Yes, physiotherapy is covered by most insurance plans offered by insurers. However, the insurance coverage for physiotherapy may be included under different heads, as per the policy terms.

Here are some heads under which physiotherapy may be covered.

• Post-Hospitalisation Expenses: If a person requires physiotherapy after being admitted as an inpatient in a hospital, it is covered under the post-hospitalisation expenses. However, the coverage may come with some limitations on the amount, which will be mentioned in the policy. Some instances include physiotherapy after surgery or after suffering from a stroke to bring back or enhance mobility.

• Outpatient Department: In some situations, a person may require physiotherapy sessions without the need for hospitalisation. Thus, the physiotherapy expenses may be covered under the insurance plan's OPD (outpatient department) coverage. For example, doctors may suggest physiotherapy sessions for those suffering from arthritis. Hence, such individuals may need to attend sessions as an outpatient, which will be covered under OPD coverage.

• **Pre-Existing Diseases- Physiotherapy sessions relating to pre-existing diseases may also be covered under some medical insurance plans. For instance, an individual suffering from arthritis, Parkinson’s, diabetes, etc., may need physiotherapy sessions. While many insurance plans offer coverage for the same, it begins only after the waiting period associated with the disease is over.

• Add-On Cover: Many insurance plans do not cover physiotherapy under their basic coverage. However, you may have the option to include an add-on cover for the same and reap the benefits. Such an option is beneficial for individuals who have health conditions that require physiotherapy regularly.

Also Read: Add-On Cover in Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

• Best Health Insurance For Physio: What is Covered?

• Physiotherapy health insurance may cover the following:

• Physiotherapy at home

• Physiotherapy, after a major or minor surgery

What is Not Covered?

• External aids and devices

• Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic services, etc.

• Health supplements

• Physiotherapy sessions over and above the limit mentioned in the plan.

In many cases, physiotherapy becomes an integral part of the treatment post-hospitalisation and even otherwise. TATA AIG recognises the importance of physiotherapy treatment and its role in keeping you fit. Thus, it offers physiotherapy insurance in the following ways.

As a Part of the Base Plan

• TATA AIG Medicare Premier: Under the TATA AIG Medicare Premier plan (sum insured above ₹75 lakhs), you get coverage for home physiotherapy treatment as a part of the post-hospitalisation expenses. The benefit is available for up to 15 home physiotherapy sessions.

• TATA AIG ElderCare Plan: TATA AIG’s ElderCare Plan, designed for the elderly population, also includes physiotherapy coverage as part of the base plan. Under this plan, the insured can avail of up to 10 home physiotherapy sessions.

• TATA AIG Criti Medicare Plan: With the Criti Medicare plan, physiotherapy forms a part of the post-operative benefits. You can claim physiotherapy expenses to the extent of the sum insured of your medical policy.

As an Add-On Cover

You can also include the OPD Physiotherapy as an add-on cover to your existing health insurance plan. Under the OPD cover, you can claim physiotherapy charges for the number of sessions as applicable.

Buying a physiotherapy health insurance plan can benefit you in the following ways:

• Financial Assistance: Physiotherapy sessions are often expensive and lengthy, which adds to the treatment cost. For instance, a single physiotherapy session may cost anywhere between ₹500-₹1500 in Mumbai. But with health insurance coverage for physiotherapy, you can receive financial assistance, which reduces the out-of-pocket expenses considerably.

• Cashless Treatment: Many insurers offer cashless treatment facilities, making the process easier and more convenient for policyholders. One can walk into the medical centre and complete the treatment without incurring any upfront costs.

• Facilitates Rehabilitation: In many cases, rehabilitation is crucial to help the patient regain mobility, such as after a fracture. When physiotherapy is covered under insurance, one can undergo the physiotherapy session on time without worrying about the financial aspect.

• Robust Care: Physiotherapy is not only required for mobility and rehabilitation. In many cases, a patient needs physiotherapy to stay fit and healthy. For example, someone with back pain requires physiotherapy to get rid of the pain and also strengthen the back to remain fit. By covering the physiotherapy expenses, insurance plans enable the insured to receive robust healthcare.

While physiotherapy coverage proves extremely beneficial for all policyholders, certain factors can affect its coverage. Depending on the factors, the coverage may be limited.

Policy Terms and Conditions: Even the best health insurance plans are governed by the policy terms and conditions. Based on the policy’s terms, some plans may cover a specific number of physiotherapy sessions. Similarly, physiotherapy coverage may also be affected by the waiting period associated with certain diseases.

Policy Coverage: Physiotherapy cover may also be affected by the coverage offered by insurance plans. For instance, a comprehensive health plan is more likely to include physiotherapy cover, while a basic plan may not cover it, or cover it with limitations.

Pre-Authorisation: In many cases, the insurer may need a pre-authorisation before you start the physiotherapy treatment. A pre-authorisation from the doctor establishes the fact that the treatment is necessary and within the terms of the policy.

Also Read: Tips to Choose the Best Health Insurance

Here are some useful tips that can assist you in maximising the benefits of physiotherapy coverage under your health insurance.

Opt for the Right Insurance Plan: When choosing medical insurance, assess the coverage carefully and opt for plans that explicitly mention physiotherapy insurance coverage under their scope. Physiotherapy may be a part of the post-hospitalisation expenses or OPD cover. In many cases, you may also have the option to include physiotherapy as an add-on cover to the insurance plans.

Understand Deductibles and Co-Payments: Know the deductibles and co-payment features of the insurance, as both require you to spend an amount from your pocket. While deductibles require an upfront payment, co-payments are fees that you must pay for each visit. Being aware of both these will give you an idea of the cost that you must bear.

Navigate the Coverage and Sub Limits: Many insurance plans also have a cap on the amount that you will receive for physiotherapy or the number of sessions that can be covered under the insurance umbrella. Once the limit is exhausted, you will need to pay for the physiotherapy charges from your pocket. The caps and limits can help you plan your therapy and budget accordingly.

Choose Plans with Lower Waiting Periods: When you buy health insurance, the physiotherapy cover will activate after a standard waiting period of 30 days. However, if physiotherapy is included under OPD or pre-existing diseases cover, then the waiting period may be higher. It is wise to choose a plan with a lower waiting period or one with no waiting period.

Look for Affordable Premiums: Whether physiotherapy insurance comes bundled with your basic health plan or you choose it as a cover, opt for plans with affordable premiums. Physiotherapy add-on cover or OPD cover can increase the premium considerably. Therefore, you must compare various online options and choose a plan that fits your budget.

Physiotherapy can add up to your medical expenses considerably, especially if it is for a prolonged period. Hence, having physiotherapy health insurance serves as a financial shield, saving you from incurring out-of-pocket expenses.

Many insurance providers today realise the importance of physiotherapy treatment and offer it as a part of their insurance plans, such as TATA AIG. When you opt for TATA AIG health insurance, you get physiotherapy treatment bundled under the post-hospitalisation expenses.

Since physiotherapy is also a part of holistic healthcare, TATA AIG insurance plans ensure you get access to all necessary health facilities without draining your bank account. You can enjoy comprehensive health coverage for various treatments and march your way towards a healthy life.