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Injured at Work in BC? Your WorkSafeBC Physiotherapy Guide
Every worker in British Columbia who is injured on the job is covered by WorkSafeBC — but most people don't know how treatment actually gets paid for, or how soon they can start. Here's the whole process, in plain language.
What WorkSafeBC covers
If your injury happened while performing work duties in BC, WorkSafeBC funds the healthcare you need to recover — including physiotherapy — under an accepted claim. At an approved provider like Matrix Rehab, treatment is billed directly to WorkSafeBC, so you're not paying out of pocket for approved care. Note that physiotherapy is the service we direct bill to WorkSafeBC — massage therapy and acupuncture each need their own approval from WorkSafeBC before they can be covered on a claim.
Three steps to start treatment
- Report the injury to your employer — as soon as possible. Your employer is required to report significant injuries to WorkSafeBC.
- File your claim — call WorkSafeBC's Teleclaim line or see a doctor, who will submit a report. You'll be assigned a claim number.
- Book your physiotherapy — tell us it's a workplace injury when you book. Bring your claim number if you have it; if your claim is still being processed, call us first and we'll confirm what can start right away.
Do you have to wait for claim approval?
Often, no. In many cases treatment can begin while your claim is still being processed — early treatment is exactly what WorkSafeBC's system is designed to encourage, because it leads to faster, safer returns to work. We confirm your coverage situation before you pay anything, so there are no surprises.
What treatment looks like
Your physiotherapist assesses the injury, builds a plan around your job's physical demands, and provides hands-on treatment plus guided exercise you can do at home. Along the way, we handle the progress reporting to your case manager — communication between your therapist, employer and WorkSafeBC is part of how the program works, and part of what we take off your plate.
The goal: a safe return to work
WorkSafeBC recovery isn't only about pain relief — it's about getting you back to your job without re-injury. Your plan may include a gradual return-to-work approach, and your therapist's input helps shape what duties are safe at each stage.
Before you book
How direct billing works
A few things worth knowing about insurance billing, so there are no surprises at the front desk.
ICBC and WorkSafeBC claims work differently: once your claim is approved, we handle the billing and the reporting for you. The points below apply to extended health plans.
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We submit the claim — your insurer decides what it pays.
Direct billing is a convenience we offer. It is not a guarantee that your claim will be approved, or paid in full.
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We can bill your plan, but we cannot look it up.
Your coverage amounts, limits, deductibles and any pre-approval rules sit with your insurer, not with us. Knowing what your own extended health plan includes is the one part we cannot do for you.
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Anything your insurer doesn't cover is payable by you.
If your plan pays only part of the fee — or none of it — the remaining balance is due at your visit.
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The exact payout is known after your visit, not before.
A claim can only be submitted once your appointment is complete, so that is the point at which we find out what your insurer has paid.
Thanks for understanding — knowing your plan before you arrive keeps the billing side simple for everyone.