If you are searching for Richmond RMT services, the question that usually goes unanswered until you call to book is: what does it actually cost after my insurance pays? This guide answers it honestly using current Richmond market rates and the direct-billing arrangements at Artemis Wellness Clinic at 5911 No. 3 Rd #130, Richmond BC — steps from Brighouse SkyTrain. Phone 604-242-2233 or book online at artemis.janeapp.com.
The short answer: with direct billing, you don’t pay upfront — and many patients with extended-health benefits pay $0 to $30 out of pocket per session. ICBC active-rehab patients typically pay $0. Read on for the per-plan specifics and three real worked examples.
Standard Richmond RMT Session Pricing (Before Insurance)
Richmond market rates for registered massage therapy in 2026 are reasonably consistent across regulated clinics:
| Session length | Typical Richmond rate (2026) | Artemis rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $75–$95 | $80 |
| 45 minutes | $105–$125 | $110 |
| 60 minutes | $130–$150 | $135 |
| 75 minutes | $155–$180 | $160 |
| 90 minutes | $180–$210 | $185 |
These rates reflect what a regulated Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) charges — practitioners regulated by the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. Spa massage from non-RMT therapists is usually 20–30% cheaper but is NOT eligible for extended health insurance reimbursement (more on the difference in our RMT vs spa massage comparison).
Important framing: the rates above are the gross price. Almost no patient at Artemis pays the gross amount because of the direct-billing arrangements explained next.
Direct Billing — How It Actually Works
“Direct billing” means the clinic submits the insurance claim on your behalf at the time of your appointment, and you pay only the portion not covered by insurance — instead of paying the full amount up front and waiting weeks for reimbursement.
Most Richmond patients do not realize how transformative this is. With direct billing, a 60-minute session that lists at $135 might cost you $0 out of pocket if your extended health plan covers RMT at 100% up to a specific dollar amount per visit, OR something modest like $15–$25 if your plan covers a percentage.
Plans Artemis directly bills for Richmond RMT
- ICBC (Enhanced Care active rehab benefit — pre-approved sessions covered 100%)
- WorkSafeBC (active claim coverage)
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Sun Life Financial
- Manulife
- Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life)
- Green Shield Canada
For other extended health plans, Artemis provides a detailed receipt that you submit to your insurer for reimbursement — typically processed in 1 to 2 weeks. Reception can confirm direct-billing eligibility for your specific plan when you call 604-242-2233 or book online.
What ICBC Patients Actually Pay (Most Common: $0)
If you have an active ICBC claim from a motor vehicle collision, RMT is one of the pre-approved active-rehab benefits. Under ICBC Enhanced Care, the standard pre-approved treatment count is 25 RMT sessions within the first 12 weeks of your claim. These sessions are covered at 100% — meaning $0 out of pocket for the patient. Artemis direct bills ICBC; you sign one form at your first visit and the back-end paperwork is handled for you.
For patients beyond the 12-week window or who exceed the 25-session count, your treating clinician can request an extension from ICBC; this is approved on a case-by-case basis. If the extension is not approved, you can either pay out of pocket or use your extended health benefits to continue.
For the broader ICBC mechanics see our ICBC approved clinic in Richmond BC guide and ICBC physiotherapy in Richmond BC.
What Extended Health Patients Actually Pay (Realistic Examples)
Three example scenarios for a $135 60-minute Richmond RMT session at Artemis:
Example 1: Pacific Blue Cross plan with 100% coverage up to $80/visit
– Plan pays: $80 (direct billed)
– Patient pays: $55 ($135 – $80)
– Per-session cost to patient: $55
Example 2: Sun Life plan with 80% coverage up to $500/year
– Plan pays: $108 ($135 × 80%, direct billed if within annual cap)
– Patient pays: $27 ($135 – $108)
– Per-session cost to patient: $27
Example 3: Manulife plan with 100% RMT coverage up to $1,500/year
– Plan pays: $135 (direct billed if within annual cap)
– Patient pays: $0
– Per-session cost to patient: $0 (until annual cap hit)
The exact numbers depend on your specific plan booklet. The pattern that almost everyone shares: with extended health benefits + direct billing, the out-of-pocket cost per visit is dramatically less than the listed price.
How Many Sessions Will I Actually Need?
A common question that affects total cost. Honest answer: it varies by condition, but typical patterns at Artemis:
- Acute musculoskeletal complaint (recent strain, post-exercise tightness): often resolves in 1–3 sessions
- Chronic ongoing pain (months/years of issues): typical 4–8 sessions over 2–3 months for meaningful progress, then maintenance every 4–6 weeks
- ICBC active rehab post-MVA: typical 8–15 sessions across 8–12 weeks coordinated with physiotherapy
- General maintenance for desk workers, athletes, or stress-related tension: 1 session every 3–4 weeks ongoing
For most patients with extended health benefits, the per-session out-of-pocket cost is small enough that the total course of treatment is genuinely affordable.
Hidden Cost Factors to Ask About (At Any Clinic)
Before booking with any Richmond RMT clinic, three questions worth asking that affect actual cost:
1. Is there a “first appointment” surcharge? Some clinics charge an extra $20–$40 for the initial 15-minute assessment portion of a first appointment. Artemis does NOT — the listed session price is what you pay, period.
2. Are taxes included or extra? RMT services in BC are exempt from GST/PST. So no tax on the listed price. Some clinics still misapply tax — confirm before booking.
3. Is there a cancellation fee? Most clinics charge 50–100% of session price for late cancellations (under 24 hours) or no-shows. Artemis policy: 50% of session price for cancellations under 24 hours, 100% for no-shows. This is standard for the industry.
Why Choose Direct Billing at Artemis Richmond?
Three practical reasons direct billing matters more than headline price:
- Cash flow — you pay only the uncovered portion at the time of visit, not the full session price up front
- No reimbursement waiting — for plans we direct bill, you avoid the 1–2 week reimbursement wait period that happens when you pay up front and submit later
- No paperwork — Artemis handles the insurance claim filing for you
Combined with the rest of what Artemis offers — Dave Tam (RMT Director) and the team Samuel Cabuay and Jonae Ablao, integrated multidisciplinary care alongside acupuncture / physiotherapy / chiropractic / kinesiology, weekday evening + Saturday hours, Brighouse SkyTrain access — the per-session friction is genuinely low.
For more on the team see our Dave Tam RMT Director spotlight and the broader Registered Massage Therapy in Richmond guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 60-minute RMT cost at Artemis?
Listed price: $135. With most extended health plans + direct billing, out-of-pocket is typically $0–$30. ICBC active-rehab patients pay $0 within their pre-approved 25-session window.
Does Artemis direct bill ICBC for RMT?
Yes. Artemis is an ICBC-approved active rehab clinic. RMT is one of the pre-approved benefits under ICBC Enhanced Care.
What if my extended health plan is not on your direct-billing list?
Reception confirms direct-billing eligibility per plan when you book. If your plan is not directly billed, you pay at the time of visit and we provide a detailed receipt for you to submit for reimbursement (typical processing 1–2 weeks).
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
No first-appointment surcharge. No tax (RMT in BC is GST/PST exempt). Cancellation fee applies for under-24-hour cancels (50%) and no-shows (100%) — standard industry policy.
Can I use insurance for couples or family bookings?
Each session is billed individually under the patient’s name and insurance plan. Family members each need their own appointment and their own insurance (or shared family plan).
How do I confirm my plan covers RMT before booking?
Quickest: call your insurer’s 1-800 number on the back of your card and ask “do I have RMT coverage, and what is the per-visit and annual cap?” Or call Artemis at 604-242-2233 and reception can confirm against our direct-billing partner list.
What if I do not have any insurance — is RMT still affordable?
Out-of-pocket pricing is the same as listed above ($80 for 30 min, $135 for 60 min, etc.). For patients without coverage who need a longer course of treatment, ask reception about session bundles — pricing flexibility may be available case-by-case.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Yes. Weekday evening and Saturday daytime appointments are routine. Sunday hours are limited. Live availability is on artemis.janeapp.com.
Book Your Richmond RMT Session at Artemis
For transparent Richmond RMT pricing with direct billing for ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and most major extended health plans, Artemis Wellness Clinic at 5911 No. 3 Rd #130, Richmond, BC V6X 0K9 — steps from Brighouse SkyTrain. Phone 604-242-2233 or book online at artemis.janeapp.com. Five regulated disciplines coordinated under one roof. No referral needed. For our complete clinic overview, see our comprehensive guide.
