How do I claim Physiotherapy on my Health Insurance?

Firstly, you need to check your Health Insurance Policy to see what level of Physiotherapy Cover you have. Your Policy Name should be on any regular correspondence you get from your Insurer, like an Invoice. If you’re unsure, you can log into your Customer Account online, in App or contact Customer Support. If your Health Insurance is covered by your employer, reach out to a colleague in Employee Success or Human Resources if you need assistance.

Health Insurance Providers have a very wide range of plans with the likes of VHI having about 80 to choose from. Physiotherapy is covered in a number of policies at different amounts under “Day-to-Day Benefits”. This terminology may differ slightly between Providers. We like to think of Insurance Policies as a spectrum, where almost all injuries are plotted on an axis and cover for different issues becomes slightly more comprehensive with each increase in price. However, that is not always the case!

Health Insurance Physiotherapy Cover in more expensive policies may cover 24 sessions at €60 per session, whereas other policies may only cover 6 sessions at €20.

It is important to note, that Health Insurance Providers will require you to be treated by a Chartered Physiotherapist. Physiotherapists will be registered with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and CORU. This is often the case when making a claim for an appointment with any healthcare professional.

Once you have attended your Physiotherapy session, you will be emailed your Invoice. Insurance Providers will reimburse you for your session once you have submitted attendance and payment information. Here’s an example of an Invoice we provide our Patients.

1. Check your cover for Physiotherapy

This can be done by checking your “Table of Benefits”. I access this by logging into my Account on the VHI App and clicking on “My Policy” and viewing my policy details. Take note of any excess charges that may apply. If you’re over 18, you must make the claim yourself. This will be the same for all Insurance Providers. 

Your Policy Benefits will be outlined on a page that looks like this:

2. Snap & Send

You can simply take a photo of your Physiotherapy Receipt and add it to your claim within the app. Make sure everything is nice and clear and ensure you upload one receipt at time. You will then be required to add some details about your receipt. Review your claim and submit when ready.

3. Get Reimbursed

VHI will usually remit the money straight to your bank account within 10 working days. You can submit your receipts within a reasonable timeframe. This usually means within your current renewal period and 2 previous renewal periods (up to 3 years). So you have plenty of time!

Note: If you have any issues, jump onto the VHI Customer Chat. They have a ChatBot dedicated to Snap & Send and you can even submit a claim there. Similarly, you can reach out to us at mybod with any questions.

You can also do it the old reliable way with a Claims Form here.

1. Check your cover for Physiotherapy

Similar to VHI, you will have to check your coverage for “Everyday Expenses”. Laya encourages you to download their App, which is available wherever you get your Apps. Once you log in, you can then navigate to the Member Area where you can check your cover. The Member Area is available on Desktop if you wish to log in online.

2. Submit your Claim

You will then be required to upload or take a photo of your Receipt and fill in some basic information. You then have the option to add another Receipt. However, we would recommend adding only one Receipt per claim.

3. Get Reimbursed

Laya advertises a very speedy turnaround time of 2 day processing. However, that is not to say that your money will definitely be back in your bank account within that time period. Laya Healthcare outpatient claims must be submitted within twelve months from the end of your policy year. If your receipts are not received within this period, your benefits will not be paid. Laya are typically more strict than VHI on this front.

You can also claim the old reliable way using a Claims Form here.

1. Check your cover for Physiotherapy

Irish Life is also digital first. Like VHI and Laya, you will be required to register with the typical details i.e. Member Number, Policy Number and DOB. You can then view your “Policy Details” or “Check my cover” from within the dashboard. It is worth noting that the Irish Life App has the poorest rating on the Apple App Store and can be frustrating to use.

Your Key Benefits will be outlined on a page that looks like this:

2. Submit your Claim

Navigate to the “Claims” tab and upload your Receipt. You will then have to fill out some key information directly below your upload e.g. Appointment Date and Amount. You can then review and submit your claim. Irish Life allows you to add up to 5 Receipts in a single submission. Again, we would recommend uploading 1 Receipt per claim to avoid any potential confusion.

3. Get Reimbursed

Once approved, Irish Life will pay claims directly into your bank account within 3-5 working days. However, we would suggest allowing for a day or two between claim submission and approval (provided there are no issues with approval). Irish Life Health outpatient claims must be submitted within 6 months of the end of the policy year. Irish Life seem to be quite strict on this deadline.

Once approved, Irish Life will pay claims directly into your bank account within 3-5 working days. However, we would suggest allowing for a day or two between claim submission and approval (provided there are no issues with approval). Irish Life Health outpatient claims must be submitted within 6 months of the end of the policy year. Irish Life seem to be quite strict on this deadline.

If you pay medical expenses that are not covered by the State or by Private Health Insurance, you may be able to claim tax back on some of those expenses, including Physiotherapy. If you have private health insurance, you can claim tax relief on the portion of those expenses not covered by your insurer.

Ordinarily, to be treated by a Physiotherapist, you do not need to be referred by a doctor or a GP. However, in order to claim tax relief, you must be prescribed Physiotherapy by a Practitioner.

You can claim relief on health expenses through myAccount or Revenue Online Service (ROS). You can only claim for expenses that you have Receipts for. You can claim relief on the last four year’s health expenses! If you are a PAYE Taxpayer (most common) this guide from the Revenue is for you: