Equipsme plans are designed to offer practical, everyday health and wellbeing support. Here’s how to arrange a physiotherapy appointment.
Who can access physiotherapy services?
Equipsme’s physiotherapy support, provided by our partners AXA Health, is a core part of ALL Equipsme plans – because we know musculoskeletal issues are a key cause of sickness absences.
We also know the sooner you get support, the more likely you can nip issues in the bud early before they get worse.
How to access support for issues with muscles, bones and joints
You don’t always need an Open Referral letter from a GP to get help from a Musculo Skeletal specialist or private physiotherapist.
If you have a back pain, a sprain, a pain or a dodgy knee, contact the claims team at AXA Health first - and they may be able to offer you triage through their online outpatient services.
How do I get started?
Go to your members portal or App, click on the Physiotherapy button, and either fill in the online form or call AXA Health directly.
AXA Health will ask you to complete a quick simple online form that normally takes about 10 minutes to complete. The team uses your answers to make sure you get the support that’s right for you.
How can virtual or online services work for physiotherapy?
You can have a video or phone appointment with a physiotherapist or specialist without a GP referral, and they can talk through your symptoms, assess you, and work out what could be wrong. They might give advice on treatment or exercises to do at home, or suggest you need to see someone in person.
What about pre-existing conditions?
Your Equipsme doesn’t cover any pre-existing conditions you’ve had symptoms, medication or medical advice for in the three years before your plan begins, or any chronic/long-term conditions.
AXA Health will need to assess whether your claim is covered, and in some cases (for instance if you’re making a claim when your plan is very new) they might ask for additional information from your own GP to make sure. Only your own NHS GP can access your medical history records.
Some GPs might charge you for the information they provide back to you for AXA Health which you will have to pay as GP fees are not covered under the plan. The good news is that by checking really carefully, AXA Health can make sure that you’re not going ahead with something you’ll end up having to pay for yourself.
How do I set up a video or phone appointment?
AXA Health will help you choose an appointment at a time that suits you (appointments are available Monday to Friday).
They’ll advise you on next steps, and send through any numbers or links.
What happens if I need face-to-face physiotherapy?
If your claim is eligible, AXA Health will either put you directly in touch with a preferred physio provider or look for practitioners near to you, from their comprehensive database of physios up and down the country. You’ll be able to contact them directly to book an appointment that suits you.
When you get there you may be given a form to fill in, asking for your claim number, so don’t forget to write this down and take it with you.
How many face-to-face sessions do I get?
All Equipsme plans have access to MSK and physio support, and with GP Plus and Level 3, you can enjoy up to 5 in-person physio sessions per plan year. At Level 2, this increases to 8 sessions, and at Level 1, there is no yearly limit (as long as it is still medically necessary).
Quick info about getting physio support:
- No need for GP referral first
- Click the physio button
- Fill in the online form or call AXA Health on 0800 917 9472 who will talk you through next steps.
Further reading:
Alan’s story
MSK Online outpatient services
How to look after your back
How to look after your knees
How to look after your hips
Date reviewed: Jan 2026
