If you have extended health benefits through your employer, there’s a good chance registered massage therapy is covered — and you may not even realize how easy it is to use. At Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, we handle the insurance billing for you through a process called direct billing, so you can focus on your treatment instead of paperwork.
Whether you’re new to massage therapy or you’ve been putting off treatment because you weren’t sure about the cost, this guide explains exactly how direct billing works for RMT in Richmond BC and how to make the most of your health benefits at Artemis.
What Is Direct Billing for RMT?
Direct billing is a convenient payment process where the clinic submits your insurance claim on your behalf, directly to your insurance provider. Instead of paying the full treatment cost out of pocket and then filing a claim yourself, the clinic handles the entire transaction electronically.
At Artemis Wellness Clinic, here’s what direct billing looks like in practice: you attend your RMT appointment, we verify your insurance coverage, and we submit the claim to your provider before you leave. You pay only the part your plan does not cover (co-pay, deductible or amounts above your plan maximum).
This makes it significantly easier to access regular massage therapy without the financial friction of paying the full amount upfront. For many people searching for RMT in Richmond with direct billing, this is the deciding factor when choosing a clinic.
Insurance Providers We Bill Directly
Artemis Wellness Clinic direct bills to most major extended health insurance providers in British Columbia. Our list includes, but is not limited to, Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life Financial, Manulife, Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life), Desjardins Insurance, Green Shield Canada, Industrial Alliance, Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance, and many more.
If your insurance provider is not listed above, please call us at 604-242-2233 or mention your plan when booking online. In many cases, we can still process your claim directly. Our front desk team is experienced in navigating different insurance plans and will confirm your coverage before your appointment.
The key requirement for coverage is that your massage therapist must be a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). All massage therapists at Artemis are Registered Massage Therapists licensed with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), so their sessions are eligible under plans that cover RMT.
RMT vs Non-Registered Massage: Why It Matters for Your Coverage
This is one of the most important distinctions in massage therapy, and it directly affects whether your insurance will pay for your treatment.
A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in British Columbia has completed an accredited education program of 3,000 or more hours, passed rigorous provincial examinations, and maintains active registration with CCHPBC. RMTs are regulated healthcare professionals, and their services are recognized by insurance companies.
A non-registered massage provider — including spa therapists, relaxation massage practitioners, and bodywork specialists — has not met these regulatory standards. While their services may feel pleasant, they are not covered by extended health benefit plans in BC.
When you book at a clinic, always confirm that your therapist is an RMT. At Artemis, every massage therapist on our team is an RMT, so your sessions meet your plan’s RMT requirement. For a detailed comparison, read our article on the key differences between an RMT and a massage therapist in Richmond.
How to Use Your ICBC Claim for Massage Therapy
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia, you may be entitled to massage therapy coverage through ICBC. Artemis Wellness Clinic accepts ICBC claims and bills ICBC directly.
Within the first 12 weeks after a crash, you do not need a doctor’s referral or ICBC approval to start massage therapy, and ICBC pre-approves up to 12 RMT treatments. Bring your ICBC claim number and your BC Personal Health Number (PHN), and we handle the rest. We bill ICBC directly for your pre-approved treatments. If part of a fee is not covered by ICBC (a user fee), we tell you before your treatment.
ICBC-covered RMT may help with whiplash, neck and back injuries, soft tissue damage, and other conditions resulting from car accidents. Our therapists are experienced in motor vehicle accident rehabilitation and will work with your broader care team to support your recovery. For a complete walkthrough of the ICBC claims process, visit our ICBC massage therapy Richmond claims guide.
Step-by-Step: Your First Direct-Billing RMT Visit at Artemis
Visiting Artemis for RMT with direct billing is straightforward. Here’s what the process looks like from start to finish.
Step 1: Book your appointment. Visit artemis.janeapp.com to book online, or call us at 604-242-2233. Walk-ins are also welcome 7 days a week. When booking, have your insurance information ready — your provider name, policy number, and member ID.
Step 2: Arrive and check in. When you arrive at our clinic at 130-5911 No. 3 Road (across from Pricesmart Ackroyd, near Richmond Centre), our front desk team will verify your insurance details and confirm your direct billing eligibility.
Step 3: Your RMT assessment and treatment. Your registered massage therapist will conduct a thorough initial assessment — discussing your pain, medical history, and goals — before beginning your personalized treatment. If it’s your first visit, check out our guide on what to expect at your first RMT appointment in Richmond.
Step 4: Direct billing at checkout. After your session, we submit your insurance claim electronically. You’ll see the amount covered by your plan and pay only the part your plan does not cover (co-pay, deductible or amounts above your plan maximum).
Step 5: Schedule your next visit. Your RMT will recommend a treatment frequency based on your condition. Some patients book regular sessions — often every 2 to 4 weeks — depending on their goals. Booking your next appointment before you leave ensures you get your preferred time.
Book Your RMT Appointment Today
Using your health benefits for registered massage therapy should be simple, and at Artemis Wellness Clinic, it is. We handle the insurance billing. We verify your coverage. And we make sure you get the clinical care you deserve from a registered, qualified RMT in Richmond.
Artemis is a multidisciplinary clinic near Richmond Centre offering RMT, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and kinesiology under one roof — with direct billing to most major insurers. We’re open 7 days a week, and walk-ins are always welcome.
Stop leaving your massage therapy benefits unused. Book your appointment today and let us take care of the rest.
Book online now: https://artemis.janeapp.com/
Call us: 604-242-2233
Visit us: 130-5911 No. 3 Road, Richmond BC, V6X 0K9 (across from Pricesmart Ackroyd, 3 minutes from Richmond Centre / Brighouse SkyTrain)
