FCMT

Does MSP cover Massage Therapy treatments?
Massage Therapy is only covered by MSP if you have premium assistance. If you are on premium assistance MSP will cover 10 combined treatments (massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc). Otherwise you are not covered for massage therapy. Many extended health care insurance companies do cover massage therapy. Check with your employer or insurance company to see if you have coverage.

How do I find out if I have coverage?
You can find out a few different ways. If you have an employee handbook, it may indicate whether or not you have coverage. You can also ask your employer. Another way is to phone the insurance company directly. Be sure to have your Group or ID numbers and access codes handy. Ask them:
• How much coverage do you have, if any?
• Is there any deductible? Is it per calendar year (ie: January-December)?
• Do they cover a certain amount per visit or up to a maximum per year?
• Do they cover a percentage up to a set amount or a maximum per year?
• Is the maximum combined with any other therapy (ie: physiotherapy)?
• Is a medical doctor’s note required?

You could also call our clinic. We may have treated someone who works at your company, and know how much coverage they have.

Examples of companies we know have coverage:
• University of BC employees have $750 per year.
• Simon Fraser University employees have 80% coverage that is unlimited.
• Public Service Health Care employees have 80% with a $300 per year maximum per participant.
• BC Hydro employees have a $10 reimbursement for the first 12 visits and unlimited for the rest of the calendar year.

This list is only a guide. You should confirm with your insurance company if the coverage applies to you individually. Check to see if your spouse or children also have coverage under your plan.

If my spouse has coverage, could I be covered under their plan?
If your spouse is covered and you are listed on their plan, then you generally have coverage. If you also have coverage through your own employer, you must use it up first before claiming on your spouse’s plan. If you have no coverage at all, and your spouse does, you cannot claim it in their place.

I was recently in a car accident, will my car insurance pay for massage treatments?
Your car insurance will pay for accident related injuries upon approval of a treatment plan filled out by a Registered Massage Therapist. On your initial visit you will need to bring the following information:
• Adjusters name, address, phone, fax number
• Policy and Claim numbers
• Names of medications you are taking
• Extended health insurance information (if you have coverage)
Your initial assessment visit will usually take one to one and a half hours. ICBC will only pay for the first 12 treatments for up to 8 weeks after your accident. You will be required to pay for the remaining treatments from your own pocket. Keep your receipts for your claim.

How do I pay for massage therapy treatments?
You may pay by cash, personal cheque,Visa and MasterCard.

Please e-mail for more information.

What does R.M.T. stand for?
R.M.T. stands for Registered Massage Therapist. Some therapists use the designation R.M.P. for Massage Practitioner. All massage therapists must be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC). This means that if a therapist is registered and in good standing with the college then they are regulated and have met the educational guidelines, agree to the Health Professions Act, follow the Massage Therapy regulations, uphold ethical practice, carry a minimum liability insurance and agree to continuing education.

What is the difference between a masseuse and a R.M.T.?
Masseuse and masseur are names that were used by some people before we became regulated by a government body. Massage Therapy has been regulated in British Columbia since 1946. Originally massage therapists and physiotherapists were regulated together and separated in 1994. If someone does massage and calls themselves a masseuse, then they are not registered and may not be providing therapeutic massage treatments.

What is the difference between someone who is “licensed”, “certified” or “registered”?
Someone who says they are “licensed” or “certified” are not the same as someone who is “registered”. They generally do not possess liability insurance and may have trained for only 500 hours. They are not covered by extended health or car accident insurance and are not regulated by the CMTBC. It is illegal for some who is not registered to use the name or designations R.M.T. or M.T. Recently, some people trained in “myomassology” have adapted the designation Registered Myomassology Practitioner or R.M.P. They have also referred to themselves as Registered Aroma-Massage Therapists (R.A.M.T.) in the past. Please note that they are not registered by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) and are not the same as an R.M.T. An R.M.T. is bound by the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act. A R.M.T. has a Certificate of Registration from the CMTBC (with a valid annual sticker applied) and a membership card with their registration number on it. Always ask to see it if you are uncertain of the person’s credentials. Please see Services for more information on our training.

Please e-mail for more information.