Massage and health insurance: what is paid for and what is not?

Sometimes your back feels like you've completed a marathon on the couch - tension, pain, a slight tweak here and a couple of tightenings there. Did you know that the oldest records of massages are more than 4,000 years old? Even in ancient China, they were considered a means of relieving pain and promoting health. But today we often ask ourselves the question: Does health insurance actually cover the costs?

In fact, there are clear rules as to when a massage is considered medically necessary by the health insurance company and what conditions must be met for the costs to be covered. Things get even more complicated when it comes to massage chairs - are they a reimbursable alternative or more of a luxury product?

In this article, you will find out which massages are covered by health insurance and under what conditions, and whether massage chairs are a reimbursable alternative or are considered a luxury product. We also explain what options there are for obtaining subsidies or reimbursements for massages and massage chairs. We will also show you alternatives if your health insurance does not pay.

Reading tip: You can find out which types of massage are best suited to your needs in our article "From head to toe - massages help here".

Why are massages important?

Massages are far more than just a relaxing wellness treatment - they have proven positive effects on health, including:

• Promotion of blood circulationMassage stimulates blood circulation in the muscles and tissue through targeted pressure and stroking movements. This improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients, which helps to relieve tension, alleviate pain and improve general mobility

• Strengthening the immune system: Regular massages can strengthen the immune system by promoting the reduction of stress hormones and at the same time stimulating the production of feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. This not only lowers the general stress level, but also supports the body's defenses.

• Support for regeneration: Massages are an important means of promoting the healing process, particularly after injuries or intensive physical exertion. They help to reduce inflammatory processes, loosen adhesions in the tissue and restore the flexibility of the muscles.

However, massages differ depending on their purpose: while some treatments are purely relaxing, others are used specifically as medical therapies. This is also where the question of whether health insurance covers the costs of a massage arises.

Reading tip: Find out in our article about massages and their effect on the body & nervous system to find out more about how different types of massage can specifically contribute to health.

Which massages are covered by health insurance?

If massages are proven to help - does health insurance pay for them? The answer is: It depends. In principle, statutory health insurance companies cover therapeutic massages that are medically necessary are and have been prescribed by a doctor. These include

• Classic massage therapies: Used to relax muscles and relieve pain. They are used to relieve muscle tension, alleviate pain and restore mobility, and are particularly helpful for chronic back or neck pain.

• Lymphatic drainage: This special technique is used to break down fluid build-up in the tissue and reduce swelling. It is often prescribed after operations or for lymphoedema.

• Physiotherapy with a massage component: Massages are often part of a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan. In combination with other measures, they promote regeneration and mobility, for example after injuries or operations.

Requirements for cost coverage by the health insurance company

The good news is that if a massage is medically necessary, there is a good chance that your health insurance will cover the costs. However, a few conditions must first be met:

• Medical prescription: A massage must be prescribed by a doctor. The diagnosis may include back pain, muscle tension or lymph congestion.

• Therapy plan: The massages must be part of a medical treatment plan, for example in physiotherapy or rehabilitation.

• Health insurance authorization: Some health insurance companies require authorization before starting treatment, especially if several sessions are prescribed.

Important: The number of subsidized sessions is limited. Six to ten massages per prescription are usual. After that, a new consultation with the treating doctor is necessary.

Those with private insurance often have more leeway: many tariffs also cover alternative healing methods. It is therefore worth asking your insurance company which costs are covered.

Does health insurance cover the cost of a massage chair?

Let's get straight to the burning question: Does health insurance pay for a massage chair? The clear answer is: Unfortunately, no. Statutory health insurance companies do not cover the costs of a massage chair.

Why not? A massage chair does not officially count as a recognized treatment or aid, as its effect is not equated with medical therapy. Even in the official list of medical aids of health insurance companies.

Reading tip: In our article "Is a massage chair worth it?" you can find out more about when the purchase will pay off for you.

What options are there if the health insurance does not cover the massage?

Even if your health insurance doesn't cover the cost of a massage chair, there are other ways to get financial support for the purchase of a high-quality device. Let's take a look at the alternatives and how you can still benefit from subsidies:

• Prevention programs of the health insurance companies: Many health insurance companies promote health prevention measures. Among other things, these programs subsidize massages or offer subsidies or discounts for certain wellness or therapy offers.

• Private supplementary insurance: Depending on the tariff, some private health insurances or supplementary insurances cover alternative healing methods. It is worth taking a look at the policy conditions here.

• Tax advantages: Anyone who uses a massage chair for medical reasons can, under certain circumstances, deduct it from tax as an exceptional expense. The prerequisite: a medical certificate and proof of medical necessity.

• Employer subsidy: Companies can receive up to 600 € tax-free per year for health-promoting measures. This also includes ergonomic solutions such as massage chairs. A discussion with your employer could be worthwhile!

Reading tipYou want to know how your company can benefit from renting a massage chair? In our article "Renting a massage chair - the flexible solution for companies" we show you the advantages of renting massage chairs, especially for companies!

Is a massage chair worthwhile as an alternative?

Even if a massage chair is not covered by health insurance, it offers many advantages:

• Cost comparison: Regular manual massages can be more expensive in the long run than a one-off purchase of a high-quality massage chair.

• Convenience: You can relax at any time - without waiting times or appointments.

• Long-term benefits: A massage chair is an investment in your health that can pay off for years to come.

Various financing options make it easier to invest in your massage chair 

If the investment in a massage chair seems high at first glance, there are ways to spread or reduce the costs. At Massagesessel Welt, for example, there is the possibility of 0% financingso that the massage chair can be paid off in convenient monthly installments.

In some cases, there are also subsidies, for example through health programs from companies that invest in employee health. Tax benefits can also arise if the massage chair is purchased for the workplace - this is particularly true for self-employed people or employers who promote preventative health measures.

Massages & subsidies: How to find the best solution for you

Massages are a proven means of relieving tension and promoting health. However, whether the costs are covered depends very much on the individual circumstances and the type of massage. Massage chairs offer a practical alternative here, even if they are not covered by health insurance. However, with the right information, you can benefit from financial support or other advantages.

• Massage on prescription: Health insurance covers costs if the massage is medically necessary. However, in most cases only for a limited number of sessions.

• Massage chair: Unfortunately not covered by health insurance, but alternative subsidies such as prevention programs, tax credits or employer subsidies can help.

• Long-term solution: For regular relaxation and pain relief, a massage chair can be a practical and worthwhile investment.

Did you know that massages were already considered a remedy 4,000 years ago? Even today, it is impossible to imagine pain therapy and health promotion without them - whether manual or mechanical. Find out which solution best suits your needs and reap the benefits in the long term!

Cover image: Netee Meepian, other images: kaboompics, Arthon Meekodong