The types of rehabilitation services paid for by public (government) health plans in Canada vary from province to province. Private (employer or individual) health insurance plans often cover some rehabilitation services, but there is usually a yearly maximum.

You will need to talk to your doctor, rehabilitation provider, human resources department, insurance company, or local HIV organization to find out what is covered for you.

Some of the possibilities include:

Provincial health plan:

If you receive rehabilitation services while you are in hospital, they are covered by your provincial health plan. If you continue to receive rehabilitation from the hospital in an ambulatory or outpatient clinic after you leave hospital, it may also be covered.  In some provinces, people enrolled in government income support programs are eligible for extended health benefits, including some rehabilitation services, through their provincial health plan.

Private insurers:
Some rehabilitation services may be covered by your employer’s group health insurance plan (if you are still working) or by private health insurance you purchased on your own. However, even if you have a plan through your employer, there are usually yearly maximums and sometimes only a portion of the cost is covered. Check your plan.

Sliding fee scales:
Some rehabilitation providers have a sliding fee scale for people without insurance. The fee is based on how much the care recipient is able to pay.

HIV organizations:
Some local HIV organizations may provide some rehabilitation services for free.  Organizations sometimes partner with local schools of rehabilitation, welcoming student interns who provide their services at no cost to the organization or the client.

Primary health care:

Some primary care physicians work in inter-professional teams. If the needs of their patient population call for it, Family Health Teams (FHTs) and Community Health Centres may hire rehabilitation professionals as part of these teams.  Individuals who are patients of these clinics/centres are able to access the services of all team members at no personal cost.