Is physical therapy covered by insurance? A guide for Polk County patients
Updated: 2 days ago
Reviewed by Joe Koloc, PT, MSPT, MBA · Last reviewed November 2026
Short answer: Yes, in most cases. Most health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid managed-care plans, workers' compensation and auto insurance (PIP) cover physical therapy when it's medically necessary. What you pay depends on your plan's deductible, copay or coinsurance, visit limits, and whether it needs a referral or prior authorization.
Core Rehabilitation is in network with more than 200 insurance plans at our clinics in Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven. We check your benefits before your first visit, so you know what your plan covers. See the insurance we accept.
What does "covered" actually mean?
"Covered" means your plan pays for part or all of your physical therapy. It doesn't always mean free. Most plans share the cost with you in one or more of these ways:
Deductible: the amount you pay each year before your plan starts paying.
Copay: a set amount you pay for each visit.
Coinsurance: a percentage of each visit's cost that you pay, such as 20%.
Visit limit: some plans cap the number of physical therapy visits per year.
Referral or prior authorization: some plans pay only if a doctor refers you or the plan approves your visits ahead of time.
Does Medicare cover physical therapy?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers outpatient physical therapy that's medically necessary. After you meet the Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and a supplement (Medigap) plan may pay some or all of that.
There's no hard yearly cap on Medicare physical therapy. Once your therapy costs pass a yearly amount ($2,480 in 2026), your therapist must confirm in your records that you still need care. Medicare doesn't require a referral for your first visit. It does require a doctor or other qualified provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, to sign your plan of care. We send your plan to your doctor for you.
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) follow their own rules. Many use a provider network and some need prior authorization. We check your plan when you book.
How many physical therapy sessions does insurance cover?
It depends on your plan. Some plans set a yearly visit limit, some approve visits in blocks, and some have no set limit as long as your care is medically necessary. Your plan's Summary of Benefits lists any limit. We check it before your first visit and tell you if your plan needs approval for more visits.
Do I need a referral to use my insurance for physical therapy?
Not under Florida law. Florida's direct access law lets you start physical therapy without a doctor's referral and be treated for up to 30 days. Here's how direct access works.
Your insurance plan is a separate question. Some plans pay only with a referral or prior authorization, whatever state law says. Auto insurance (PIP) cases need a referral. We check your plan's rules when you book.
What about workers' comp and car accident injuries?
Workers' compensation: your employer's workers' comp carrier pays for approved care for a work injury. The carrier usually authorizes your visits first. Bring your claim number and adjuster's contact details. Work injury rehab.
Car accidents: in Florida, your own auto policy's personal injury protection (PIP) pays first. PIP has a 14-day rule and needs a doctor's referral for physical therapy. We accept auto/PIP coverage at all three clinics. See the insurance we accept.
What if I don't have insurance?
You can still be seen. We accept self-pay patients. Call the clinic nearest you to ask about self-pay options before you book.
Questions to ask your insurance company
Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask:
Is outpatient physical therapy covered under my plan?
Is Core Rehabilitation in network? (Give them the clinic's address.)
How much of my deductible have I met this year?
What's my copay or coinsurance for each physical therapy visit?
Is there a yearly visit limit?
Do I need a referral or prior authorization?
You don't have to make that call alone. When you request an appointment, we verify your benefits and go over them with you before your first visit.
What happens at your first visit?
Your first visit is a 45–60 minute, one-on-one evaluation with a licensed physical therapist. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a list of your medications and a referral if you have one. See what to expect at your first visit. Between therapist visits, you may see a physical therapist assistant (PTA) who follows your therapist's plan. Wait times for a first visit range from a few days to about three weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Does health insurance cover physical therapy?
Most health insurance plans cover physical therapy when it's medically necessary. Your share depends on your deductible, copay or coinsurance and any visit limit.
Does Core Rehabilitation accept Medicare?
Yes. Medicare is one of more than 200 plans we accept at all three clinics.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Florida?
No. Florida law lets you start without one and be treated for up to 30 days. Some insurance plans still ask for a referral, and auto (PIP) cases need one.
What if my plan isn't on your list?
It may still be covered. Our list changes often. Call the clinic nearest you and we'll check.
Check your coverage and book
Call the clinic nearest you, or request an appointment and we'll call you back:
Lake Wales: 2031 State Rd 60 East · 863-678-0705
Haines City: 50 Maxcy Plaza Circle · 863-421-2000
Winter Haven: 3017 Cypress Gardens Rd · 863-268-6523
Ready to get started?
Request an appointment at the clinic nearest you. No referral needed to start.
This article is general information about insurance coverage, not a guarantee of benefits. Your plan's documents decide what it covers.
Sources: Medicare.gov, "Physical therapy" coverage page; CMS, CY 2026 therapy services KX modifier threshold; Florida Statutes §486.021 (direct access).
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