Physiotherapy

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Does health insurance cover physiotherapy?

The short answer is not all health insurance plans cover physiotherapy consultations. Medium cover and basic health insurance plans do not offer this benefit while comprehensive plans do. If you have shopped around for a health insurance plan, you will know that a comprehensive plan is more expensive than a basic or medium cover plan.

Why would I need cover for physiotherapy?

Most people do not anticipate needing physiotherapy cover and have to pay for treatment out of their own pocket when an unexpected injury happens. Recurring injury, medical conditions and developmental issues result in the need for physiotherapy treatment. These barriers to movement can affect your whole life and worsen your condition later down the line.

What does a physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists treat musculoskeletal conditions through research-based protocols that are customized to your personal needs and goals. Types of therapies and treatments offered by physiotherapists include acupuncture or dry needling, manual and manipulative physiotherapy, soft tissue release, trigger point release, electrotherapy, treatment of back and neck injuries, work site assessment, sports injuries and offering patient advice and education.

Requiring physiotherapy can be acute or long term. Most acute requirements for needing to see a physiotherapist involve a minor injury such as a minor car accident resulting in neck pain where you may only require 2-3 follow up appointments. Physiotherapists are often recommended by your doctor or surgeon post-operatively to enhance your recovery and speed up healing.

Long term therapy would involve musculoskeletal issues that could arise during childhood development or from certain diseases. The initial consultation with a physiotherapist is usually the most expensive as this is when the therapist diagnoses your problem and formulates a treatment plan.

If you have a pre-existing condition such as Parkinson’s disease, emphysema, and arthritis where you would require chronic physiotherapy treatment, investing in a comprehensive medical aid or health insurance plan is a good idea. If you have a history of lower back pain or chronic aches and pains, a physiotherapy benefit would save you money.

How can I get cover for physiotherapy?

Most comprehensive health insurance plans offer cover for physiotherapy. If you do not have any pre-existing conditions before taking out a health insurance plan your rates are likely to be lower. You can compare different rates and benefit levels of health insurance on Compare Insurance and find the plan that best suits your budget.

In this article


Why would I need cover for physiotherapy?

What does a physiotherapist do?

How can I get cover for physiotherapy?
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