If you have extended health benefits through work, there is a good chance part of your coverage for physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care or osteopathy is still unused. For many plans, that coverage resets on January 1. Whatever you don’t use by December 31 is usually gone.
This guide walks you through how to check what you have left and how to plan your visits in the time remaining.
Why Year End Matters
Most group benefit plans give you a set amount per year for each type of practitioner. Some plans use a dollar maximum. Others limit the number of visits. Either way, the amount does not usually carry over.
Not every plan runs on the calendar year. Some reset on a different date tied to your employer’s plan year. Check yours before you assume.
How to Check Your Coverage
Log in to your insurer’s app or website, or call the number on your benefits card. Ask these questions:
- Which practitioners are covered? Look for physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractic and osteopathy. Each one is often listed separately.
- What is the annual maximum for each, in dollars or visits?
- How much have you used so far this year?
- When does your plan year reset?
- Do you need a doctor’s referral for any of these services?
- Is there a per-visit limit?
If your spouse also has benefits, ask whether you can coordinate the two plans. Many people use the second plan for the amount the first one doesn’t cover.
Which Services to Consider
The right service depends on what you are dealing with. Here is a quick guide:
- Physiotherapy for injuries, joint pain, post-surgery recovery and getting back to activity.
- Massage therapy for muscle tension, stress and recovery from physical work or training.
- Chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain and joint mobility.
- Osteopathy for a whole-body, hands-on approach to pain and movement.
If you are not sure which one fits, call us and our front desk will help you choose.
Stiff joints this winter? Read our guide to joint pain in cold weather. Jaw pain or clicking? See our TMJ guide.
Plan Your Visits Now
December gets busy. Many people try to book in the last two weeks of the year, and appointment times fill up fast.
A few tips:
- Book early in December, or even this month, to get the times you want.
- Spread visits out instead of fitting them all into one week. Most treatment plans work better with time between sessions.
- Bring your benefits card and any referral your plan requires.
Don’t Let Your Coverage Go to Waste
If you’ve been putting off care for a sore back, tight shoulders or an old injury, your remaining benefits are a good reason to start now. You’ve already paid for this coverage through your plan.
Dynamic Health Therapy is at 24018 Woodbine Ave, Unit 4, in Keswick. Book your appointment online or call us at 905-535-3330.
Coverage depends on your individual plan. Confirm the details with your insurance provider.
