Physiotherapy Coverage under Health Insurance: Comprehensive Guide

When you suffer from an ailment, your doctor prescribes a course of treatment aimed at helping you recover properly while at the same time adjusting your life with that ailment. For example, if you suffer from hypertension, you may be prescribed blood thinners, along with a major change in your diet. If you have diabetes, you may be recommended with heavily cutting down your sugar consumption. Similarly, if you face severe injuries in an accident which impacts your motor skills, the effective option of treatment may usually be physiotherapy. Due to the nature of the treatment and the different types, physiotherapy may be, at times, a bit costly. If you have a health insurance policy, do you know whether it covers the cost of your physiotherapy treatment? Let’s find out.

What is physiotherapy?

Before we get to the question ‘is physiotherapy covered in health insurance?’, it is important to understand what physiotherapy is. Physiotherapy is defined as a branch of medical treatment which focuses on treating the impact and distress caused to the natural movement of your body. For example, if your right-hand gets fractured, the doctor will apply a cast made from Plaster of Paris. This cast helps in resetting your broken bone and also helps in the recovery of your hand. However, due to restrictions placed on the movement of your hand, you may find it difficult to make normal hand movements like before. To deal with this issue, physiotherapy would be recommended. This is just one example of how physiotherapy can help you recover. Physiotherapy is a constantly expanding field of medical science where new and innovative treatments are being introduced to speed up the recovery process and ease the patient from the displeasure of their problem.

What are the types of physiotherapy?

There are different types of physiotherapy used to treat different health problems. These are:

1. Neurological physiotherapy

There are different neurological conditions such as stroke, problems related to the spinal cord or even motor degenerative disease, which may affect the very movement of your body. A common example is Parkinson’s disease, which may severely affect the movement of the patients. Visible shaking of limbs, sudden tremors or the inability to speak are its symptoms. When detected early on, neurological physiotherapy can help in managing these issues and help you lead a normal life without aggravating the problem.

2. Orthopaedic physiotherapy

Injuries to the bones, ligaments, and joints, are quite common. When a sportsperson faces an injury, such as an anterior cruciate ligament tear, their movements become restricted, as lack of rest would aggravate the injury and take a longer period for recovery. With the help of orthopaedic physiotherapy, the recovery process is shorter and helps in complete recovery without the problem repeating again.

3. Paediatric physiotherapy

This type of physiotherapy deals with health problems related to children. Complications faced during birth, birth defects or any problems that might occur early on, might restrict the child from living a normal life. This physiotherapy type aims at dealing with the root cause of the problem and helping the child deal with it.

4. Geriatric physiotherapy

As you age, your body undergoes drastic changes. These changes could plague you on a daily basis and might cause long term inconvenience. Joint paint, muscle pain, or trouble carrying out simple tasks are common problems related to old age. As there is a loss of muscle and your body becomes weak, your day-to-day movements become limited. Geriatric physiotherapy helps you in tackling these problems. The treatment helps in dealing with movement-related issues and provides slow relief from joint or muscle pain to help you live life normally.

Types of treatment

Different problems require different types of treatment under physiotherapy. These treatments include:

1. Basic therapy

In this treatment methodology, the joints and muscles of the patient are freed and relaxed with the help of massages. This improves the mobility of the patient.

2. Electrical nerve stimulation therapy

In this treatment, if there is any dead nerve causing problems with mobility, or a muscle which has become stiff, it is revived by passing mild electric current. This is done with the help of either placing electrodes on the affected area or with the help of an electric blanket.

3. Hydrotherapy

This treatment is specifically tailored towards patients suffering from arthritis. Here, the patient is made to sit in water which is set between the temperature range of 30-36C. The patient is then made to perform certain exercises which help in soothing the muscle pain.

Is physiotherapy covered in health insurance?

The need for physiotherapy arises in two conditions: either after hospitalisation or without the need of hospitalisation. One of the health insurance benefits is that it covers post-hospitalisation treatment. If your doctor has recommended physiotherapy after hospitalisation and your policy offers post-hospitalisation coverage, the cost of physiotherapy will be covered. * Keep in mind that hospitalisation is not necessary for physiotherapy to be recommended. However, if your doctor has recommended it to you to deal with some health issues, it is considered as OPD treatment. Not many insurers offer OPD treatment coverage. Read your policy document carefully to check about health insurance cover for physiotherapy. * # Also Read: Preparing Medical Records for Your Online Doctor Appointment

Conclusion

Physiotherapy has great long-term benefits in helping you deal with certain health problems. However, it is important to check if it comes under the scope of your health insurance coverage in India. Do visit your nearest insurance agent to get more information about this.

FAQs

What types of physiotherapy treatments are covered?

Coverage typically includes treatments like post-surgery rehabilitation, injury recovery, and treatments for chronic conditions, but it can vary by policy.

Are there any limits on the number of physiotherapy sessions covered?

Some policies may limit the number of sessions covered, while others may offer unlimited sessions. It’s important to check your policy for specific terms.

Does physiotherapy coverage increase the health insurance premium?

Adding physiotherapy coverage might slightly increase your premium, but it can be worth it for those who require regular treatment.

Is physiotherapy covered for pre-existing conditions?

Coverage for physiotherapy related to pre-existing conditions may be subject to waiting periods or exclusions. It's crucial to read the terms of your health insurance policy carefully.

Does physiotherapy coverage require a doctor’s prescription?

Most insurance providers require a doctor’s prescription or referral before you can claim physiotherapy expenses under your health insurance policy. * Standard T&C apply # Visit the official website of IRDAI for further details Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.