OHIP Funding for Physiotherapy

One of the most common questions that we receive is, “Will OHIP cover the cost of physiotherapy?”  Hopefully if you’ve been searching online for the answer and you’ve found this article in answers some of your questions for you.

The Government of Ontario has a website where you can find all the details.  Here is our quick summary.

Who is eligible for OHIP funded physiotherapy?

To be eligible you MUST have a valid Ontario Health Card and one of the following situations MUST apply to you:

  1. You are a long-term care resident who is age 18 or older
  2. You have been discharged as an inpatient of a hospital after an overnight stay and require physiotherapy for the condition, illness or injury for which you were hospitalized
  3. You are on Ontario Works or ODSP
  4. You are age 65 or older
  5. You are age 65 or older and require in-home physiotherapy

If you are not listed above you are not eligible to receive OHIP covered physiotherapy.

If I’m Eligible What Do I Do Next?

You will require a referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner.  If you believe that you are eligible and you need physiotherapy please make an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner to request a referral.

I Have My Referral, Where Can I Get Physiotherapy?

Your doctor or nurse practitioner will likely provide you with information about where you can attend physiotherapy.  There are a number of private physiotherapy clinics who are licensed to provide OHIP covered physiotherapy.  You will need to find a convenient location and call for an appointment.  If you need help finding an OHIP covered clinic you can search here for a clinic in your area.

I’m not Eligible for OHIP funding.  Now What?

If you need physiotherapy and you’re not eligible for OHIP coverage you will have to select a private provider.  While it won’t be free, you will be able to use any extended health benefits that you might have.  Clinics such as Physio In Motion In-home Services and the Physio In Motion Therapy Centre will provide direct billing to your insurance company and can assist you with determining the coverage that you have available.

If you still have questions about OHIP funding or how to access a private physiotherapy clinic please call Physio In Motion at (905) 667-3979 ext 1 and speak with Maureen.  Maureen will have the answers to all your questions readily available.