An essential part of private health insurance is coverage for acute conditions that can be effectively treated in a hospital. On top of that, insurers can also offer you a range of additional benefits, either as standard or as an optional extra. Here we look at complementary and alternative treatments and whether they are included in private health insurance policies.
What are complementary and alternative therapies?
Complementary and alternative medicine (abbreviated to CAM) are treatments that are outside of scientific evidence-based medicine. Basically, it’s anything that isn’t part of regular care in the UK.
What is the difference between complementary and alternative treatments?
Although often thought of as the same, the term actually describes two different methods of treatment.
- Complementary treatments are therapies used in addition to any other primary care.
- Alternative treatments are therapies used instead of mainstream medicine.
With that in mind, there can be some overlap between the two. For example, if you have joint pain, your GP may recommend steroid injections or painkillers. If you choose acupuncture along with this, it would be considered a complementary treatment. However, if you’ve decided to go with acupuncture alone and avoid steroids and painkillers, it could be seen as an alternative therapy.
Examples of complementary and alternative medicine in the UK
CAM covers a wide range of treatments, including:
- Acupuncture – is done by inserting very fine needles into specific areas on your body (acupuncture points) to release natural pain-relieving chemicals.
- Osteopathy – this involves stretching, massaging and moving your body to improve mobility, muscle tone and circulation.
- Homeopathy – small, diluted amounts of natural substances are used on the body to stimulate the development of its own natural defenses.
- Chiropractic – relief of joint pain (such as neck, back, elbow and shoulder) through manipulation of muscles, bones and joints.
- Podiatry – this therapy targets foot and ankle conditions, helps relieve pain and improves mobility and circulation (for example, for diabetic patients).
These are just a few common examples, but CAM can also cover therapies such as aromatherapy, craniosacral therapy and Reiki.
Does private health insurance cover complementary and alternative medicine?
Private health insurance may include complementary and alternative therapies as part of your outpatient offer, but this will depend on the policy you choose.
Some policies may include certain complementary and alternative therapies as standard, or it may be a feature you can pay to add.
Please note that there may be limits on the amount you can claim for treatment. This may be limited to a fixed number of sessions or value (for example, up to £250). Some policies offer unlimited sessions or value, but this is likely to result in higher premiums.
Your insurer may also only pay for certain types of CAM; for example, chiropractic treatment may be covered, but reiki or aromatherapy may not.
What is CAM usually covered by private health insurance?
If your health insurance provider offers complementary and alternative therapies, they will list what is covered in your policy documents.
Popular treatments that are commonly included are osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and podiatry.
Who can I turn to for treatment?
You should check your policy documents in case your insurer specifies who you can be treated with. Usually, if the treatment is recognized and has a regulatory body, you will be expected to see a doctor who has a license or regulatory approval. A good example is chiropractic treatment, where chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council in order to practise.
Are complementary and alternative therapies useful?
Complementary and alternative treatments can be helpful. However, if a particular treatment works for one person, it may or may not have the same effect on you.
Complementary treatments that go along with conventional medicine can also give you a more holistic approach to overall care.
Note that CAM is considered outside the mainstream because there may not be enough scientific data to show how effective it is. That doesn’t mean it won’t work for you, but it does mean you should do your research on what’s available and who to see.
Before any treatment you should consider the following:
1. Treatments you already have
If you are being treated for something with mainstream medicine, consider how CAM might affect it. Not all alternative therapies will be compatible, and some may interfere with the treatment you already have.
It is important to talk to your GP, nurse or other healthcare professional before any other treatment. You should also let your CAM practitioner know about any regular care you have.
2. If the practitioners are regulated
If you have a regulated treatment, make sure your doctor is licensed or licensed. At the very least, practitioners should have appropriate qualifications.
If you’re not sure where to look, your GP may be able to help or refer someone.
If the treatment you are interested in is not regulated, check reviews on independent sites and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something is unclear. Professional and qualified practitioners will be used to this and should not mind giving you the information you need.
3. Possible side effects
You can have side effects with almost any treatment – conventional or otherwise. Before any treatment, you should be told what the side effects might be.
In most cases, it will take several treatments before you notice any benefit, so don’t give up right away. However, if you experience any negative side effects, always inform your doctor immediately.
Remember – talk to your GP or counselor before any treatment.
Should I add CAM to my private health insurance?
Most private health insurers offer some form of complementary or alternative therapy, although you may have to pay extra for it. The fact that it is often offered highlights how popular these types of treatments are and shows that they are appreciated by a good proportion of policyholders.
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, many people believe that CAM can improve mood and relieve anxiety, both of which can help improve your general well-being.
If you want to learn more about private health insurance and what it can offer you, we can connect you with a regulated broker who understands the market and can walk you through your options.
To give you a better idea of how private health insurance works, we’ve also put together these detailed guides:
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