Been in a car accident?
ICBC’s Enhanced Care program covers BC residents for physio, kinesiology, and massage in the first 12 weeks after a crash. No referral needed, no upfront cost. Click ICBC Claims below for details.
Click any topic below for specifics on coverage, what to bring, and how billing works.
Injured in a Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia, you’re automatically covered for treatment through ICBC’s Enhanced Care program, no matter who was at fault. You don’t need a doctor’s referral. You don’t need to wait for approval. You just need your ICBC claim number, which you’ll receive when you report the accident.
That means you can walk into Blackbird Physiotherapy the same day as your accident and start treatment immediately.
We direct bill ICBC, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost to you.
What’s Covered
In the first 12 weeks after your crash, ICBC pre-approves the following treatments:
- Physiotherapy: 25 sessions
- Kinesiology: 12 sessions
- Massage Therapy: 12 sessions
- Chiropractic: 25 sessions
- Acupuncture: 12 sessions
- Counselling: 12 sessions
- Psychology: 12 sessions
You can combine different treatment types on the same day. For example, you could see a physiotherapist in the morning and a massage therapist in the afternoon.
If your recovery takes longer than 12 weeks, your healthcare providers can work with ICBC to request additional sessions.
Who’s Eligible
Every BC resident injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle, whether you were driving, a passenger, cycling, or a pedestrian. Coverage applies to accidents anywhere in Canada or the United States.
How to Get Started
- Report your accident to ICBC and get your claim number
- Call us at (250) 352-1100 to book an appointment
- Bring your claim number and your Personal Health Number (PHN)
The 12-week clock starts from the date of your accident, not your first appointment, so don’t delay. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your outcome.
Injured at Work?
If you’ve been hurt on the job, WorkSafeBC covers the cost of treatment to help you recover. Every worker in BC is automatically covered for work-related injuries, illnesses, or diseases.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist. If you choose a WorkSafeBC-contracted clinic like Blackbird, you can get an initial assessment even before your claim is formally accepted, and we bill WorkSafeBC directly.
What’s Covered
WorkSafeBC covers health care services that are reasonably necessary to help you recover, including:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Massage therapy (with physician referral)
- Custom splinting
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Return-to-work support
Treatment length and frequency depend on your injury and are determined in collaboration with your therapist and WorkSafeBC case manager.
How to Get Started
- Report your injury to your employer immediately
- Seek medical attention and tell them it’s work-related
- File a claim with WorkSafeBC (online or by phone at 1-888-967-5377)
- Call us at (250) 352-1100 to book an appointment
Once you have a claim number, we can see you right away. If your claim is still pending, your initial assessment is covered.
Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy, massage therapy, and kinesiology. We offer direct billing to most major insurance providers, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
Bring your insurance card to your first appointment. Our front desk team will verify your coverage and handle the billing directly.
If your plan has a deductible, co-pay, or annual limit, you’ll be responsible for any portion not covered.
If you have MSP Supplementary Benefits (often called “Plan C” or Premium Assistance), you may be eligible for partial coverage of physiotherapy, massage therapy, and other services.
Coverage is limited and typically requires a physician’s referral. Contact us or check with MSP to confirm your eligibility before booking.