Updated on - 21 Apr 2026
Mediclaim is basically health insurance that covers your medical expenses. It includes costs related to hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, consultation fees, and OPD treatments. Pre-hospitalisation expenses cover costs such as medical tests, including blood tests, urine tests, and X-rays. Post-hospitalisation expenses cover tests prescribed by the physician to assess the patient's recovery or progress.
Physiotherapy is often recommended as part of post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation, and may also be required for conditions such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, even without surgery. Regardless of the reason, repeated sessions can be costly and may substantially increase overall treatment expenses.
This blog answers the question, ‘Does health insurance cover physiotherapy?’
What Add-Ons Can Be Bought for Covering Physiotherapy Sessions?
To cover physiotherapy in your policy, you can also buy add-ons by paying a little extra premium. These add-ons usually cover everyday health needs that don't require hospitalisation, including physiotherapy sessions.
You can receive coverage for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ailments related to bones and joints from physiotherapists within the insurer’s network. When buying add-on covers, you should consider factors such as the scope of coverage, the waiting period and the additional premium amount.
Conclusion
Having health insurance is essential as it covers medical costs during emergencies. These plans usually include annual health check-ups and daycare treatments, and may also offer a no-claim bonus (NCB) and domiciliary hospitalisation. It's essential to check the list of inclusions in your policy to get maximum benefits from them. But is physiotherapy covered in health insurance?
Most mediclaim policies in India have an initial waiting period of around 30 days. Physiotherapy is not universally covered. It’s usually included only if linked to hospitalisation or, where available, as an OPD (out-patient department) add-on. OPD benefits may have separate waiting periods depending on the plan. For pre-existing diseases, a waiting period of 1 to 3 years typically applies before physiotherapy-related claims are allowed.
FAQs
1. Why is health insurance necessary?
The financial strain during medical emergencies is reduced with health insurance, making it an essential component of fundamental financial planning.
2. Is physiotherapy covered in mediclaim after being discharged from the hospital?
Sometimes, physiotherapy is covered in insurance under post-hospitalisation expenses. You may be able to claim and receive coverage for physiotherapy prescribed by your doctor after hospitalisation under post-hospitalisation expenses. It’s best to confirm the inclusions and exclusions with your chosen insurance provider.
3. How do I get reimbursed for my medical expenses?
You have the option to claim both pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses by submitting authentic invoices and relevant copies of the doctor's certification and discharge summary.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure/policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.