ICBC after a crash: how treatment works in the first 12 weeks
After a crash in BC, ICBC pre-approves a set number of visits for physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, kinesiology, counselling and acupuncture in the first 12 weeks. Here's what's covered, what you need, and how to start.
BreakThru Kinetics ·
Start with a claim
Report the crash to ICBC to open an injury claim. ICBC gives you a claim number, and a clinic uses that number to bill ICBC for your care.
No referral needed
ICBC says you don't need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner, or approval from ICBC, for pre-approved treatment in the first 12 weeks. You need your claim number and your Personal Health Number.
What ICBC pre-approves
ICBC sets pre-approved visits for each type of practitioner, for the first 12 weeks after the crash. These are the ones we offer at our clinic:
- Physiotherapy: 25 visits
- Chiropractic care: 25 visits
- Massage therapy: 12 visits
- Kinesiology (active rehab): 12 visits
- Counselling: 12 visits
- Acupuncture: 12 visits
The 12 weeks count from the date of the crash, not from your first visit.
We checked these numbers on ICBC's website on October 28, 2026. ICBC can change them, so ICBC's own page has the latest.
Paying for your visits
We bill ICBC directly for your visits. If you see a clinic that doesn't direct bill, ICBC says you pay up front and send ICBC your receipts within 180 days, and it pays you back up to its approved rates.
No claim number yet?
You can book with us before ICBC gives you a claim number. Bring it to your first visit, or call us with it when you have it.
After the first 12 weeks
If you need care past 12 weeks, ICBC can approve more treatment. Your ICBC recovery specialist works that out with you, and ICBC's care and recovery benefits page explains how.
ICBC care at BreakThru
Our team sees ICBC patients for:
- ICBC physiotherapy
- ICBC massage therapy
- ICBC active rehab
- ICBC chiropractic care
- Acupuncture and clinical counselling
You can book an ICBC first visit online, or call us at (236) 592-1459 and our front desk will book it for you.
Questions about your visit or your coverage?
Questions people ask
How many physio visits does ICBC cover after a crash?
ICBC pre-approves 25 physiotherapy visits in the first 12 weeks after the crash. After that, ICBC can approve more through your claim.
How many massage therapy visits does ICBC cover?
ICBC pre-approves 12 massage therapy visits in the first 12 weeks after the crash.
Do the 12 weeks start from the crash or from my first visit?
From the crash. ICBC's pre-approved treatment covers the first 12 weeks after the date of the crash.
Do I need a doctor's referral for ICBC treatment?
No. ICBC says you need your claim number and your Personal Health Number, not a referral.
Sources
Checked October 28, 2026. These rules can change, so the source pages have the latest.