Cigna and Massage Therapy
Most standard Cigna plans do not cover massage therapy. However, Cigna does offer some plans with alternative care or wellness benefits that include limited massage coverage. Your coverage depends entirely on your specific plan details.
Quick Facts
| Coverage Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Benefit? | No |
| Some Plans? | Yes, with wellness rider |
| Referral Needed? | Recommended |
| Self-Pay Cost | $60-$150 per session |
When Cigna May Cover Massage
Cigna offers broader alternative care benefits on some plan types:
- Cigna plans with a wellness or alternative care rider may include massage
- Employer-sponsored plans with expanded benefits may cover it
- Cigna Behavioral and Wellness programs sometimes include massage as a stress management benefit
- As part of a physical therapy plan when performed by a licensed PT
When covered, expect limits of 12-26 visits per year.
How to Verify Your Coverage
- Log in to myCigna.com and check your plan benefits
- Search for “massage,” “alternative medicine,” or “wellness services”
- Call Cigna at the number on your member card
- Ask: “Is massage therapy a covered benefit on my plan, and what are the requirements?”
What You Will Pay
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Covered (in-network) | $20-$50 copay |
| Covered (out-of-network) | 40-60% coinsurance |
| Not covered | $60-$150 per session |
Covered Alternative: Physical Therapy
Cigna covers physical therapy on nearly all plans. PT includes hands-on techniques that overlap with massage therapy:
| PT Technique | Similar To | Cigna Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Manual therapy | Therapeutic massage | Yes |
| Soft tissue work | Deep tissue massage | Yes |
| Myofascial release | Myofascial massage | Yes |
| Joint mobilization | Joint manipulation | Yes |
Practical Tip
Ask your doctor to refer you to physical therapy with manual techniques. This provides similar hands-on treatment and is covered by your Cigna plan.
HSA and FSA Options
If massage is not covered by your Cigna plan:
- HSA funds can pay for massage with a letter of medical necessity
- FSA funds may also qualify with proper documentation
- Pre-tax savings of 20-30% compared to after-tax dollars
Ask your doctor for a letter stating massage therapy is medically necessary for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cigna cover massage for chronic pain?
Most Cigna plans do not cover massage for any condition. Physical therapy with manual techniques is the covered alternative for chronic pain management.
Can I use Cigna’s EAP for massage?
Some Employee Assistance Programs through Cigna include wellness benefits that may extend to massage. Check with your HR department about EAP benefits.
Does Cigna cover chiropractic care?
Many Cigna plans cover chiropractic services with a referral. Some chiropractors include soft tissue work in their treatment. Check your plan for chiropractic coverage.