Does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors?
Generally no. The Social Security Act defines "physician" for Medicare as a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, a dentist, a podiatrist, an optometrist, or a chiropractor (only for spinal manipulation to correct a subluxation). Naturopathic doctors aren't on the list, so Original Medicare doesn't pay for their visits.
Some Medicare Advantage plans add extra benefits. If you have one, read its summary of benefits or call the plan before you assume anything.
Private insurance and naturopaths
Private plans set their own rules, and coverage for complementary care is often partial rather than full. Licensing matters too: NDs are licensed or regulated in only 23 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCCIH suggests asking your insurer:
- Is this practitioner and this care covered for my condition?
- Do I need preauthorization, a prescription or a referral?
- Must I see someone in network? Is out-of-network care covered?
- Are there limits on visits or payment amounts?
- How much will I pay out of pocket?
Keep notes of every call, with the date and the name of who you spoke to, in case a claim is disputed.
Superbills for out-of-network care
Many NDs don't bill insurance directly. You pay at the visit and ask for a superbill, an itemized receipt with the diagnosis and procedure codes your insurer needs, then submit it for out-of-network reimbursement. What comes back depends on your deductible, your out-of-network terms and whether your plan recognizes NDs at all.
Lab tests an ND orders may be billed separately. Ask which lab will be used and whether it's in your network.
HSA, FSA and wellness budgets
IRS Publication 502 counts costs of diagnosing and treating disease as medical expenses, so HSA or FSA funds can often pay for an ND visit that's for medical care. Supplements usually don't qualify. See using an HSA for a naturopathic doctor, and check with your plan administrator or a tax advisor.
For care insurance skips, a Gabriel Care membership comes with a monthly wellness budget shared by your household. Gabriel finds and books naturopaths and files superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
| Gabriel Care plan | Monthly price | Monthly wellness budget |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald | $249 | Up to $600 |
| Sapphire | $399 | Up to $900 |
| Onyx | $799 | Up to $1,700 (includes wearable bonus) |
Common questions
Does insurance cover a naturopathic doctor?
Some private plans do, depending on your plan and state. Call your insurer and ask whether naturopathic visits are covered for your condition, in or out of network.
Does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors?
Original Medicare doesn't, because Medicare law doesn't count NDs as physicians. Check any Medicare Advantage plan's benefits directly.
Can I get reimbursed for a naturopath out of network?
If your plan has out-of-network benefits and recognizes NDs, submit a superbill from the visit. Reimbursement depends on your deductible and plan terms.
Are lab tests from a naturopath covered by insurance?
Sometimes. It depends on your plan, the lab and the reason for the test. Ask the ND which lab they use and check that it's in network.
Can I use my HSA for a naturopath?
Often for visits that are medical care, but usually not for supplements. Check with your plan administrator or a tax advisor.
Sources
- 42 U.S. Code 1395x, Definitions (Social Security Act section 1861) Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
- Paying for Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH
- Naturopathy Cleveland Clinic
- Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses Internal Revenue Service
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.