🚗 ICBC-Covered Care: What Saanichton Patients Need to Know After a Car Accident
- Saanichton Chiropractic Group
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Introduction: “Am I Covered?”
If you’ve recently been in a car accident in British Columbia, you’re likely overwhelmed—and asking a very fair question: What does ICBC actually cover?
At Saanichton Chiropractic Group, we hear this every week. Whether it’s your neck that’s stiff, your back that won’t let you sleep, or you’re anxious about returning to work—we’re here to walk you through what care is available, how to access it, and what role we can play in your recovery.
What Is ICBC Enhanced Care?
As of May 2021, ICBC introduced Enhanced Care, a no-fault insurance model. This means anyone injured in a crash—whether they were driving, walking, or riding a bike—gets access to healthcare and recovery services regardless of who caused the accident .
You don't need to fight in court or wait for settlements. Instead, you can focus on healing with help from a pre-approved system of care.
The First 12 Weeks: Pre-Approved ICBC Treatments
During the first 12 weeks after your accident, you’re entitled to a set number of sessions with various healthcare providers. Here's what’s included (as of May 1, 2025):
Treatment Type | Sessions | Fee (Standard) | Assessment Fee |
Chiropractic | 25 | $75 | $121 |
Registered Massage Therapy | 12 | $105 | $128 |
Physiotherapy | 25 | $95 | $151 |
Kinesiology | 12 | $94 | $117 |
Acupuncture | 12 | $113 | $132 |
Psychology | 12 | $241 | $723 |
Counselling | 12 | $157 | $262 |
✅ No doctor’s referral is required✅ All you need is your ICBC claim number and Personal Health Number (PHN)
At Saanichton Chiropractic Group, we can direct bill ICBC and walk you through the process so you can focus on healing.
How Chiropractic Helps After a Crash
Motor vehicle collisions often lead to:
Whiplash and neck strain
Low back pain
Joint stiffness
Nerve irritation
Headaches
Our chiropractors use hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and support your nervous system’s function. Treatment is drug-free, gentle, and tailored to your comfort level.
Patients frequently combine chiropractic with massage therapy, physiotherapy, or acupuncture—all of which are available at our clinic and ICBC-approved.
🔗 Learn more about our chiropractic and massage therapy services
Active Rehab with a Kinesiologist: ICBC-Covered Athletic Therapy
As part of your ICBC recovery plan, you may be eligible for Active Rehabilitation led by a registered kinesiologist—also known as clinical athletic therapy. This movement-based approach is ideal for rebuilding strength, balance, and mobility after an accident. Whether you’re experiencing stiffness, postural strain, or reduced physical capacity, our team at Saanichton Chiropractic Group designs individualized rehab programs tailored to your recovery goals. ICBC pre-approves 12 kinesiology sessions in the first 12 weeks, with the option for extended care when medically necessary. Our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to work or daily activity with confidence.
What Happens After 12 Weeks?
If you're still recovering after 12 weeks, your care doesn’t stop—but it does require more paperwork. Your healthcare provider will submit a Treatment Plan to ICBC, which includes:
Functional improvements you've made so far
Clear goals (e.g., return to work, lift your child without pain)
How continued treatment will help
We typically submit this two weeks before your 12-week window ends, so there's no gap in care.
What Else Is Covered by ICBC?
ICBC’s Enhanced Care model includes support for:
🧠 Mental Health Services
12 sessions each of psychology and counselling
Up to $4,440 in family counselling for severe cases
🦷 Dental and Medical Supplies
Emergency dental work
Prescription meds, bandages, braces, orthotics
🧑🦼 Medical Equipment
ICBC is now the first payer for items like wheelchairs, prescribed shoes, and prosthetics
🧽 Personal Care Assistance
Up to $5,851/month for household support
Up to $11,628/month for catastrophic injuries needing 24/7 care
✈️ Travel & Accommodation
66¢ per km for appointments (as of May 2025)
Airfare, hotel, meals if specialist travel is required
How Saanichton Chiropractic Group Makes It Easy
✅ Direct billing to ICBC
✅ No referral needed for early care
✅ Multidisciplinary care under one roof
✅ Custom treatment plans
✅ Compassionate, hands-on care from day one
Need help filing or navigating ICBC? We do this every day. Just bring your claim number and PHN—we’ll take it from there.
💬 FAQ: ICBC & Injury Treatment in BC
Do I need a referral to get treatment after a crash?
No! You can see a chiropractor, massage therapist, acupunctuist or athletic therapist immediately—no doctor's note needed during the first 12 weeks.
How many chiropractic sessions does ICBC cover?
You're pre-approved for 25 sessions within the first 12 weeks, plus an initial assessment. More can be approved afterward with a treatment plan.
Will ICBC pay for massage or acupuncture?
Yes—massage (12 sessions) and acupuncture (12 sessions) are included in the first 12 weeks. We offer both services at Saanichton Chiropractic Group.
What happens if I need treatment beyond the 12-week mark?
Your provider will submit a treatment plan to ICBC. If approved, you’ll continue receiving care with no gap in coverage.
Can ICBC cover travel to appointments?
Yes—ICBC reimburses travel at 66¢ per km (as of 2025). In some cases, they’ll cover hotels, meals, and airfare if needed for treatment.
📍 Ready to Start Care? We’re Here to Help.
If you’ve been in a car accident and need help recovering, Saanichton Chiropractic Group offers direct-billing ICBC care, tailored treatment plans, and a supportive team ready to guide you through the recovery process.
🔹 Call us at (250) 652-9866🔹 Or book online with your ICBC claim number & PHN
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