Massage Therapy & Health Funds: Discover What Services You Can and Can’t Claim

Most private extended health plans in Canada cover massage therapy, but only when a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) performs it, and that one condition decides whether your claim goes through.

Unlike in Australia, where only remedial massage qualifies for health fund rebates, Canada's system is broader and more flexible, which makes the rules easy to learn and easy to trip over.

Does Health Insurance Cover Massage Therapy in Canada?

Yes, most private health insurance plans in Canada cover registered massage therapy (RMT), but only when a Registered Massage Therapist performs the massage. A relaxation massage from an unregistered practitioner, no matter how skilled, doesn't qualify for a claim.

Most private health benefit plans cover around $300 to $1,000 of registered massage therapy treatments per year, though coverage varies widely by plan tier and insurer.

What Is an RMT and Why Does It Matter?

A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is a massage therapist who has completed an accredited training program and holds registration with the regulatory college in their province. In Ontario, that's the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). In British Columbia, it's the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC).

Insurers reimburse only RMT massage, and the receipt must show the therapist's registration number. That detail is what separates a spa visit from a claimable session: if the receipt doesn't show an RMT registration number, your insurer rejects the claim, whichever insurer you're with. A receipt without an RMT number is just a nice piece of paper.

Which Types of Massage Are Covered?

Canadian extended health plans typically cover any massage an RMT performs, including relaxation, deep tissue, sports and prenatal massage. The type of massage barely matters, and the registration number does.

Which Insurers Cover RMT in Canada?

Major insurers that cover RMT services under paramedical benefits include Manulife, Green Shield Canada and Canada Life (previously Great-West Life), and Sun Life and Blue Cross also commonly include RMT coverage in their extended health plans. The exact annual limit and per-visit maximum vary by plan tier, so your own policy is the most reliable source for what you're entitled to.

Do You Need a Doctor's Referral?

Usually no. Most extended health plans in Canada no longer require a GP referral to claim RMT massage, since the majority of insurers dropped the requirement years ago. Some older or more restrictive plans still ask for one, so confirm with your insurer before your first session.

Does OHIP or Public Health Insurance Cover Massage?

No, OHIP doesn't cover massage therapy, and neither do provincial public health programs elsewhere in Canada. Coverage comes from extended health benefit plans, Health Spending Accounts, WSIB claims or motor vehicle accident benefits, and the plan itself usually comes through your employer, your spouse's employer or a private policy.

What About WorkSafeBC and ICBC?

WorkSafeBC may cover massage therapy as part of your treatment plan after a workplace injury. Under ICBC's care-based model, you may access RMT services as part of your recovery plan after a motor vehicle accident, though preauthorization requirements and treatment limits apply.

How to Claim a Massage Through Blys in Canada

Claiming a massage through Blys comes down to three stages: a quick check with your insurer, a few notes when you book and a receipt afterward.

Before You Book

Confirm with your insurer that:

• Your plan includes RMT coverage under paramedical or extended health benefits
• You haven't reached the annual limit for the current benefit year
• Your specific plan doesn't require a doctor's referral

When You Book Through Blys

When you book through Blys:

• Choose your preferred massage type
• Add your insurer's name in the notes for your therapist
• Blys does its best to match you with a provider who holds RMT registration

After Your Session

Your therapist provides a receipt that includes their RMT registration number, which is what your insurer needs to process the claim. If you don't receive it automatically, contact the Blys support team.

What Can't Be Claimed?

Extended health benefits don't cover gift vouchers or sessions paid for by gift voucher, group and corporate bookings or sessions with non-RMT providers.

How Do Annual Limits Work?

Most private health benefit plans cover around $300 to $1,000 of registered massage therapy treatments per year. Once you reach your annual limit, sessions revert to full out-of-pocket cost until your benefit year resets, usually on January 1 but sometimes on your plan's own anniversary date, like a New Year's resolution with its own calendar.

When to Check With Your Insurer First

This page is general information about massage coverage in Canada, and it isn't insurance or financial advice. Plans, limits and rules differ by insurer and by plan tier, so check your policy or ask your insurer before you book and before you claim.

Ready to use your benefits? Book a registered massage therapist through Blys and get a proper session at your door.

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