Physiotherapy After a Car Accident in BC: What ICBC Covers and How to Start
You can start physiotherapy after a car accident in BC right away, and you do not need a doctor’s referral. Under ICBC’s Enhanced Care coverage, anyone injured in a crash is pre-approved for up to 25 physiotherapy visits in the first 12 weeks, plus set numbers of massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and kinesiology visits. Bring your ICBC claim number and Personal Health Number, and a clinic that bills ICBC directly can start your care.
This guide explains what ICBC covers, how to get started at our Richmond clinics, what treatment for whiplash and other crash injuries usually involves, and what happens when your first 12 weeks are up.
Can you see a physiotherapist right after a car accident in BC?
Yes. ICBC states that you do not need a doctor’s referral to access treatment after a crash. You need your ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number (PHN).
The coverage is not limited to drivers who were not at fault. ICBC’s care and recovery benefits are available to everyone living in BC who is injured in a crash, no matter who is responsible. Cyclists and pedestrians receive the same treatment benefits as drivers.
Seeing your family doctor is still a good idea. A medical visit documents your injury on your health record and can catch problems that need a different kind of care. We recommend seeing your doctor as well as starting rehab.
How many physio sessions does ICBC cover in the first 12 weeks?
ICBC pre-approves a set number of visits for each type of practitioner during the first 12 weeks after the crash. As of October 2026, ICBC lists these counts for the treatments we offer:
| Treatment | Pre-approved visits (first 12 weeks) | What it focuses on |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | 25 | Assessment, hands-on treatment and a progressive exercise plan |
| Chiropractic | 25 | Spinal and joint care, soft tissue work and exercise |
| Registered massage therapy | 12 | Muscle tension and soft tissue pain |
| Acupuncture | 12 | Pain, muscle tension and headaches |
| Kinesiology (active rehabilitation) | 12 | Supervised exercise to rebuild strength and function |
ICBC also pre-approves 12 counselling sessions and 12 psychology sessions. Ask your claim specialist about providers for those services.
These counts are set by ICBC and can change, so your practitioner will confirm the numbers that apply to your claim. ICBC pre-approves several disciplines at once, so you can use physiotherapy and massage therapy, for example, during the same recovery period.
How do you start ICBC physiotherapy in Richmond?
- Report your claim to ICBC. You can report your claim online or call ICBC at 1-800-910-4222. Note your claim number and the date of the crash.
- Gather your details. Have your claim number, accident date, PHN and your ICBC claim specialist’s name and contact information ready.
- Book your assessment. Book online through our ICBC rehab page or call 604 274 2692, and choose our Seafair or Minoru clinic.
- Complete your intake and consent. We ask for a signed ICBC billing consent form and a credit card on file, so direct billing is set up before you arrive.
- Attend your first visit. Your practitioner assesses your injury, builds a treatment plan and sends ICBC the reports it needs.
For approved ICBC visits, we bill ICBC directly. Some visit types carry a user fee, and we confirm that with you before you book. If a visit is not approved, we tell you before you are charged, never after.
Vitality is independent from ICBC and offers direct billing as a courtesy. Please stay in touch with your claim specialist, who remains your main contact for decisions about your claim. Our claims page has more detail on what we need from you.
What does physiotherapy for whiplash and other crash injuries involve?
Common injuries after a collision include whiplash, neck and back pain, headaches, shoulder injuries, sprains and strains, and concussion symptoms.
Symptoms do not always appear straight away. HealthLink BC notes that whiplash symptoms may not show up until the day after the injury, or may ease and then return a few days later.
See a doctor promptly if you have severe neck pain, pain down one or both arms, numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms, hands or legs, or you cannot move your head. These signs need a medical assessment.
Your first physiotherapy visit
Your first visit is a full assessment. Your physiotherapist takes a history of the crash and your symptoms, checks how you move and where it hurts, and explains what they find. Initial visits are 45 minutes, or 60 minutes for more complex cases.
Treatment that keeps you moving
HealthLink BC advises returning to your normal daily activities as soon as possible after whiplash, and not wearing a neck collar for more than two or three days unless your doctor tells you to. Physiotherapy supports that approach with guided, gradual movement.
Depending on your assessment, your plan may include:
- Manual therapy and joint mobilization to ease pain and stiffness
- Therapeutic exercise to restore range of motion and strength, with a home program
- IMS or dry needling for stubborn muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders or low back
- Vestibular or post-concussion rehabilitation for dizziness, balance problems or concussion symptoms, part of our specialized physiotherapy services
HealthLink BC notes that the neck can take up to three months to heal, even though most pain may ease sooner. Recovery varies from person to person, so your physiotherapist reviews your progress regularly and adjusts the plan as you improve.
Should you combine physio with massage, chiropractic, acupuncture or kinesiology?
Often, yes. Because ICBC pre-approves several disciplines at once, many people use more than one during the first 12 weeks. Each plays a different role:
- Physiotherapy: assessment, hands-on treatment and an exercise plan for whiplash, back pain and joint injuries.
- Registered massage therapy: helps ease the muscle tension and soft tissue pain that often follow a collision.
- Chiropractic: spinal and joint care, soft tissue work and exercise for neck and back pain.
- Acupuncture: helps manage pain, muscle tension and headaches alongside your other treatment.
- Active rehabilitation: supervised, progressive exercise with a kinesiologist to rebuild strength and confidence. At our Minoru clinic, kinesiology visits include access to the fitness centre and pool.
At Vitality, all five disciplines work from one shared file, so your practitioners can compare notes and you are not repeating your story at every visit.
What happens when your 12 weeks or visits run out?
Coverage beyond the first 12 weeks is not automatic. If you have not fully recovered, ICBC says your health care providers can recommend a benefit extension for additional treatment.
Talk to your practitioner as you approach the end of your approval period. They will review your plan and can request an extension or submit an assessment request to ICBC on your behalf. ICBC makes the final decision on any additional visits.
If your crash was more than 12 weeks ago and you have not started treatment, you can still contact us. We can submit an assessment request to ICBC for you.
Key takeaways
- You can start physiotherapy after a car accident in BC without a doctor’s referral. You need your ICBC claim number and Personal Health Number.
- ICBC pre-approves up to 25 physiotherapy and 25 chiropractic visits, plus 12 each of massage therapy, acupuncture and kinesiology, in the first 12 weeks. ICBC sets these counts and they may change.
- Treatment benefits apply no matter who caused the crash.
- Whiplash symptoms can appear a day or more after a collision, so pay attention to delayed pain and stiffness.
- HealthLink BC recommends returning to normal daily activities as soon as possible after whiplash, and guided physiotherapy supports that approach.
- Care beyond 12 weeks is possible, but your practitioner must request it and ICBC must approve it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy after a car accident in BC?
No. ICBC says you can access pre-approved treatment with your claim number, without a doctor’s referral. You will also need your Personal Health Number. We still recommend seeing your doctor so your injury is documented on your medical record and anything that needs different care is picked up early.
Is ICBC physiotherapy covered if the crash was my fault?
Yes. ICBC’s Enhanced Care treatment benefits are available to everyone living in BC who is injured in a crash, no matter who is responsible. Cyclists and pedestrians receive the same benefits as drivers. Your ICBC claim specialist can confirm the details that apply to your own claim.
Will I pay anything at the clinic for ICBC physiotherapy?
For approved ICBC visits, we bill ICBC directly. Some visit types carry a user fee, and we confirm that with you before you book. We ask for a signed ICBC billing consent form and a credit card on file. If a visit is not approved or your claim is closed, standard rates apply, and we will always tell you before you are charged.
How soon after a car accident should I start physiotherapy?
You can book as soon as you have an ICBC claim number. HealthLink BC notes that whiplash symptoms may not appear until the day after an injury, so an early assessment can be useful even if pain feels mild at first. Your pre-approved visits apply to the first 12 weeks after the crash.
What if my car accident was more than 12 weeks ago?
You can still get care. Contact us with your claim details and we can submit an assessment request to ICBC on your behalf. If you are already in treatment and need more visits, your practitioner can request an extension. ICBC makes the final decision on any additional treatment.
Book your ICBC physiotherapy assessment in Richmond
If you have been hurt in a crash, our team can help you get started. Vitality Integrative Health has two Richmond clinics: Seafair at Unit 150, 8900 No 1 Rd, and Minoru at 7191 Granville Ave #2060, inside the Minoru Centre for Active Living. Our Seafair clinic is open seven days a week.
Start your ICBC rehab online or call 604 274 2692. Bring your claim number and we will take care of direct billing. Questions first? Contact our patient experience coordinators.
By the Vitality Integrative Health care team. Reviewed October 2026. This article is general information and does not replace an assessment by your own doctor or practitioner. ICBC coverage details are set by ICBC and may change.