Is Cryotherapy Covered by Insurance?
Key Takeaways:
Cryotherapy is Generally Not Covered by Standard Health Insurance: Most insurance providers classify whole-body and localized cryotherapy as complementary or wellness treatments, not medically necessary interventions.
Lack of FDA Approval and Limited Accepted Clinical Trials Contribute to Lack of Coverage: Insurance companies often require FDA approval and substantial clinical evidence to deem a treatment medically necessary and eligible for coverage.
Exceptions for Potential Coverage Are Rare and Usually Require Medical Supervision: In limited cases, cryotherapy might be partially reimbursed if it's part of a post-surgical rehab plan, prescribed physical therapy, or for specific inflammatory conditions with documented medical necessity.
Government Healthcare Programs Like Medicare and Medicaid Very Rarely Cover Cryotherapy: Coverage under these programs is typically limited to specific dermatological applications, not routine wellness or recovery sessions.
Since Insurance Coverage is Uncommon, Most Cryotherapy Treatments are Paid Out-of-Pocket: Understanding typical session costs and exploring package options or introductory discounts can help individuals budget for cryotherapy treatments.
Cryotherapy has rapidly grown in popularity thanks to its impressive benefits for recovery, pain relief, inflammation reduction, and even mental well-being. Whether you're an athlete seeking faster muscle recovery or someone exploring alternatives for managing chronic conditions, you’ve likely come across whole body cryotherapy as a recommended option. But one common question remains: Is cryotherapy covered by insurance?
If you’ve searched for “cryo near me” and are considering treatment, understanding the financial aspect is just as important as knowing what does cryotherapy do. In this article, we’ll break down insurance considerations, out-of-pocket costs, and how to navigate potential reimbursement options for full body cryotherapy sessions.
Is Cryotherapy Considered a Medical Treatment?
While many people turn to cryotherapy for relief from inflammation, soreness, and injury recovery, it is still classified as a complementary or alternative treatment in most medical systems. This is largely due to the fact that exposure to extreme temperatures in cryo chambers — though beneficial — is not yet universally acknowledged as a medically necessary intervention.
What Does Cryotherapy Do From a Clinical Standpoint?
Reduces inflammation by exposing the human body to extremely cold cryotherapy temperatures, typically ranging from -200°F to -300°F, which causes blood vessels to constrict and reduce swelling.
Eases muscle soreness and joint pain through rapid vasoconstriction, followed by increased blood flow to targeted areas, aiding the treatment of muscle spasms and chronic pain.
Boosts circulation post-treatment, helping to oxygenate tissues and remove metabolic waste, particularly beneficial after exercise or injury.
Improves recovery time for athletes and individuals with chronic conditions by stimulating a natural healing response throughout the entire body.
Triggers a systemic response where blood is redirected to vital organs during the session to protect them, followed by a rebound increase in blood circulation once the cold exposure ends.
Despite these widely reported positive effects, whole body cryotherapy, including continuous cryotherapy and other forms of cryotherapy, is not universally recognized as a standard medical treatment, which significantly impacts its eligibility for insurance coverage.
The effectiveness of cryotherapy continues to be studied, particularly its long-term benefits on the human body and in clinical applications.
Is Cryotherapy Covered by Insurance Providers?
In most cases, cryotherapy is not covered by standard health insurance plans. This includes both whole-body cryotherapy and localized sessions, even when used for chronic pain or injury recovery.
Reasons Cryotherapy Is Usually Not Covered
Lack of FDA approval as a primary medical treatment.
Limited clinical trials accepted by insurance providers as evidence of medical necessity.
Considered a wellness or elective treatment rather than an essential one.
Often offered in non-medical settings, such as spas or fitness centers.
If you’re hoping to use insurance for full-body cryotherapy, it’s important to check your policy details and speak directly with your provider.
Exceptions: When Might Cryotherapy Be Covered?
There are rare circumstances in which a cryotherapy treatment may be partially reimbursed or covered, especially when it is medically supervised and used as part of a broader, documented treatment plan.
These situations usually involve specific medical needs or recovery protocols and may utilize various forms of cryotherapy, including cold chambers or localized applications.
Situations Where Coverage Might Be Possible
Part of a post-surgical rehab plan under a physician’s supervision, particularly when cold temperatures are used to control swelling and pain.
Included within a prescribed physical therapy treatment, where cryotherapy treatment is one aspect of a broader care strategy for restoring function.
Used to treat specific inflammatory or neurological conditions (case-by-case basis), where the effects of cryotherapy can help reduce symptoms or improve mobility.
When included in worker’s compensation claims or auto injury settlements, as a medically endorsed tool to manage pain and inflammation, particularly in cases involving muscle spasms or trauma.
You may need to provide documentation, prescriptions, or letters of medical necessity from your doctor. Even then, approval is not guaranteed, and the effectiveness of cryotherapy in your case will often be evaluated by the insurance provider.
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Cryotherapy?
For those using government-funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, coverage for cryotherapy is extremely limited.
Key Considerations
Whole body cryotherapy is not listed as a reimbursable service under standard Medicare or Medicaid plans.
Localized cryotherapy for specific dermatological treatments (such as wart removal) may be covered.
Routine cryotherapy sessions for wellness, recovery, or athletic performance are not eligible for coverage.
Always confirm with your provider before beginning treatment if you're relying on public healthcare.
Navigating Out-of-Pocket Cryotherapy Costs
Since insurance rarely covers cryotherapy, most individuals pay for treatments out-of-pocket. Understanding pricing and package options can help you budget more effectively.
Typical Cryotherapy Session Costs
Single full-body cryotherapy session: $40 – $100
Package of 5 sessions: $200 – $400
Unlimited monthly memberships: $250 – $500/month
If you’re actively searching “cryo near me”, look for providers that offer introductory discounts or multi-session packages to reduce the overall cost.
Is Cryotherapy Worth It Without Insurance?
While cryotherapy is typically not covered by insurance, its benefits for pain relief, recovery, and general wellness make it a valuable investment for many individuals.
Whether you’re exploring full-body cryotherapy for muscle recovery or considering contrast therapy to support circulation and healing, the decision often comes down to your budget and health goals.
If you're new to cryotherapy and wondering what does cryotherapy do, trying a session for yourself may be the best way to decide if it’s worth the investment.
Explore Affordable Cryotherapy at PauseStudio
Looking for professional, accessible cryotherapy near you? At PauseStudio, we offer whole-body cryotherapy and contrast therapy options that fit your wellness goals and your budget. While insurance may not cover treatment, our flexible pricing and packages make it easier to experience the full cryotherapy benefits without breaking the bank.
Book your session today and see how cryotherapy can transform your recovery routine, with no insurance required!