If you are wondering whether your insurance will cover a massage therapy visit in Ottawa or Nepean, the short answer is: for most people, yes. Most employer-sponsored extended health benefit plans in Ontario include some level of coverage for Registered Massage Therapy.
Direct Billing at Woodroffe Health Centre
We offer direct billing for most major insurers
Direct billing means the clinic submits your claim to your insurance provider at the time of your appointment — you only pay the portion your plan does not cover. No waiting for reimbursement, no paperwork.
Bring your insurance card to your appointment. Not all insurers participate — confirm with your provider before your visit.
Which Insurers Cover RMT in Ottawa?
Most major group benefit providers offer some RMT coverage, though the annual limit and per-visit maximum vary by plan tier. Here is a general overview:
| Insurer | Typically Covers RMT? | Direct Billing? |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Life Financial | Yes — most plans | Yes |
| Manulife | Yes — most plans | Yes |
| Canada Life (Great-West) | Yes — most plans | Yes |
| Blue Cross | Yes — most plans | Yes |
| Desjardins | Yes — most plans | Yes |
| SSQ / Beneva | Yes — most plans | Yes |
| Industrial Alliance (iA) | Yes — most plans | Yes |
Coverage details — annual maximums, per-visit limits, referral requirements — vary by your specific plan and tier. Always confirm with your insurer rather than relying on general information.
Ottawa has a large federal public service workforce. If you work in the federal public service, there is a strong chance your benefits plan includes paramedical coverage for RMT massage and acupuncture, though the exact amount depends on your bargaining unit and plan.
Understanding Your Coverage: Key Variables
Two people at the same company may have very different benefit levels. The key variables that define your RMT coverage:
| Variable | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Annual maximum | The most your plan will pay per calendar year for RMT (e.g., $500, $750, $1,000) |
| Per-visit limit | Some plans cap reimbursement per session regardless of what you paid |
| Plan year reset | Coverage resets at the start of your plan year — check your balance if you are near your annual limit |
| Combined paramedical limit | Some plans pool RMT with chiropractic or physio under one shared annual maximum |
| Referral requirement | Some plans require a physician’s referral for reimbursement — the clinic does not require one to book |
What Receipt Will You Receive?
At Woodroffe Health Centre, an official RMT receipt is provided after each session. Our therapists are registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Your receipt includes:
This is the document your insurer will ask for when processing a reimbursement claim. If direct billing is not available for your plan, you can submit this receipt directly to your insurer online or by mail.
Does Acupuncture Insurance Work the Same Way?
Yes — acupuncture coverage works similarly to RMT. Most extended health plans that include paramedical coverage will also cover acupuncture when provided by a CTCMPAO-registered practitioner. Annual limits are separate from RMT in most plans, which means you may have unused benefits for both. If you are curious whether acupuncture is right for you alongside massage, our guide on massage vs. acupuncture can help.
Questions to Ask Your Insurer Before Booking
A quick call or check through your plan’s member portal can save time and avoid surprises:
- Is Registered Massage Therapy covered under my plan?
- What is my annual coverage limit for RMT?
- Is there a per-visit maximum?
- Do I need a doctor’s referral for reimbursement?
- Does my RMT coverage share a combined limit with other paramedical services?
- When does my coverage reset for the new plan year?
- Does my plan support direct billing with the clinic?
Ready to use your benefits? Book your RMT appointment at our Nepean clinic — direct billing available for most major insurers.
Book Online →1421 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean · (613) 224-8383 · CMTO-registered RMTs
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your RMT Appointment in Nepean
• 1421 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, Ottawa
• (613) 224-8383
CMTO-registered massage therapists · Official RMT receipts · Direct billing for most major insurers
Book Online