Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Wondering, “Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance?” In the U.S., insurance covers HBOT only for certain medical conditions approved by the FDA and Medicare. However, coverage varies by your provider, diagnosis, and treatment setting.

Understanding how insurance evaluates HBOT helps you plan costs wisely, especially since therapy sessions can be expensive if paid out-of-pocket. Below, you’ll discover which conditions qualify, how coverage works, and practical ways to save.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This increases oxygen levels in your blood, supporting faster healing and tissue repair.

Hospitals use HBOT for serious conditions such as non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and radiation injury. Increasingly, home users explore it for wellness and recovery benefits.

For personal use, explore our range of home hyperbaric oxygen chambers for convenient recovery at home.

Why Insurance Coverage Depends on Diagnosis

Insurance companies in the U.S. typically rely on FDA-approved indications and Medicare guidelines to decide what’s medically necessary. Treatments for off-label or wellness purposes are usually not reimbursed.

Below is a table summarizing covered vs. non-covered HBOT conditions under most U.S. insurers:

If your doctor prescribes HBOT for a non-FDA-approved use, expect to pay out of pocket. Always verify your insurance plan’s list of covered medical codes (CPT codes) before scheduling treatments.

How Medicare and Private Insurance Handle HBOT 

Understanding how Medicare and private insurance handle HBOT is key to knowing whether your treatments will be covered. Each insurer follows specific medical guidelines and documentation requirements. Below, we break down how these systems determine eligibility, what conditions they approve, and how you can make the most of your coverage benefits.

Medicare Coverage Rules

Medicare covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy only for 15 approved conditions, such as:

• Air or gas embolism
  
  

• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
  
  

• Radiation injury (soft tissue or bone)
  
  

• Diabetic wounds (Stage III or higher)
  
  

For HBOT to be covered, it must:

1. Be prescribed by a physician.
   
   

2. Occur in a Medicare-approved facility.
   
   

3. Demonstrate medical necessity with documented progress.
   
   

If your treatment is outside these approved uses, Medicare will not reimburse costs. You can, however, appeal decisions if you believe your therapy is medically justified.

Private Insurance Coverage

Private insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare follow similar standards. Some may cover off-label HBOT on a case-by-case basis with strong clinical documentation.

Each plan has its own pre-authorization requirements. Without prior approval, claims may be denied, leaving you responsible for the full cost.

Cost of HBOT With and Without Insurance

Prices vary by clinic and location, but here’s an estimate of what to expect in the U.S.:

Owning your own chamber may be cost-effective if you plan long-term or preventive therapy. See our large hyperbaric chamber collection for professional-grade systems suitable for clinics and home use.

Which Option Is Best for You?

If your doctor diagnoses an approved condition, using insurance for HBOT is the most economical choice. Always confirm coverage and secure written pre-authorization.

However, for wellness, recovery, or cognitive benefits not covered by insurance, investing in a personal hyperbaric chamber may offer greater value and flexibility over time.

Many users prefer home systems for the convenience of daily access and long-term health maintenance without ongoing clinical costs.

For an in-depth comparison of chamber types, check out our blog on hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chambers.

How to Verify Your HBOT Coverage Step-by-Step

Verifying your hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) insurance coverage before starting treatment can save you time, money, and frustration. Every insurance provider follows different rules, so it’s important to confirm your eligibility early. By following a simple step-by-step process, you’ll know exactly what’s covered, what documentation you need, and how to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Here’s how to check your HBOT coverage the right way.

1. Consult Your Physician: Request documentation proving HBOT’s medical necessity, including diagnosis, treatment goals, and expected outcomes. Insurers typically require medical justification before considering coverage for hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions.
   
   

2. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Ask if your specific condition is listed among their approved HBOT indications. This helps determine eligibility, required paperwork, and any policy limitations before starting therapy.
   
   

3. Submit Pre-Authorization: Provide clinical notes, diagnosis codes, and your therapy plan. Pre-authorization ensures your sessions qualify for coverage and prevents unexpected denials or out-of-pocket expenses later on.
   
   

4. Choose an Approved Facility: Insurance coverage usually applies only when treatment occurs at certified HBOT centers. Verify that your provider meets accreditation and equipment standards before scheduling sessions.
   
   

5. Confirm Copays or Coinsurance: Review your plan’s details to understand copays, coinsurance, and coverage limits per session. Knowing your financial responsibility upfront helps you budget and avoid surprise costs.

If denied, you may appeal with additional medical documentation or supporting research.

Real Example: Diabetic Wound Care and HBOT

A 62-year-old Medicare patient with a Stage III diabetic foot ulcer qualifies for HBOT after failing standard wound care. Medicare approves 30–40 sessions at a participating clinic with minimal copay.

However, if the same patient requests HBOT for “general healing,” coverage would be denied even though the therapy is the same because it’s not for an approved medical purpose.

This distinction highlights why knowing your insurance coverage criteria matters before treatment begins.

Additional Reading for HBOT Enthusiasts

If you’re curious about HBOT’s history and technology, explore our related guides:

• Learn the differences between hyperbaric chambers and iron lungs.
  
  

• Discover hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chambers and which suits your lifestyle.

Summary: Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Covered by Insurance?

So, is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance? Yes, but only for approved medical conditions recognized by the FDA and Medicare.

If you’re using HBOT for recovery, wellness, or athletic performance, you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket. In such cases, owning a home chamber can be a smart, long-term solution.

Whether you seek medical coverage or personal use, knowing your options helps you make cost-effective, informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Individuals with FDA-approved conditions such as diabetic ulcers, radiation tissue injuries, or carbon monoxide poisoning typically qualify for HBOT under insurance. A licensed physician must confirm medical necessity through examination and documentation before issuing a referral to an accredited hyperbaric treatment center. Always check your insurer’s approved list of HBOT indications and coverage policies before beginning therapy to ensure eligibility and avoid unexpected expenses.

How much is one session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

The average cost of one HBOT session ranges from $150 to $400 without insurance coverage. However, for patients with approved medical diagnoses, insurance plans, especially Medicare, may reduce the out-of-pocket cost to a small copay or coinsurance. Final pricing depends on several factors, including the facility type, treatment duration, chamber pressure, and location. Always confirm session rates and coverage terms before scheduling treatment to avoid unexpected costs.

What is the age limit for HBOT?

There is no strict age limit for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Both children and adults can safely receive HBOT if medically cleared. Pediatric patients often receive lower-pressure treatments and must be closely supervised throughout each session. Seniors may also benefit from HBOT, provided they don’t have contraindications such as certain ear, lung, or sinus issues. Your healthcare provider will assess overall suitability to ensure each session remains comfortable and risk-free.

Who cannot do hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Individuals with untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not suitable candidates for HBOT. Those with active infections, high fevers, or recent ear or sinus surgery may also need to delay therapy until medically cleared. Because HBOT increases internal pressure, certain respiratory or ear-related conditions can pose risks. A thorough pre-treatment medical evaluation helps determine if hyperbaric therapy is safe for your specific health status.