Is Physiotherapy Covered Under a Health Spending Account in Canada?

Physiotherapy treatments are eligible under your Health Spending Account whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or working through an injury. Here's what you need to know.

‍

‍

What Qualifies

Medically necessary physiotherapy performed by a licensed physiotherapist or physical therapist acting within the scope of their professional training is an eligible expense.

This includes both one-off visits and extended treatment plans.

For ongoing treatment plans, eligibility begins when your treatment actually starts. If your physiotherapy clinic charges a flat fee for a set course of treatment, that qualifies as long as all sessions are delivered within the same year.

‍

‍

Where It's Covered

The CRA recognizes both physiotherapists and physical therapists as authorized practitioners. The two titles cover the same profession across different provinces.

Both are eligible in every province and territory except the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

‍

‍

What's Not Eligible

Physiotherapy clinics commonly sell or recommend take-home products. These do not qualify:

• Resistance bands, foam rollers, or exercise equipment sold at the clinic
• Supplements or topical products
• General fitness or wellness programs not tied to treating a specific condition
• Gym memberships recommended as part of a recovery plan

The treatment sessions are what qualify. Products and equipment, even when recommended as part of your recovery, are not eligible.

‍

Claiming Your Sessions

Keep receipts for each session showing the date of service and amount paid. If your group benefits plan covered a portion, submit the unpaid balance through your Hiveworks account.

‍