Insurance and Awareness: A cross-sectional Study on Awareness of Health Insurance, Covering Physiotherapy Treatment Among General Population and Physiotherapists

Abstract

Introduction-Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing chronic and disabling conditions, yet its insurance coverage remains underutilized due to limited awareness of coverage and claim procedures. This gap may result in financial burden and delayed rehabilitation. With the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related and long-term health issues, improving awareness is essential. This study aims to assess the level of awareness about physiotherapy insurance coverage among the general population and physiotherapists to support better access to insured rehabilitative care.

Methodology-A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between March 2025 and May 2025 using self-structured Google Forms questionnaires to assess awareness of physiotherapy insurance coverage. A total of 91 participants from the general population and 70 physiotherapists were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years for the general population and at least one year of clinical experience for physiotherapists. Participants who refused to participate and physiotherapists who do not directly interact with patients were excluded.

Results-The results show that only 45.7% of physiotherapists and 34.1% of the general population were aware that physiotherapy can be covered by insurance. Key information sources for physiotherapists were colleagues (27.1%) and hospitals (24.3%). Additionally, 59.3% of the general population lacked health insurance, and only 70.3% had access to physiotherapy services in their area.

Conclusion-This study reveals a major gap in awareness of physiotherapy insurance coverage among physiotherapists and the general population, highlighting the need for education, policy reform and public awareness to improve access and utilization of insured physiotherapy services.