IS MY VISIT TO A RMT COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Many RMTs can direct bill your extended health plan. Patients may have extended health benefits through a workplace group insurance plan that covers massage therapy provided by an RMT. Coverage varies as does the requirement of a physician’s referral. Please check with your plan. Insurance plans in British Columbia include:

B.C. MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN

At present, a typical visit to a RMT is not covered by the BC Medical Services Plan. However, patients approved by MSP for Premium Assistance can claim part of the cost of their massage therapy treatment through their British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP). Premium Assistant Patients are entitled to 10 total visits per calendar year to supplementary health care providers and will be responsible to covering the remaining cost of their visit. If you are eligible for Premium Assistance, MSP will pay $23 towards your treatment.

EXTENDED HEALTH CARE WORKPLACE BENEFIT PLANS

If your workplace offers an extended health care plan such as Pacific Blue Cross, Sunlife, Manulife, Greenshields and others, it may cover RMT visits. Please check with your plan administrator for details regarding your specific plan.

ICBC

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, ICBC may cover your RMT treatment(s). For the first 12 weeks after your accident, you can receive treatment from a RMT for up to 12 visits. RMTs may bill ICBC directly, so you won’t have to submit receipts for reimbursement or be out of pocket. Some RMTs fees may exceed amounts covered by ICBC — if you have other insurance coverage (for example, with your employer), it may cover the difference. ICBC will cover up to $107.00 for your initial visit and $80.00 for up to 12 subsequent visits. Additional visits maybe available, please contact your adjuster. More information can be obtained through the ICBC website.

WORKSAFE BC

WorkSafeBC covers injured workers for their visits to a Registered Massage Therapist. If your claim has been accepted for coverage, WCB will pay $75.00 for your initial visit and $45.00 for each subsequent treatment. Up to 12 subsequent visits can be offered within the first 8 weeks of a worker’s date of injury. You will be required to provide your claim number at your first appointment.

VETERANS AFFAIRS (DVA)

RMT visits may be covered by the Department of Veteran Affairs for Canadian Veterans. Check with your DVA adjudicator.

RCMP

RCMP members have $4800 total in benefit coverage per calendar year to cover all supplementary health benefits including chiropractor, physiotherapy, massage therapy and acupuncture.

PRIVATE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE PROVIDERS

There are many insurance providers who offer extended health care benefits to individuals, families and/or groups. These can be found by researching the web for Private Health Insurance providers in BC.