Your RMT receipt and insurance, explained
OHIP does not cover massage therapy, but many extended or private health plans and Health Spending Accounts do. Mirek Werykowicz, RMT, provides an official receipt with his CMTO registration number so you can submit a claim and seek reimbursement from your own plan.
Does OHIP cover massage therapy in Ontario?
No. Ontario's public health plan, OHIP, does not cover registered massage therapy. That surprises some people, but massage with an RMT is paid privately and then, in many cases, claimed back through a separate health plan.
The good news is that a lot of people already have coverage and do not realize it. Many extended or private health insurance plans include massage therapy, and so do Health Spending Accounts offered through some employers. The amount and rules vary from plan to plan, so it is always worth checking your own policy before you assume you are not covered.
What an official RMT receipt includes
When you see a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario, you should receive an official receipt that your insurer can recognize. A proper RMT receipt typically shows the date of the appointment, your name, the therapist's name, and the therapist's CMTO registration number. It also lists the amount you paid, the HST charged, and the HST number.
Mirek Werykowicz, RMT, is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, and his receipts include his CMTO registration number and HST number. That is the documentation most plans ask for when you submit a massage therapy claim. Keep your receipts in case your insurer requests them later.
Reimbursement, not direct billing
Mirek works on a reimbursement basis rather than direct billing. In plain terms, that means you pay for your appointment at the time of service, by cash or e-transfer, and then submit your official receipt to your own insurance plan to claim the cost back.
Direct billing, where the clinic bills your insurer for you, requires separate software and arrangements that a mobile practice does not run. The trade-off is simple. You handle the claim yourself, which is usually a quick online or app-based submission, and the receipt you are given is designed to make that step straightforward.
What to check with your own plan
Coverage details differ a lot between plans, so it helps to look at yours before booking or claiming. Many plans set an annual maximum for massage therapy, often somewhere in the range of $300 to $1,000 per year, and some also cap the amount paid per visit. Once you reach the annual maximum, further visits that year are usually your own cost.
A few plans ask for a doctor's note or referral before they will reimburse massage therapy, while many do not. The easiest way to know is to call the number on your benefits card or check your member portal and ask three things: is massage therapy with an RMT covered, what is the annual maximum, and is a doctor's note required. This blog post is general information and does not confirm what your own plan covers, so always confirm the specifics with your insurer.
Common questions
Will my insurance definitely pay for massage therapy?
Not always. Coverage depends entirely on your specific plan. Many extended health plans and Health Spending Accounts include registered massage therapy, but some do not, and amounts differ. Check your policy or call your insurer to confirm what is covered before you book.
Do I pay Mirek or does he bill my insurance?
You pay at the time of your appointment by cash or e-transfer. Mirek works on a reimbursement basis, not direct billing. He provides an official receipt with his CMTO registration number, which you then submit to your own plan to claim the cost back.
Do I need a doctor's note for massage coverage?
It depends on your plan. Some insurers require a doctor's note or referral before reimbursing massage therapy, while many do not. The simplest way to be sure is to check your member portal or call the number on your benefits card and ask before your visit.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Massage therapy supports comfort and relaxation and is not a treatment for any medical condition. For any health concern, please consult your physician.
Book your mobile massage
Mirek Werykowicz, RMT comes to you across the west GTA. Call or text to book.