Bupa physiotherapy in London: how to use your cover
Based on Bupa's published information and clinic details checked in September 2026. PhysioMatch London isn't part of Bupa and isn't endorsed by it.
Reviewed by Harvir Ubhi, HCPC-registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed 30 September 2026.
The short version: with Bupa health insurance you usually don't need a GP referral for physio. Contact Bupa first, by webchat, phone or your My Bupa account, so they can check your cover. Then book with a physio Bupa recognises. Every London clinic we work with says it accepts Bupa patients. Whether your treatment is covered depends on your policy, so check with Bupa first.
How to use Bupa for physio
- 1
Check your policy
Cover, the number of sessions and your excess vary between Bupa policies.
- 2
Contact Bupa first
Most Bupa policies include Direct Access for muscle, bone and joint problems. You book a phone or video assessment by webchat, by phone (member services: 0345 609 0111) or through My Bupa. Bupa checks your symptoms are covered and explains your next steps. Direct Access for muscles, bones and joints isn't available to under 12s.
- 3
Have your assessment
Bupa can usually arrange a telephone consultation with a physiotherapist. They may suggest self-help exercises or refer you for face-to-face treatment.
- 4
Book with a physio Bupa recognises
Bupa will tell you whether your treatment, the practitioner, the number of sessions and any excess are covered, and whether you need authorisation before your first appointment. You can check any clinic on Bupa Finder.
London physio clinics that accept Bupa
All seven clinics we work with say on their own websites that they accept Bupa (checked September 2026). A clinic accepting Bupa doesn't guarantee your cover; Bupa decides that based on your policy. Three are named here:
PRAX Physio
Archway, St John's Wood and Belsize Park
Listed as fee assured on Bupa Finder. Also takes AXA, Healix and Vitality. Open 7 days.
London Back Pain Clinic
City of London (Aldgate)
Listed on Bupa Finder. Neuro-physio for numbness and weakness.
London Physiotherapy & Wellness
Bow and Stratford
Says it accepts Bupa, plus WPA, Aviva, Healix, Vitality and others. Hydrotherapy pool.
The other four are in Barnet, Parsons Green, Balham and Tooting, and Ealing. We share them when you get matched. Before you book any clinic, check with Bupa that your treatment is covered.
Which insurers each clinic accepts
Many clinics take several insurers. From each clinic's own website or booking system, checked September 2026. Your insurer decides what your policy covers.
| Area | Clinic | Insurers the clinic says it accepts |
|---|---|---|
| Archway, St John's Wood, Belsize Park | PRAX Physio | Bupa, AXA, Healix, Vitality |
| City of London (Aldgate) | London Back Pain Clinic | Bupa (other insurers not published) |
| Bow and Stratford | London Physiotherapy & Wellness | Bupa, WPA, Aviva, Healix, Vitality, Freedom, Cigna and others |
| Barnet | Shared when you get matched | Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, Allianz, Healix, Simplyhealth |
| Parsons Green | Shared when you get matched | Bupa and AXA billed directly; Vitality, WPA, Allianz and Cigna pay-and-claim |
| Balham and Tooting | Shared when you get matched | Bupa, AXA |
| Ealing | Shared when you get matched | Bupa, WPA, Cigna, AXA PPP |
If Bupa won't cover it
If your policy doesn't cover physio, or you've used your sessions, you can pay yourself. In London a first appointment usually costs £70 to £130, and a follow-up £55 to £120 ( London prices). On the NHS, many areas let you refer yourself, but waits can be long ( NHS waits in London).
With Bupa and not sure where to go?
Tell us about your back pain or sciatica, where you are in London and that you're with Bupa. A HCPC-registered physiotherapist on our team will match you with a clinic that accepts Bupa and treats your problem regularly.
It's free, and most people hear back within 24 hours.
Bupa physio questions
Does Bupa cover physiotherapy?
It depends on your policy. Most Bupa health insurance includes Direct Access for muscle, bone and joint problems, but what's covered, how many sessions and your excess vary. Contact Bupa before you book so they can check.
Do I need a GP referral for physio with Bupa?
Usually not. Bupa says that if you have Bupa health insurance, you don't need a GP referral to be eligible for a physiotherapy appointment. Most policies include Direct Access, where you contact Bupa first and they tell you whether you can go ahead without a GP. Bupa confirms what applies to you when you contact them.
What does "fee assured" mean?
On Bupa Finder, fee assured means Bupa will pay for treatment from that clinic or therapist, as long as your policy covers it.
What does "Bupa recognised" mean?
The clinic or therapist has an agreement with Bupa to treat Bupa customers, as long as the treatment is covered by the customer's policy.
I'm with AXA, Vitality or another insurer. Can you help?
Yes. Most of the clinics we work with take several insurers. Tell us who you're insured with when you fill in the form and we'll match you with a clinic that accepts it.
Can you self-refer to physio with Bupa?
Usually, yes. Most Bupa policies include Direct Access for muscle, bone and joint problems: you contact Bupa by webchat, phone or My Bupa instead of seeing a GP first. They check your cover and can usually arrange a phone assessment with a physiotherapist, who may suggest exercises or refer you for face-to-face treatment.
How much is a private physio per hour?
Where the London clinics we work with publish a 60-minute price, it's £110 to £130 (checked September 2026). Most first appointments are shorter, usually around 45 minutes, and cost £70 to £130.
Can I choose my own physio with Bupa?
You need a physio Bupa recognises. When you contact Bupa, they'll tell you whether the clinic you want is covered under your policy. You can also check any clinic on Bupa Finder.
Do I have to pay an excess?
That depends on your policy. Some Bupa policies have an excess and some don't. Bupa will tell you when you contact them.
What happens at the first appointment?
The physio asks about your symptoms and examines you, then agrees a plan with you. Bupa says there's no set number of treatments for any problem: your physio will talk you through how many sessions you're likely to need.
Related: back pain physios in London · sciatica physios in London · NHS physio waiting times
Sources
- Bupa, Getting treatment without seeing a GP (read 30 September 2026). bupa.co.uk
- Bupa, Physiotherapy booking questions (read 30 September 2026). bupa.co.uk
- Bupa Finder, definitions of "Bupa recognised" and "Fee assured". finder.bupa.co.uk
- Clinic insurer details: each clinic's own website or booking system, checked September 2026.
This page is general information, not insurance or medical advice. Always check your own policy with Bupa before booking treatment.