ICBC claim?
Your road to recovery starts here.
“What Health Benefits are included with my ICBC claim?”
If you have an active claim number, you are automatically approved for 12 weeks, including:
25 Physiotherapy sessions, and
25 Chiropractic sessions, and
12 Acupuncture sessions, and
12 Active Rehab sessions, and
12 Registered Counselling sessions, and
12 Registered Massage Therapy sessions* (see changes below)
Once you have reached 3 months or session maximum, your practitioner can submit an extension request for further treatments. Extensions are fairly common, and rarely cause an inconvenience or treatment interruption to most patients. Typically, we recommend patients with recent injuries to start with 2 sessions per week, and then reduce to once per week until recovery. You may start with just massage, or physio and chiro, or alternate treatments. It is completely up to you.
“How can physiotherapy help me recover from my accident?”
The body has so many inter-related parts; an experienced physiotherapist can provide a full assessment to find the source of your pain. Sometimes, the pain you feel in one spot is actually referred from a different location—often this is a pinched nerve. Ligament and muscle tears are also very common after a car accident, as well as cartilage compression, and all-over aching. These injuries can take 3-6 months or more to heal and regain your full strength and mobility, which is why having a physiotherapist walk alongside your recovery is so beneficial.
“What happens during my initial visit?”
We have you bring us up to speed, and then we get to work! First, we’ll start with 20 (or more) questions about your health, and build as clear a picture as possible of your current condition. This will take about 15 minutes, and then the rest of your appointment is spent working towards your goal: feeling better, reduced pain, better movement.
“What do I bring for my initial visit?”
If you have any x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, please bring them to show your practitioner. They will use it to help complete a mandated 4-page report regarding the accident and your condition, which will be submitted to ICBC with their diagnosis.
Don’t “tough it out”.
Let us help you out.
Is massage helpful too?
YES, and we’re always surprised by how many patients don’t realize that registered massage therapy (RMT) is covered under their ICBC claim. Have you experienced any headaches or new pain since your accident? After a strong impact like that, your body’s sympathetic nervous system (aka “fight or flight”) is on edge. Your nerves are shouting, “Danger! Ouch!”—and often, gentle massage calms the nerves down to a normal state.
If you’re worried about aggravating your pain with deep tissue massage, that’s NOT how we’ll do it. Our therapists are experienced with treating ICBC patients, and we always begin with soothing techniques that provide you with some immediate relief. An experienced RMT can feel your muscles’ response, and adjust their touch as needed.
Massage is not just a luxury. Massage is therapy that your body deserves and will greatly appreciate.
Treatment fees & coverage
ICBC has revised its coverage for patient health services:
Though most services remain fully covered, massage appointments are no longer covered 100%.
In addition, ICBC no longer covers 30 min massage treatments. As of April 1, 2023, massage treatments are now a minimum 45-minute session which has a user fee of $10.50.
“What if my accident was more than 3 months ago?”
No problem, no referral required. What we’ll do, is get confirmation from the adjuster before we book your initial appointment. Sometimes ICBC will require a doctor’s note to approve sessions.
What about active rehab?
Many patients benefit from an active rehab program, either alongside physiotherapy, or afterward. You are automatically approved for 12 Active Rehab sessions—if your claim date is older than 3 months, we can easily help you request an extension. In some cases, ICBC will even cover the cost of a gym/community centre pass. We’ve collected some FAQs on active rehab, so find your answers here!
