While arthritis has no cure, hot tubs can certainly help manage and relieve its symptoms.
Will Health Insurance Pay for a Hot Tub?
We discuss the medical uses of hot tubs and whether or not a hot tub can be covered by insurance!
Arthritis bothering you? Sore muscles from a medical condition or physiotherapy? A hot tub could be one of the best forms of medicine. But you might think it’s too expensive.
Could your health insurance pay for a hot tub?
Let’s get into this question and help you find some relief.
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What are the medical uses for hot tubs?
One of the most effective uses of a hot tub is hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments, such as arthritis, muscle pain, and even stress.
In addition to hydrotherapy, hot tubs can also be used as a form of muscle massage. The warm water and jets can help to relieve the tension in your muscles, as well as your joint pain.
Hot tubs can help you get a better night’s sleep. Hot water can help calm the central nervous system, which can lead to better sleep.
Hydrotherapy and Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that hot tub therapy can help with. Hydrotherapy can help reduce pain and inflammation by increasing blood flow and joint mobility. Hydrotherapy is most effective when done in moderation, so people with arthritis are encouraged to try a hot tub.
Muscle Massage
A hot tub can be used as a form of muscle massage. The jets in the tub can help to loosen up your muscles and make it easier to relieve the tension in your body. The best part is that you can do this without paying a professional massage therapist. If you are experiencing a lot of muscle tension, a hot tub can help to relax those muscles. It can also help to relieve pain and stress in the muscles.
Stress Relief
A hot tub can be a great way to reduce stress. After a long day at work, it can be hard to unwind. Hot water can be a great way to help soothe your nerves and help you relax. The warm water can help to lower your heart rate and reduce blood pressure. Hot tubs can be a great way to relieve stress for people of all ages. It’s important to remember that hot water can also be dangerous for small children. Parents should always keep a close eye on their children when they are in the hot tub.
Hydrotherapy and Sleep
Studies have shown that hot water can be effective at helping you to fall asleep. It has the same calming effect on the nervous system as it does when you’re trying to relax and relieve stress. If you have trouble falling asleep, you may want to consider trying a hot tub.
How Do You Get A Hot Tub Covered By Insurance?
Once you have decided on a hot tub and have it installed, you will need to call your insurance company to let them know that you have the tub. This is the first step to getting the tub covered by insurance.
If your insurance company is not willing to cover the tub, you may be able to file an insurance claim. You’ll need to contact your insurance company and explain your situation.
To increase your chances of getting a hot tub for medical reasons covered by insurance, you’ll need to provide documentation. This typically includes a prescription or letter of medical necessity from your doctor, detailing how the hot tub will treat your specific condition, such as arthritis or chronic pain. You may also need to submit receipts, installation details, and proof that the hot tub meets your insurer’s criteria for medical equipment. Check with your insurance provider for their specific requirements to ensure a smooth claims process.
Will Blue Cross Blue Shield Pay for a Hot Tub?
Many people wonder if Blue Cross Blue Shield will pay for a hot tub, especially for medical conditions like arthritis or muscle pain. Coverage depends on your specific plan and the state you live in, as Blue Cross Blue Shield operates through regional plans with varying policies. Some plans may cover a hot tub if it’s deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor for hydrotherapy. However, you’ll need to verify with your local Blue Cross Blue Shield provider, provide a detailed medical justification, and ensure the hot tub meets their guidelines for durable medical equipment. Contact your plan administrator to confirm eligibility and required documentation.
Therapeutic Hot Tubs and Health Care Plans
When you’re shopping for health insurance, you’ll want to make sure it includes coverage for hot tubs. Most healthcare plans will include coverage for a hot tub, but it will vary from plan to plan.
If you have a particular health condition and you’re looking to get coverage for a therapeutic hot tub, you may have a bit easier time. This type of health insurance coverage is designed for patients who are seeking additional care beyond simply seeing a doctor when they’re sick.
Many users ask if hydrotherapy is covered by insurance, as it’s a key benefit of hot tubs. Hydrotherapy may be covered under certain health plans if prescribed for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or post-surgical recovery. However, coverage often requires proof of medical necessity, such as a doctor’s prescription, and may be limited to specific hot tub types, like infrared or magnetic therapy models. Always review your plan’s benefits summary or speak with your insurer to confirm whether hydrotherapy treatments via a hot tub qualify for coverage.
What types of hot tubs may be covered?
There are many different types of hot tubs. Some of them may be easier to be covered by health insurance than others. If you’re trying to determine if your health insurance will pay for hot tub coverage, you should first decide what type of tub you want.
The easiest tubs to get covered are infrared or magnet therapy tubs. Magnetic therapy tubs use magnets to help improve blood flow and heal the body. Infrared therapy uses infrared light to help soothe the muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. These two types of tubs are very common, and many health insurers will cover them.
| Hot Tub Type | Medical Benefits | Likelihood of Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared Therapy | Reduces inflammation, soothes muscles, promotes healing | High – Often covered as durable medical equipment |
| Magnetic Therapy | Improves blood flow, aids in pain relief | High – Commonly accepted by insurers |
| Traditional Hot Tub | Provides hydrotherapy, muscle relaxation | Low – May be denied due to chemical use or installation issues |
What types of hot tubs are unlikely to be covered?
If you’re hoping to get a more traditional hot tub covered by your health insurance, there are a few things to look out for. Most insurance companies will deny coverage for any tub that uses chemicals. They will also deny coverage for any tub that is not installed in a properly insulated room. If you want a tax return on your hot tub, you should definitely make sure that it is installed in a room that can keep the water at a safe temperature.
Possible exclusions
If you’re trying to get a hot tub covered by your health insurance, you should be aware of potential exclusions. Most health insurers will not cover any tubs that are more than 36 inches deep. If you have a deep tub, you may need to cover the purchase price out of pocket.
Is A Hot Tub Considered Deductible Medical Equipment?
You may have heard that hot tubs are considered medical equipment and are eligible for tax deductions. That may have been true once.
Hot tubs are now considered durable medical equipment, which means you can deduct the cost of the tub, installation, and maintenance. You’ll have to keep track of all of your receipts, though. Hot tubs are a big financial commitment, and so you want to make sure you can afford the entire cost of it.
Are Pools & Spas Tax Deductible as Medical Expenses?
A hot tub is a bit different than a swim spa or a pool. Health insurance companies often cover spa visits as a form of physical therapy, but they never cover the purchase of a swim spa or pool. If you’re looking to get coverage for a spa or pool as a medical deduction, you’ll likely want to turn to a flexible spending account or health savings account.
These accounts work like a pretax savings plan, meaning that your expenses are covered before federal, state, and local taxes are applied. This means that you’ll have to pay taxes on the money you put into the account, but not on the expenses that are covered by the account.
How do you know if your health insurance will pay for a hot tub?
If your health insurance plan covers hot tubs and you’re using it as a medical expense, it’s possible that it will cover the full cost of the hot tub.
If it’s a standard health insurance plan, it likely won’t cover a hot tub that’s designed for therapeutic use. You can talk with your plan administrator and see if it’s possible to add a hot tub to your plan. If you don’t have health insurance, you can look for plans that include coverage for a hot tub.
Alternatives to Health Insurance Financing to buy a Hot Tub (better than a one-person medical one)
If you’re looking to buy a hot tub but don’t have health insurance or you don’t have the funds saved to pay for it out of pocket, there are a few other options.
You can try to add a hot tub to your health insurance plan if you’re a member of a group health plan. You can also try to get a loan from a bank or financing company.
If you want to buy a hot tub but don’t have health insurance that covers it, it could be a good idea to wait until you have health insurance before buying the tub. You can also try to get a low-interest loan to pay for the hot tub. This way, you won’t be paying interest on the tub until you’re able to pay it off.
Final Thoughts
If you need hot tub treatments for your medical condition, it’s always a good idea to see if your health insurance will cover the hot tub purchase. People with arthritis and chronic pain can greatly benefit from warm water immersion.
It’s important to do your research ahead of time so that you don’t end up having to pay for something that should be covered by insurance.
About The Author:
Richard Horvath
Hot Tub & Spa Expert
Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard, helping over one thousand North Carolina homeowners achieve that dream in the process.
