Is Virtual Reality Therapy Covered By Insurance? (Solved!)

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Virtual Reality Therapy is a relatively new treatment option that has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Perhaps you are wondering, “Is Virtual Reality Therapy Covered by Insurance?”

Yes, VR is covered by insurance. This, however, depends on the specific policy you have taken. VR Therapy can be covered under your insurance policy in the same way as any other type of mental health treatment. You should check with your insurance provider to see if they cover VR Therapy and their specific requirements.

In this post, I get into more details on whether or not VR therapy is covered by insurance and what you need to do to get reimbursed for this treatment.

Is Virtual Reality Therapy Covered By Insurance?

Insurance covers VR Therapy. This type of therapy is considered part of what is known as “Biofeedback.” Biofeedback includes any type of treatment where the patient uses technology in order to see and/or control their physiological response.

In the case of VR Therapy, patients use virtual reality headsets in order to immerse themselves in different environments.

This treatment option has been found to be effective for several mental health conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and even depression. 

While insurance companies are starting to catch on to the fact that this treatment can be beneficial, they may not all cover it yet. It is definitely worth checking with your specific provider to see if they offer coverage for VR Therapy.

READ MORE! Is VR Safe For Pregnant Women? (Explained & Solved!)

What Are the Requirements Needed by An Insurance Company to Cover VR Treatment?

For an insurance company to cover VR therapy, they will likely require:

1. A Doctor’s Prescription

The insurance company will want to make sure that VR therapy is being used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

In other words, they will want to see that you are also receiving other forms of treatment such as counseling or medication.

2. An Accredited Provider of VR Therapy

Another requirement that an insurance company may have is that you must go to an accredited provider of VR Therapy.

Accredited providers have been certified by the American Psychological Association and/or the American Psychiatric Association. 

These organizations have set standards for what constitutes quality VR Therapy.

So, if you’re looking to get reimbursed by your insurance company for VR Therapy, be sure to check with them about their specific requirements.

Chances are, you will need a doctor’s prescription, and you will need to go to an accredited provider.

3. Requirements to Get Reimbursed for VR Therapy Treatment

To get reimbursed for VR therapy treatment, you will likely need to submit a claim to your insurance company. This can usually be done online or over the phone.

You will need to provide them with information such as:

• Your policy number
• The date of service
• The name and contact information of the provider
• A detailed description of the services that were provided
• The cost of the services

Once you have submitted your claim, the insurance company will review it and make a decision about whether or not they will reimburse you for the treatment. If they deny your claim, you may have the option to appeal their decision.

What To Do If Your Insurance Company Doesn’t Cover VR Therapy?

If your insurance company does not cover VR Therapy, there are still a few options available.

Pay for the Treatment Out-Of-Pocket

While this may seem like a lot of money upfront, keep in mind that VR Therapy can be a very effective treatment option. In some cases, it may even be worth paying out-of-pocket in order to get the help you need.

Look Into Other Forms of Treatment That Are Covered by Your Insurance

Even if VR Therapy is not an option, many other types of treatment may be covered by your insurance. These include things like counseling, medication, and even inpatient treatment.

Do Some Research on Alternative Financing Options

There are a number of organizations that offer financial assistance for those who need it. One example is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI offers grants and scholarships to those who need help paying for mental health treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, even if your insurance doesn’t cover VR.

Look Into Crowdfunding Platforms

Examples of these platforms are GoFundMe and Kickstarter. These platforms allow people to raise money for different causes or expenses.

You could create a campaign explaining why you need VR Therapy and see if family, friends, or strangers are willing to donate to your cause.

Sliding Scale Therapy

Sliding scale therapy is where the therapist charges you based on your ability to pay. This means that you could potentially get VR Therapy for a much lower cost than if you were paying out-of-pocket.

READ MORE! Can You Enter Virtual Reality Without A Headset? (Solved!)

FAQs

Final Thoughts

VR Therapy is a promising new treatment option for those struggling with mental illness. While most insurance companies do not yet cover it, there are still ways to access this type of therapy.

I hope this article helps you know if your insurance covers VR therapy and other options you can use to get this kind of treatment.

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Espen

Espen is the Director of PursuitMeta and has written extensively about Virtual Reality and VR Headsets for years. He is a consumer product expert and has personally tested VR Headsets for the last decade.

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