If you've been in a motor vehicle accident in BC, you may be eligible for treatment support through ICBC. Many patients aren't sure how the process works or what happens at a first appointment. Here's a general overview — always confirm the specifics of your own claim with ICBC directly.
Do you need a claim number first?
In most cases, you'll want to open your claim with ICBC before booking treatment, since clinics typically ask for a claim number to bill appropriately. If you haven't opened a claim yet, that's usually the first step after any needed medical attention.
What a first physiotherapy visit typically involves
At an initial assessment, a physiotherapist will usually:
- Ask about how the accident happened and how you've felt since
- Assess movement, strength, and areas of pain or restriction
- Discuss a possible plan, which may include hands-on treatment, exercise, and education
- Explain what they can and can't confirm about coverage
Every patient's situation is different, and your practitioner will assess what makes sense for you rather than following a one-size-fits-all template.
What to bring
- Your ICBC claim number, if you have one
- A list of current symptoms and how they've changed
- Any relevant medical reports or referral information
- Questions you have about your recovery
Coverage and what to confirm with ICBC
If you have an active ICBC claim, you may be able to access up to 12 weeks of treatment — such as physiotherapy, massage, kinesiology, chiropractic, and acupuncture — though conditions and eligibility apply. Our team can help you understand what applies to your specific claim, but we can't guarantee what will or won't be covered, so it's always worth confirming the details directly with ICBC.
Because rules and limits can change, it's worth checking in periodically, especially if your treatment plan extends over a longer period.
How treatment plans can evolve
Recovery isn't always a straight line. Depending on your progress, a plan might combine physiotherapy with massage therapy, kinesiology and active rehab, or other services as appropriate. Having multiple disciplines coordinated in one place can make it easier to adjust your plan as you recover.
Getting started
If you're newly injured and unsure where to begin, our ICBC treatment support page in Maple Ridge outlines what we offer. Book an appointment or contact our team with your claim details, and we'll help you figure out an appropriate first step.