.

After your treatment, we’ll provide you with a receipt. You’ll need to submit this to your insurance provider so they can reimburse you.

Book a massage therapy appointment at Hatt Clinic

You can book your first appointment by visiting our online booking form and selecting initial massage & manual therapy from the list.

Alternatively, you can email us at: enquiries@hattclinic.co.uk

Or call the clinic:

Devizes: 01380 730473

Frome: 01672 516580

Marlborough: 01373 452604