Q. Will my insurance cover alternative medicine?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
The answer to this question depends on the type of insurance plan you have, as well as the specific alternative treatment or therapy you are interested in pursuing. Generally speaking, most health insurance plans do not cover alternative medicine practices such as acupuncture, Chinese herbalism, chiropractic care and other forms of energy healing like Reiki. However, there may be certain benefits offered under certain policies that cover certain types of complementary therapies.
It's important to note that some alternatives may actually be covered by your health plan if you meet certain criteria. For example, many insurers now provide coverage for medically necessary treatments such as acupuncture for the treatment of chronic back pain or digestive disorders. Many state-funded Medicaid programs also provide coverage for qualified physical therapists and chiropractors who use traditional methods to treat acute injuries or chronic conditions.
When considering any type of alternative medicine practice it is always a good idea to first contact your insurer directly and find out what specific services they will cover and what criteria must be met before they will pay out a claim on a particular service rendered – this is especially important if you are contemplating any sort of procedure that involves needles or herbal products that can affect the body in unexpected ways (such as ionized cleanses). In addition, it is essential to obtain written authorization from your insurer prior to undergoing any treatments for which reimbursement might later be sought.
Overall when it comes down to whether your insurance policy will cover alternative medicine practices – unfortunately there’s no one-size-fits all answer due mainly because policy terms vary so much from one provider and plan type to another - so again make sure you contact your insurer directly when making decisions regarding accessibilty and cost involved with any form of treatment regimens outside conventional medical care options available today!