Does Private Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture or Other Therapies?

Some UK health insurance policies include limited cover for selected complementary therapies, while others offer them as an option or exclude them. The term “alternative therapy” can include different treatments, so check the policy's named benefits rather than relying on a general description.

Questions to ask before treatment

Ask whether the specific therapy is covered, whether a GP or specialist referral is needed, and whether the practitioner must be recognised by the insurer. Check session limits, annual caps, excesses and whether treatment must be authorised in advance.

Do not assume that cover for physiotherapy also includes acupuncture, chiropractic treatment or osteopathy. A benefit may apply only when the therapy is used for an eligible condition and delivered by an approved practitioner.

Compare the benefit with the cost

If the policy has a small cap or few sessions, compare it with the likely self-pay cost before choosing an add-on. Keep invoices and approval references, and follow the insurer's claim process.

See our physiotherapy guide for a related benefit.

Compare therapy benefits and limits with our UK health insurance comparison tool.

Sources checked 19 October 2026: PHIN: comparing private medical insurance · WPA: why have health insurance?