Does Insurance Cover Wellness Treatments?

Chiropractic care is one of the most widely covered alternative therapies. Medicare Part B covers manual spinal manipulation to correct subluxation, and the vast majority of private PPO and HMO plans include chiropractic benefits.

Acupuncture is partially covered by insurance. Medicare has covered acupuncture for chronic low back pain since January 2020, and many private PPO/HMO plans include acupuncture benefits for a range of conditions.

Massage therapy coverage is inconsistent. Medicare does not cover standalone massage therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is covered by Medicare and most private insurers for FDA-approved indications only. These include diabetic wounds, decompression illness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and about 12 other specific conditions.

Naturopathic medicine is rarely covered by insurance. Medicare does not recognize naturopathic doctors (NDs) as eligible providers.

Functional medicine is rarely covered as a category, but individual services may be covered depending on the practitioner's base credential. If your functional medicine doctor is an MD or DO, standard office visits may be billed to insurance.

Wellness IV drips (NAD+, vitamin C, Myers cocktail) are not covered by insurance. However, medically necessary IV infusions — such as IV iron for anemia, IV antibiotics, or IV hydration for dehydration — are covered when administered in a clinical setting for a diagnosed condition.

Insurance coverage for ketamine therapy depends on the formulation. Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is FDA-approved and covered by most plans for treatment-resistant depression.

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is not covered by any insurance plan. It is considered experimental and has not received FDA clearance as a medical device.

Float therapy (sensory deprivation) is not covered by insurance. It is classified as a wellness service, not a medical treatment, by all major insurers.

Infrared sauna therapy is not covered by insurance. Medicare specifically excludes infrared therapy devices under NCD 270.

Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) is not covered by insurance for most uses. Medicare explicitly excludes infrared therapy devices (NCD 270.

PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy is generally not covered by insurance. It is considered experimental by most insurers.

PRP therapy is not covered by most insurance plans. It is considered experimental/investigational by Medicare and the majority of private insurers for all indications, including orthopedic, dermatologic, and aesthetic uses.