If you’ve been injured or are dealing with chronic pain, physiotherapy can play a key role in your recovery.

But one of the most common questions we hear at Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre in Edmonton is: Is physiotherapy covered in Alberta? 

It’s a good question and the answer depends on a few factors including your age, health status, and how the injury occurred.  

Let’s see when physiotherapy is publicly covered, what private insurance may offer, and the types of coverage available to you.  

When Is Physiotherapy Covered Publicly in Alberta?

In Alberta, physiotherapy isn’t insured under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 

However, Alberta Health Services (AHS) does fund physiotherapy for specific situations, delivered either in AHS facilities or by community clinics that have AHS contracts. 

Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre is an AHS-funded clinic and can see patients who meet these eligibility criteria. 

You may be eligible for AHS-funded physiotherapy if:

1. You’ve had a recent fracture, orthopedic surgery, or a hip/knee replacement
   
   • The injury or surgery occurred within the last 12 weeks.
   • No physician referral is required to book.
   • If your surgeon asks you to begin physio after 12 weeks, speak with the clinic about your eligibility.
   • Hip/knee replacement physio may be offered one-to-one or in a group.
     
2. You have a general joint or muscle condition/injury and meet low-income criteria
   
   • Low-income Albertans may qualify for virtual or in-person services at AHS sites or community clinics with AHS contracts.
   • If you don’t meet low-income criteria, you can still access care privately or through extended benefits.
     

Low-income eligibility (examples of qualifying programs):

If you currently receive income from any of the following, you may qualify for AHS-funded services for general joint or muscle conditions:

• Alberta Adult and/or Child Health Benefit
• Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
• Alberta Seniors Dental & Optical Assistance Program
• Alberta Works Income Support
• Alberta Seniors Benefit
• Canada Revenue Agency GST Credit
• Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for Seniors
• Special Needs Assistance for Seniors (Alberta)

How to access AHS-funded care:

• Find and call a clinic to book. No referral is needed for recent fractures/surgeries within 12 weeks. (Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre is eligible to provide these AHS-funded services.)
  
• For general joint/muscle concerns, the Rehabilitation Advice Line (RAL) can assess over the phone, provide self-management advice, and help you find services. Note: RAL cannot book/manage your appointments, arrange fracture/surgery assessments, or approve extra funded visits.

What About Private Insurance Plans?

Many Albertans use their private extended health benefits to access physiotherapy care not covered by the province. These plans, whether through work or personal insurance,     typically cover a portion or all of the treatment costs.  

Here’s how it works:  

1. Coverage amount varies: Some plans cover $500-$1,000 annually for physiotherapy. Check your provider for the exact amount.

2. Direct billing: At Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre, we offer direct billing to many major insurance providers, saving you time and out-of-pocket costs.  

Make sure to check with your benefits provider to understand your specific plan details.  

Is Physiotherapy Covered After a Car or Work Injury?

Yes, Motor Vehicle and Work injuries often come with automatic physiotherapy coverage.  

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs)  

If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be eligible for physiotherapy coverage under your auto insurance, regardless of who was at fault. Key points:  

• Coverage starts immediately under the Alberta Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols  
• You usually don’t need a physician referral  
• You may qualify for up to 10 or 21 visits within the first 90 days (depending on diagnosis). Reference: https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/laws/regu/alta-reg-116-2014/latest/alta-reg-116-2014.html  

At Millwoods Physical Therapy, we have helped many Edmonton patients manage their recovery after an accident.  

2. Work-Related Injuries (WCB claims)  

If you’ve been hurt at work, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta offers coverage for approved physiotherapy care.  

• Talk to your employer and file a WCB report  
• You can start therapy right away once the claim is approved  
• We can help with documentation and reporting so you can focus on recovery  

Why Choose Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre?

Whether you're paying privately or claiming through insurance, you deserve care that’s personalized and focused on results. At Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre, we offer:  

• Treatment for patients eligible for treatments under AHS funding; 
• A hands-on, one-on-one approach tailored to your needs;
• Care for a wide range of conditions including back pain, sciatica, concussion recovery, TMJ dysfunction, pelvic health, and more;  
• Direct billing to most insurance providers;  
• Convenient hours from 7:30 am – 7:00 pm, including weekend appointments;   
• Rated 4.9 ⭐ by over 150 patients on Google 

FAQs About Physiotherapy Coverage in Alberta

1. Do I need a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy in Alberta?

No, you don’t need a referral to see a physiotherapist unless your insurance provider requires one for reimbursement. Always check your specific plan’s policies.

2. How many physiotherapy sessions are covered by AHS? 

If you're eligible under AHS programs, the number of sessions is limited and determined by their criteria. 

3. Can Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre do direct billing? 

Yes, we offer direct billing to most major insurance providers including Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Alberta Blue Cross, and more.

4. What if I don’t have insurance or coverage? 

We treat patients who pay out-of-pocket as well. Session rates are transparent, and we can create a recovery plan that suits your budget and goals.

Start Your Recovery With Confidence

Knowing your coverage options gives you the freedom to get the help you need. Whether you're recovering post-surgery, managing a chronic condition, or dealing with a work or car injury, our team is here to support you with personalized care.

Located conveniently in Millwoods, Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre is ready to help you move forward, literally.  

Book your appointment today and let’s get you back on track.