How to Use Extended Health Benefits for Acupuncture
What most extended health plans cover for acupuncture
- Typical structure: yearly dollar maximum vs per-visit maximum.[web:19]
- Common insurers in BC: Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife (examples, not an exhaustive list).
- What “acupuncturist” coverage usually means vs “TCM practitioner” or “RMT”.
- How unused benefits often do not roll over to the next year.
Questions to ask your insurer or HR
- What is my annual limit for acupuncture?
- Is there a per-visit maximum amount?
- Do I need a doctor’s note or referral?
- Is direct billing available, or do I submit receipts myself?
Visit limits, yearly maximums and how they work
- Example: $500/year for acupuncture vs combined paramedical maximum.
- How co-pay or partial coverage may appear on your claim.
- Differences between individual and family plans.
- How splitting visits across multiple clinics may affect your remaining balance.
Common misunderstandings
- Thinking benefits cover “unlimited” sessions when there is a clear maximum.
- Assuming you can “save” unused benefits for the next year.
- Confusing medical insurance (MSP) with extended health benefits.
Direct billing vs self-submit
- What direct billing is and how it simplifies your visit.[web:16][web:22]
- When direct billing may not be available (e.g. certain plans or insurers).
- Self-submit basics: downloading your insurer’s app or portal, uploading receipts.
- How Ryu Clinic prepares receipts with all required information.
What to bring to your first visit
- Insurance card or policy information.
- Any reference number your insurer uses for you or your family.
- Photo ID and contact information for your plan holder (if not you).
How Ryu Clinic works with your benefits
- Checking coverage details you provide and aligning your treatment plan with your limits.[web:16][web:37]
- Planning frequency: more frequent early visits vs spaced maintenance sessions later in the year.
- Discussing options openly if you are close to your yearly maximum.
- Combining extended benefits with ICBC or other coverage where applicable.
Using benefits across the year
- Phase 1: early-year assessment and addressing known issues.
- Phase 2: mid-year tune-up and managing work or training stress.
- Phase 3: year-end check-up and planning for the upcoming year.[web:44]
- Example: using monthly or every-2–3-week visits instead of a last-minute rush in December.
Building a personal benefits strategy
- Prioritising your main issue (neck, back, headaches, stress, etc.).
- Deciding how much of your yearly allowance to reserve for flare-ups.
- Coordinating with other therapies (physio, massage, counselling) within one plan.
🇰🇷 Korean Summary / 한국어 요약
extended health benefits를 침 치료에 어떻게 활용할지 알고 싶을 때 보는 가이드입니다.
This guide shows how to use extended health benefits for acupuncture and how to plan your visits across the year.
보험사가 무엇을 얼마나 커버하는지, 연간 한도를 어떻게 나누어 쓰면 좋은지 예시를 통해 설명합니다.
Coquitlam & Vancouver Ryu Clinic에서 보험 청구와 예약을 어떻게 도와드리는지도 한국어로 정리합니다.
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