Getting injured at home is bad enough, but that big injury that’s ruined your holiday (and everyone else’s) is even worse! Combining pain with thoughts such as, “does my travel insurance cover physiotherapy” really isn’t what the doctor ordered. In this blog, we’ll cover travel insurance and access to physiotherapy in some more detail.

Check out our tips for getting physiotherapy covered by insurance here.

skiing at the top of a mountain — Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding can require specialist travel insurance policies.

Some winter sports travel insurance can include cover for physiotherapy treatment when you return to the U.K.

Does Travel Insurance cover Physiotherapy while I’m abroad?

As always, policies will differ from one to the other and should be checked to see what is included. Generally speaking, travel insurance is for medical emergencies whilst abroad. However, this can be sometimes be extended to include physiotherapy treatments to help with any injuries. Some policies will require add-ons to cover more extreme sports that people may want to do when abroad, such as winter or extreme sports.

Can I use my Travel Insurance to access Physiotherapy when I’m back home?

Thankfully, there are some travel insurance policies that cover access to physiotherapy, including on your return home. This is typically the case with sports that involve travel, such as skiing and snowboarding. Depending on your coverage, you may have access to a limited number of sessions, or to as many sessions as you need for your injury. The terms and conditions of your policy should confirm this in more detail. If you’re unsure about how to access our ski-centred rehabilitation through your insurance, contact us for support and guidance.

Some health insurance policies can also cover physiotherapy.

Is Physiotherapy classed as treatment under travel insurance?

If your policy includes physiotherapy, you will need to claim it as a treatment with your insurer. Most insurances will have an excess payment that is chargeable to you before you can claim. If your policy allows for you to claim for physiotherapy, you should be able to use those physiotherapy sessions (as well as any medical costs) towards your medical travel insurance claim, provided the treatment is directly related to an injury sustained during your trip. However, some insurers may have limits on the amount of physiotherapy they will cover.

We would always recommend speaking to your insurance before getting treatment, as they may not deem it medically necessary and it may not fall within the coverage limits of your policy. This will inform you as to whether you should declare your physiotherapy treatments and claim back payment. It is important to keep hold of all receipts and any medical/physio reports available.

Winter Sports and Off-Piste Coverage

Winter sports don't tend to be covered by standard travel insurance policies, but can be included as an add-on (which tends to cost more). We would always recommend winter sports cover, as the cost of being rescued off the piste alone is extremely expensive! If you’re passionate about off-piste skiing and touring, make sure you read the small print and check if off-piste is covered, as this is often excluded from basic cover.

Some example insurance providers that offer physiotherapy as part of their coverage include:

With these examples, you should at least be able to claim some initial cost of physiotherapy upon your return to the U.K. Please note we’re not recommending these providers explicitly. Other providers may offer coverage that is more suitable to your needs.

Extreme Sports Coverage (Scuba Diving, Parachuting, etc.)

Coverage for extreme sports is similar to winter sports, there is usually an add-on that you will need to pay for. Some policies will cover to a basic level (eg diving with a certified instructor to a depth of 18m). You will typically need specific insurance to cover you to a high level (eg deep sea diving or parachute jumping independently).

How to claim through your insurance

You should receive specific instructions from your insurer. These are the typical steps to access treatment after an injury abroad.

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Notify your insurer as soon as you are injured or require treatment.

2. Seek Treatment: Whether it’s physiotherapy or other necessary treatments, make sure you get the care you need and keep records of all sessions, including receipts and medical reports.

3. Declare Treatment: When filing your claim, declare physiotherapy as treatment to ensure that it is included in your medical expenses claim. Some insurers may require supporting documentation from the treating physiotherapist to support your claim. If you need anything from us, please contact info@kaizenphysio.co.uk

4. Submit Your Claim: Provide all required documentation, including medical bills, receipts, and physiotherapy treatment records. Ensure you meet the deadlines for claims submission.

5. Follow Up: Keep track of the progress of your claim and respond promptly if any further information is requested by your insurer.

Here’s more on how to claim physiotherapy treatment through travel insurance.

Check the Small Print

As with all insurance policies, checking the small print is vital to make sure that physiotherapy is covered. Travel insurance is predominantly for emergency medical care, but can also include physiotherapy treatment. An additional policy will usually be taken out to cover any extreme or winter sports.

As a keen snowboarder myself, and having treated many injuries during my season working in the French Alps. I would always urge getting an insurance that covers winter sports and, if you're planning on doing so, extreme sports cover.

This will allow you to access our specialist care, enabling us to get you back to your passions as quickly as possible. For more information on our Ski MOT and our physiotherapy prices, check out this page.

Book a consultation with us today.

Travel Insurance Physiotherapy FAQs

What information do I need to provide to make a physiotherapy claim under my travel insurance?

You should double check this with your insurance provider. Typically you will receive a claim number to confirm access to treatment. You may need additional information from us. This may include receipts of payment and case reports to provide information regarding your injury.

What types of travel insurance policies cover physiotherapy?

If you are shopping around for policies, we would recommend you check the small print to ensure that physiotherapy is covered, especially check the specifics regarding treatment when returning back to the UK.

What if my travel insurance doesn’t cover physiotherapy when I return to the UK?

Give us a call At Kaizen Physiotherapy & Performance, we treat many people who aren’t covered by insurance. We can help you recover and get you back skiing quickly! Check out our prices here

Does my travel insurance cover physiotherapy for injuries from non-winter sport activities?

Potentially yes, but you’ll need to check the terms and conditions carefully on your travel insurance. We would recommend you contact your insurer to confirm.

How do I know if my travel insurance policy covers physiotherapy treatment?

When you have taken out a policy, they should email or post a copy of your Terms and Conditions. This will highlight exactly what you have access to. If you cannot find this, we would recommend contacting your insurer by phone to confirm exactly what you have covered.

Does travel insurance cover physiotherapy when you return to the U.K.?