One of the most common questions we hear from car accident patients at Artemis Wellness Clinic is how long ICBC will cover their treatment. The short answer is that ICBC covers treatment for as long as it is medically necessary and contributing to your recovery. But there are important details you should understand about how this works in practice.
There Is No Fixed Session Limit
Unlike some private insurance plans that cap coverage at a specific number of visits per year, ICBC does not impose a fixed session limit for car accident treatment. Whether you need 10 sessions or 50, coverage is based on medical necessity — meaning your treatment must be related to your accident injuries and must be producing measurable improvement.
This applies to all treatment types covered by ICBC: RMT massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and kinesiology.
How ICBC Determines Treatment Duration
Your treatment providers are responsible for documenting your injuries, treatment plan, and progress. ICBC reviews this information periodically. Treatment continues to be covered as long as your injuries are ongoing and documented, your treatment is producing improvement, your treatment plan is reasonable and clinically appropriate, and the treatment is directly related to your car accident injuries.
At Artemis, our practitioners maintain detailed records of your progress and communicate with ICBC as needed to ensure your coverage continues.
Typical Treatment Timelines
Every injury is different, but here are general timelines for common car accident injuries treated at our clinic.
Mild whiplash: 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, typically 1 to 2 sessions per week. Moderate whiplash with headaches: 8 to 16 weeks, potentially combining RMT, acupuncture, and physiotherapy. Severe whiplash with neurological symptoms: 4 to 6 months or longer, multidisciplinary treatment. Back injuries: 6 to 12 weeks for muscle strains, longer for disc injuries. Chronic pain development: ongoing treatment may be needed for 6 to 12 months or beyond.
What Happens When Treatment Ends?
When your practitioners determine that you have reached maximum medical improvement — meaning further treatment is unlikely to produce significant additional improvement — your active treatment phase ends. At this point, ICBC may continue to cover periodic maintenance treatment if your condition requires it.
You also have the option of continuing treatment using your extended health insurance benefits or paying privately.
Your Rights Under ICBC Enhanced Care
Under BC’s Enhanced Care model, which has been in effect since May 2021, you have the right to choose your own healthcare providers, access treatment for as long as it is medically necessary, receive income replacement benefits while unable to work, and access vocational rehabilitation if needed.
If you disagree with an ICBC decision about your treatment coverage, you have the right to request a review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICBC cut off my treatment?
ICBC can adjust coverage if your treatment is no longer producing improvement or is no longer medically necessary. However, this requires clinical justification, and you have the right to appeal.
Does fault matter for treatment duration?
No. Under Enhanced Care, your treatment coverage is the same regardless of who caused the accident.
Can I switch treatment providers during my ICBC claim?
Yes. You can change providers at any time. If you are not satisfied with your current treatment, you are free to come to Artemis.
What if my symptoms come back after treatment ends?
If your symptoms recur, you can request that your ICBC claim be reopened for additional treatment. Contact your ICBC adjuster and your treatment provider.
Start Your ICBC Treatment at Artemis
Do not wait to begin treatment. Call 604-242-2233 or book at artemis.janeapp.com. We are at 5911 No. 3 Rd #130, Richmond BC.