Physiotherapy after a car accident
Under ICBC’s Enhanced Care, anyone injured in a crash in BC can start physiotherapy right away.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral or approval from ICBC to start. Treatment in the first 12 weeks is pre-approved, whoever caused the crash.
Starting early matters. Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries often feel worse a few days after a crash, and the pre-approved period goes by quickly.
If you need treatment beyond 12 weeks, we can work with ICBC to request more.
pre-approved treatmentsfor physiotherapy under ICBC Enhanced Care
weeks to use themcounted from the date of your crash
referrals neededjust your claim number and PHN
How to get started
Four steps. Most people can start within days of their crash.
- 1
Report your claim
Report the crash to ICBC online or by phone. You’ll get a claim number right away.
- 2
Book your visit
Book online or text us. No referral needed.
- 3
Bring your details
Your ICBC claim number and BC Services Card or Personal Health Number.
- 4
Start treatment
We assess your injuries, start treatment and take care of the ICBC paperwork.
Car accident injuries we treat
The most common injuries we see after a crash.
- Whiplash
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches after a crash
- Upper and lower back pain
- Shoulder pain from the seatbelt
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Knee injuries from the dashboard
- Jaw pain
- Dizziness after whiplash
- Pain that started days after the crash
Don’t see your injury? Call 604-428-3266 and ask.
Your 12 weeks start the day of the crash
ICBC pre-approves your physiotherapy for 12 weeks. The sooner you start, the more of that time you can use.
ICBC claim number
You get it as soon as you report your claim.
BC Services Card
Or your Personal Health Number.
Date of the crash
So we can track your 12 weeks.
Comfortable clothes
So we can see and move what hurts.
ICBC physiotherapy questions
Here are some of the most common questions patients ask.
If you don’t find the answer you need, feel free to contact us!
Do I need a doctor’s referral for ICBC physiotherapy?
No. Under Enhanced Care you can book physiotherapy directly. You only need your ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number.
How many physiotherapy sessions does ICBC cover?
ICBC pre-approves up to 25 physiotherapy treatments within the first 12 weeks after your crash.
What if I need more treatment after 12 weeks?
If you’re still recovering, your physiotherapist can work with your ICBC recovery specialist to request more treatment.
Am I covered if the crash was my fault?
Yes. Pre-approved treatments under Enhanced Care cover anyone injured in a crash in BC, whoever was responsible.
Hurt in a crash? Start while you’re covered.
No referral needed. Bring your ICBC claim number and we’ll take care of the rest.