Stakeholders Area

Physiotherapists Area
Stakeholders Area

Funders of Physiotherapy

It is the role of the College to protect and serve the public by ensuring that physiotherapists provide high quality, competent and ethical care. Go to the Registrants' Guide to view the standards and other publications that describe College expectations.

Funders with questions or concerns about the practice of physiotherapists may contact the the Professional Conduct Team.

Who are the funders of physiotherapists' care?

Many people pay for physiotherapy services themselves, or are covered by one of the following:

Insurers

Physiotherapy services are recognized by many insurers as an essential component of any extended health benefits package. These include the following:

  • Employer provided or private Extended Health Benefits (EHB)
  • Many people pay their own extended health care insurance premiums or have coverage for physiotherapy care through workplace insurance plans.
  • Workers Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act gives injured workers the right to choose the practitioner from which they get care and they also have the right to consult a physiotherapist without a referral from a physician or any other health-care practitioner.

The WSIB has implemented Programs of Care for specific diagnostic categories. In order to deliver treatment under a Program of Care, physiotherapists must be registered with the WSIB.
  •  Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) coverage

Coverage provided through automobile insurers is overseen through the Statutory Accidental Benefits Schedule (SABS) regulation under the Insurance Act.

OHIP coverage for physiotherapy is provided at a Designated Physiotherapy Clinic. Patients must have a doctor's referral and:

  • Be 19 years old or younger; or
  • Be 65 years old or older; or
  • Are receiving benefits under the Ontario Disability Support Program or Family Works; or
  • Have been overnight in hospital for a condition that now requires physiotherapy treatment.

Other OHIP funded care: Home care through Community Care Access Centres and in long-term care facilities.