Using extended health benefits for acupuncture
Some employer and private benefit plans include acupuncture, but coverage is determined by the individual insurance contract. Annual maximums, reimbursement percentages, deductibles, eligible-charge limits, provider requirements and claim procedures can differ between plans.
What to check before booking
- Whether acupuncture is included in your current plan.
- Which professional designation your insurer accepts for reimbursement.
- Whether the treating practitioner must hold a current British Columbia licence.
- Your remaining annual or combined paramedical maximum.
- Any deductible, reimbursement percentage or per-visit limit.
- Whether the clinic can submit claims directly to your insurer.
Verify the practitioner when required
The CCHPBC public registry can be used to confirm whether an individual is currently licensed and to review credentials and scope-of-practice information.
Direct billing is not a guarantee of reimbursement
A clinic may be able to submit a claim electronically, but the insurer still applies the terms of the member’s plan. Patients remain responsible for confirming coverage and for any amount not reimbursed.