Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a powerful way to speed up your body’s recovery process and manage a variety of conditions. It’s more accessible than ever before, but is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
So, let’s get more specific. WHEN does insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
- Chronic non-healing wounds
- Radiation injuries
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Severe infections (like necrotizing fasciitis)
- Crush injuries and compartment syndrome
That said, you’ll have a hard time getting hyperbaric oxygen therapy insurance coverage for something like athletic recovery, anti-aging or cognitive performance, or general wellness/fatigue-related use.
It’s also worth noting that getting hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance will require you to visit a treatment center. Providers are rarely going to cover your purchase of a machine. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy your own system, though.
There are so many benefits of bringing HBOT into your daily routine that you should consider using HSA/FSA funds for the purchase or financing it. Morelli Medical carries the industry’s premier selection of hyperbaric chambers for sale at the lowest prices, guaranteed.
Learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy insurance coverage, or explore the different types of hyperbaric chambers we have in store for you in our collection!
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“I love how thought-out the design is. Dual pressure gauges, zippers inside and out, and everything is glue-free and non-toxic. I’m very sensitive to chemicals, and this was a major reason I chose Oxyrevo over others. It’s easy to clean, easy to use, and doesn’t feel like medical equipment.” - Jordan
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
This wellness and medical treatment involves breathing pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. But how does it work?
Your blood is able to carry more oxygen to your tissues, organs, and cells when you immerse yourself in this high-pressure environment (typically 1.3 to 2.5 times the normal atmospheric pressure). This supports the body’s natural repair processes.
HBOT has been used in clinical settings for decades to treat conditions like non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness.
But you don’t have to be dealing with an injury or chronic condition to benefit from it. These days, everyday people use it to improve recovery rates, support a healthier inflammatory response, boost cognitive function, and just feel better overall.
Whether you're an athlete trying to speed up healing or someone interested in longevity and preventative care, it’s worth exploring further. It’s not cheap, though. So is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance?
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Short answer, it depends. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy insurance coverage can be dicey. It all depends on the condition being treated and the setting in which therapy is administered. So, when does insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
When Does Insurance Cover Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Insurance companies - especially Medicare - tend to follow strict criteria when deciding whether HBOT is medically necessary. It’s no secret that insurance providers don’t want to cover things they aren’t fully obligated to.
In most cases, coverage is only available for treatments provided in a clinical setting and only for conditions that have been pre-approved. Even then, a prescription, thorough documentation, and a formal treatment plan from a licensed healthcare provider are typically required.
Private insurance companies often follow similar rules, though some may be more flexible depending on your plan and provider. Coverage is far from guaranteed and almost always requires pre-authorization.
Conditions That Are Typically Covered
So when is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance? These are some of the most common approved uses for the treatment:
- Air or gas embolism
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Chronic non-healing diabetic wounds
- Crush injuries and compartment syndrome
- Decompression sickness (diver’s disease)
- Certain soft tissue infections like necrotizing fasciitis
- Osteomyelitis (refractory)
- Skin grafts and flaps at risk of tissue death
- Radiation injury (e.g., tissue damage from cancer treatment)
- Thermal burns (in some cases)
- Severe anemia (in limited, acute cases)
The key takeaway here is that these are almost all life-threatening or limb-threatening conditions. From the insurer’s perspective, covering HBOT here can prevent more costly medical bills down the road.
Conditions That Are Usually Not Covered
Now, when does hyperbaric oxygen therapy insurance coverage get a bit more questionable? These are the conditions and use cases that you’ll probably be left to pay for on your own:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Stroke recovery
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Lyme disease
- Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD
- Long COVID or post-viral syndromes
- Athletic recovery or muscle soreness
- General immune support or longevity
Now, we’re not saying you can’t get your hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance if you’re dealing with these things. You’ll just have a harder time making your case, and you may have to get creative.
It’s also important to note that these ailments are still worth pursuing HBOT for. A lot of our customers have reported incredible transformations after using our machines for these things. Paying out of pocket (with financing) can still make sense.
Buying Your Own Machine vs Visiting a Treatment Center
There’s another important caveat on hyperbaric oxygen therapy insurance coverage. You’ll almost always have to get HBOT in a clinical setting, and that clinic will need to meet strict medical guidelines.
That means a facility multiple times per week, dealing with appointment waitlists, and adhering to fixed treatment plans. It’s a bit of a hassle, which is why some people choose to skip insurance altogether and get their own machine - taking treatment into their own hands.
Owning a soft shell hyperbaric chamber or hard shell hyperbaric chamber gives you more freedom to use it daily, on your schedule, in the comfort of your own home. It can actually be more cost-effective than constantly heading out to the clinic in the long run!
We can talk over financing options and help you pick the best home hyperbaric chamber if you want to go that route. Morelli Medical is your trusted source for all things HBOT. But first, let’s talk about what goes into getting hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance.
How to Get Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Covered by Insurance
If you read the list above and think you might be able to get hyperbaric oxygen therapy insurance coverage, you need to follow a proven strategy to actually get your provider to pay out. Here’s the process we’ve seen work well for our customers:
Start With a Confirmed Diagnosis
You can’t just think you have a condition. Insurance companies only consider HBOT medically necessary when it’s used to treat an approved condition. That means your first step is getting a formal diagnosis from a licensed medical provider - ideally a physician familiar with HBOT.
You’ll need this diagnosis documented in your medical records, clearly identifying the condition and why HBOT is being recommended as a part of your treatment.
Work With a Provider Who Understands the Insurance Process
Before talking to your insurance company, find an HBOT provider near you that understands the process of working with insurance claims. Your best bet is partnering with someone who:
- Offers HBOT in a hospital or outpatient facility setting
- Is familiar with billing insurance carriers for HBOT
- Has experience with Medicare and private insurance pre-approvals
Ask up front if they’ve successfully helped patients get reimbursed or approved before you move forward.
Get a Physician Prescription for HBOT
A written prescription is almost always required. This document should specify:
- The diagnosis
- The need for HBOT
- The recommended number of sessions
- Supporting details on wound progression, oxygenation levels, or other clinical markers
Most insurance carriers won’t even consider your claim without this prescription.
Secure Pre-Authorization From Your Insurance Company
This is where most people get stuck or give up altogether, because it’s a hassle. Pre-authorization means getting your insurance provider to agree in advance that HBOT is medically necessary for your condition. Here’s what you need to submit to do this:
- The prescription
- Supporting medical records
- A detailed treatment plan
- Any test results, scans, or lab work backing the diagnosis
You’ll likely need to call your insurance company and work with their pre-authorization department directly. Be prepared to follow up more than once.
Know the Billing Codes and Coverage Limits
Each insurance company uses specific CPT codes (Current Procedural Terminology) for billing medical procedures. HBOT often falls under codes like 99183 (for physician attendance) and A4575 (for disposable hyperbaric oxygen chamber items).
Make sure your provider is billing under the correct codes for your insurance. You should also double-check your plan’s limits on:
- The number of covered sessions
- The timeframe for treatment completion
- Approved facilities or providers
Some plans cap the number of treatments or require that therapy be completed within a certain window of time. You don’t want to get hit with an unexpected out-of-pocket expense.
Keep Detailed Records of Everything
Save copies of:
- All insurance communications
- Provider invoices
- Treatment plans and prescriptions
- Approval or denial letters
Having complete documentation will help with the appeal process if your claim is denied. You may also want to ask your provider to help submit an appeal or provide additional medical justification.
Ask About Out-of-Network or Reimbursement Options
You might still have options if your chosen clinic or HBOT provider isn’t in-network. Some insurance plans will reimburse you for treatment, especially if there aren’t any viable in-network facilities offers HBOT near you. Just know you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket first and submit the documentation yourself for partial reimbursement.
Consider Financing if Insurance Denies Your Claim
Don’t give up if you can’t get hyperbaric oxygen therapy insurance coverage. It’s still one of the most powerful healing modalities you have at your disposal - and one worth paying for yourself if you’re struggling with certain ailments.
Yes, these machines are expensive - but bringing one into your home is often the better choice anyway! We can help you take the next step towards an at-home or portable hyperbaric chamber with our hassle-free financing options.
Morelli Medical Has the Lowest Prices and Offers Hassle-Free Financing
We believe HBOT shouldn’t come with an intimidating price tag or a complicated buying process. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to offer the lowest prices on hyperbaric oxygen chambers available, guaranteed. Yet, you still gain access to the industry’s safest, most trusted machines from top brands like OXYREVO, Macy-Pan, and more!
And if you’re not in a position to pay in full? No problem. Our hassle-free financing options let you split payments into manageable monthly installments, with transparent terms and no hidden surprises.
Our team walks you through every step of the process, whether you need help comparing models, understanding how HBOT works, or figuring out if a specific unit fits your space. You’ll always talk to someone who’s informed, helpful, and genuinely invested in your success.
We’re here to make the process as accessible and stress-free as possible. Because healing shouldn’t be out of reach. Not when the tools exist to help you feel better, faster. Take the next step today!
Final Words on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Insurance Coverage
Whether you’re considering cryotherapy vs hyperbaric chamber, your first step will be finding out if you can get help paying for it. So, is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance? Only in really specific circumstances. We’ve covered the conditions and scenarios where you can get hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance - and when you may be on your own.
So, follow our advice on securing hyperbaric oxygen therapy insurance coverage - or reach out now to learn about the machines we stock and how we can help you finance yours. Invest in yourself today at Morelli Medical!