What Does Insurance Really Cover? The Beginner’s Guide to Paramedical
Introduction: Why Most Canadians Are Leaving Money on the Table
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does my extended health insurance actually cover?” — you’re not alone.
Every year, millions of Canadians pay for Extended Health Benefits (EHB) through their employer-sponsored insurance plans. These benefits often include access to services like Registered Massage Therapy (RMT), Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, and Acupuncture — yet a huge percentage of this coverage goes unused.
Why? The biggest reason is confusion. Patients don’t know:
- What services are covered
- How much they’re entitled to
- Whether they need a referral
- Or how to even find a clinic that accepts their plan
This article is your easy-to-follow guide to understanding paramedical coverage in Canada — and how to make the most of your plan before it resets.
✅ What Are Paramedical Services?
Paramedical services are health-related services provided by regulated professionals, but outside of traditional hospitals or physician offices.
They include:
- Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)
- Chiropractic care
- Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Naturopathy
- Mental health counselling (with registered providers)
These services are considered preventative and rehabilitative. They’re aimed at helping you manage pain, recover from injury, reduce stress, or improve mobility — and they’re frequently covered by extended health plans.
🧾 What Does Your Plan Typically Cover?
Most insurance plans in Canada (Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Greenshield, Blue Cross, etc.) offer between $300 to $1200 per year per service.
For example:
- Massage Therapy: ✅ $500/year
- Chiropractic Care: ✅ $500/year
- Physiotherapy: ✅ $700/year
- Acupuncture: ✅ $300–$500/year
Important: Some plans reset every December 31st, and any unused benefits are forfeited.
🧠 3 Things Most Patients Don’t Know
- Each service is billed separately.
Your massage coverage isn’t the same as your chiropractic or physio coverage. You might have $500 for each, not a combined pool. - Direct billing saves you time.
Many clinics use Telus eClaims or ProviderConnect to bill insurers directly — no receipts or paperwork needed on your end. - A doctor’s referral might be required.
Some insurance plans require a prescription or referral before they approve your first claim — especially for massage therapy or acupuncture. Always check your plan.
📍 How to Check Your Benefits in 3 Steps
- Log into your insurance portal (e.g., Sun Life, Manulife, etc.)
Look for your “paramedical” or “extended healthcare” section. - Check your remaining balance
Look for per-service annual limits and per-visit maximums.
Search for a provider near you
👉 Find a local clinic → RMTClinic.net
👉 Explore insurance benefits → insurance.rmtclinic.net
🔍 Real-Life Scenario: Don’t Let Your $500 Go to Waste
Let’s say you’re covered for $500 in massage therapy this year. If each visit is $100, that’s 5 fully covered treatments.
But if you don’t use them? That’s like leaving $500 in wellness benefits unused. Come December, your plan resets — and your opportunity vanishes.
🗂️ What Insurance Providers Are We Talking About?
This guide applies to most major Canadian plans:
- ✅ Sun Life Financial
- ✅ Canada Life
- ✅ Manulife
- ✅ Green Shield Canada
- ✅ Blue Cross / Medavie
- ✅ Desjardins
- ✅ Empire Life
- ✅ RBC Insurance
- ✅ Group Health / Chamber of Commerce
Each provider has slight variations in coverage caps, referral requirements, and billing systems. Our site breaks it down for you.
💬 Still Confused? Ask Ruby
Don’t worry if you’re still unsure about your eligibility or what your plan includes.
At RMTClinic.net, our virtual assistant Ruby is trained to help you:
- Understand what’s covered
- Locate a nearby clinic that accepts your insurance
- Walk you through what to expect at your first visit
Try it at 👉 insurance.rmtclinic.net
Get the Most From Your Plan Before It Expires
Your benefits are there for a reason — to help you stay healthy, reduce stress, and feel better. Don’t wait until you’re in pain or it’s too late to use them.
🔗 Start here to find a provider → RMTClinic.net
🔗 Learn how your coverage works → insurance.rmtclinic.net
