Does OHIP cover physiotherapy?
Yes, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers physiotherapy, but only for specific groups and under certain conditions. Physiotherapy supports recovery, mobility and long-term physical function.
Where should you start?
OHIP provides conditional coverage for physiotherapy, which means not everyone is eligible, and your appointment must be at an OHIP-approved clinic to qualify. You can find the right clinic for you by checking the OHIP physiotherapy clinic directory.
Who is eligible for coverage?
Physiotherapy sessions that are funded by OHIP are available to Ontario residents who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Seniors aged 65 and older
- Youth aged 19 and under
- Recipients of Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Adults recently discharged from hospital following an illness, injury, or surgery requiring physiotherapy
You will need a valid OHIP card and a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner. Services must be delivered through the Ontario Community Physiotherapy Clinic Program, which is a network of publicly funded providers, and the clinic will let you know if you qualify for coverage.
What’s included in OHIP coverage?
- Initial assessment and treatment plans
- Physical therapy sessions related to a medical condition or injury
- Medically necessary care as determined by a healthcare professional
There is no universal maximum number of sessions. Instead, the number of treatments depends on your medical need and the clinic’s funding limits.
What is not covered?
OHIP does not cover physiotherapy for:
Adults aged 20–64 who are not on Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or recently discharged from hospital.
Services provided by non-participating clinics or in private settings.
Preventive, wellness, or fitness-based physiotherapy.
This gap in coverage can leave many people without necessary care. If this applies to you, then you may want to consider private plans like our Freedom to Choose™ health and dental insurance.
How to access OHIP-covered physiotherapy
Not all clinics are OHIP-approved, and not all referrals guarantee coverage, so it’s important to verify before booking. If you believe you quality for coverage, you should:
- Get a referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner.
- Search for clinics participating in the Ontario Community Physiotherapy Clinic Program.
- Bring your health card and referral documents to your first appointment.
- Confirm eligibility and clinic participation in advance.
What are alternative coverage options?
If you’re not eligible for OHIP-funded physiotherapy, there are other ways to access care:
- Extended health-benefit plans often include physiotherapy with annual maximums.
- Workplace insurance may cover therapy sessions with flexible provider options.
- Community Health Centres may offer low-cost or sliding-scale services.
- Private clinics allow patients to self-pay for treatment.
Not all physiotherapy is free under OHIP, but there are options available to you if you need coverage. Consider private insurance or community-based services to avoid long waitlists, being denied coverage and confusion about eligibility.