Is Chiropractic Care Covered by OHIP? What Ottawa and Kanata Patients Need to Know
The short answer: no. OHIP has not covered chiropractic care in Ontario since December 2004, when the province delisted it to address a budget shortfall. If you've been waiting to see a chiropractor because you assumed it would be covered like a doctor visit, you're not alone because this is one of the most common questions we hear at our Kanata clinic.
The good news is that most Ontarians still have a clear path to affordable care through their extended health benefits.
What Pays for Chiropractic Care in Ontario?
Most employer group health plans and private insurance plans include chiropractic coverage as part of their extended health benefits. Coverage typically ranges from $500 to $5,000 per calendar year, often reimbursing a set dollar amount per visit or a percentage of the fee. Some plans also cover the initial assessment.
Two other situations where chiropractic is fully covered: if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, your Ontario auto insurance covers treatment at no cost to you. If you have an approved WSIB claim for a workplace injury, chiropractic care is covered through that program as well.
If you're not sure what your plan includes, your HR department or benefits provider can tell you your annual maximum and per visit reimbursement before your first appointment.
Does My Insurance Cover RMT Too?
Registered massage therapy is also not covered by OHIP in Ontario. However, the same extended health benefits that cover chiropractic care typically include RMT coverage as well, usually in the range of $300 to $1,000 per year. The key requirement is that your treatment must be provided by a Registered Massage Therapist licensed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
At Highlands Wellness in Kanata, all of our massage therapists are fully registered, so your treatment qualifies for insurance reimbursement. We can provide detailed receipts for any visit to support your claim.
What If I Don't Have Extended Benefits?
Not everyone has coverage, and that's okay. Our team will work with you to provide an efficient plan of care that can fit within your budget while maintaining a high standard of clinical expertise and sucessful outcome.
One thing worth knowing: eligible out of pocket health expenses that are not reimbursed by insurance can be claimed under the Medical Expense Tax Credit on your annual CRA return. It won't cover everything, but it helps.
At Highlands Wellness, our chiropractors, RMTs, and exercise rehabilitation specialists work together as a team. Whether your goal is pain relief, returning to sport, or simply moving better day to day, we build a care plan that works within your real life circumstances, including your budget.
If you'd like to know whether your benefits apply, or want to talk through your options, we're happy to help. Book a free 15 minute consult at our Kanata clinic and we'll answer your questions before you commit to anything.
