- Tax Deductible Medical Expense
- Health Care Insurance
- OHIP Coverage
- Payment
- Masseuse/RMT Difference
- RMT
- Clothing
- Frequency
- Duration
- Privacy Policy
I do not have extended Health Care Insurance. Can I claim Massage Therapy as an expense on my personal taxes?
Yes. Massage Therapy is a tax-deductible medical expense, similar to Dental or Eyeglass expenses.
How do I find out if I have extended Health Care Insurance?
Read your insurance booklet, if you have one. You can also ask your employer or call your insurer directly. Have your Group and ID numbers handy. Ask them:
- How much coverage do you have, if any?
- Is there a deductible? Is it per calendar year (i.e.: January – December)?
- Is there a maximum amount per visit?
- Must you obtain a doctor’s note before receiving massage in order to submit a claim for benefits?
Direct Billing
Do you do direct billing to my insurance company?
Yes we can bill your insurance company directly and you will only have to pay the remaining balance if the policy does not cover 100%. Please fill out our direct billing form before your first appointment so we can set it up before your first visit.
Does OHIP cover Massage Therapy Treatments?
No, massage is not covered by OHIP. Many extended Health Care Insurance Plans include Massage Therapy. Check with your employer to see if your company benefits package includes Massage Therapy. Extended Health Care coverage is also available from Manulife and other companies, which can be beneficial to those who are self-employed or do not have a plan at work.
How do I pay for Massage Therapy Treatments?
We accept payment by cash and cheque, Visa or Mastercard. Your RMT will issue an official receipt for you to include with your benefits claim or taxes.
What is the difference between a Masseuse or Masseur and an RMT?
Masseuse and Masseur are names that were used by some people before we became regulated by a government body. The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) started assigning the RMT designation in 1995. Someone calling themselves a Masseuse today is not registered or regulated and likely not insured. What is the difference between “licensed”, “certified” and “registered”? “Licensed” and “certified” people are not the same as a Registered Therapist. They generally do not possess liability insurance and may have as little as 500 hours of training. They are not included in extended Health Care Plans nor are they regulated by the CMTO. It is illegal to use the name or designations RMT or MT if you are not a member of the CMTO. Recently, some people have tried to modify our designation to lend credibility to their practices. For example; “Registered Aroma-Massage Therapist” and “Registered Myomassology Therapist”. Please be aware that the ONLY designation given by the CMTO is RMT (which can be shortened to MT). These people are not controlled by a professional college nor are they bound by the RHPA. All RMTs have a photo registration card. Ask to see it if you are uncertain of a person’s credentials.
What does RMT stand for?
RMT stands for Registered Massage Therapist. Registered Massage Therapists train for a minimum of 2200 hours and complete comprehensive practical and written exams to receive their designation. RMTs are regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, maintain liability insurance and are bound by the Regulated Health Professionals Act. They are recognized by Doctors, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and other professions as valuable Health Care Professionals.
What do I wear?
You can wear as much or as little clothing as you wish. Whatever makes you feel comfortable. You will be covered by a sheet and blanket at all times. Your therapist will uncover one area at a time (i.e.: your back) to treat and then cover it again when they are finished. You will always be explained the treatment plan in detail, explaining what part of the body the therapist will be touching, and uncovering. If you are not comfortable with the treatment explained to you, you can let the therapist know and she/he will modify it to your comfort level. you are always in control.
How often should I have a Massage? There are two answers to this question. Many people receive regular massage throughout their lives;
- For preventative health – to maintain flexibility, good posture and decreased stress response.
- To manage painful conditions including chronic pain, headaches and back & neck pain.
- To become more conscious of how their body functions – to be more ‘body aware’.
- Also, Massage Therapy is excellent for specific conditions which require focused treatment plans such as: Injuries to soft tissue like sprains and strains and activity-based syndromes like Runner’s Knee or Plantar Fasciitis.
- Treatment of contractures due to previous injury or surgeries.
- Rehabilitation of a limb after removal of a cast. Your therapist will make recommendations about frequency and duration based upon your treatment plan. It is a good idea to stick with your plan so you can achieve the maximum benefit from treatment.
What duration of treatment should I choose?
For your first appointment, we recommend one hour. A full hour will give your therapist time to:
- Determine which areas require more focused work.
- Perform any assessment or testing that may be necessary.
- Make recommendations for your Treatment Plan.
A full-body massage generally takes one hour.
The privacy of your personal information is very important to us. For more information on our privacy policy please click here