What is ICBC rehabilitation?
When you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) may fund medical and rehabilitation services to support your recovery. This process is often called ICBC rehabilitation or ICBC-funded care.
ICBC rehabilitation may include physiotherapy, active rehab (kinesiology), registered massage therapy, chiropractic care, clinical counselling, acupuncture and other approved treatments. The specific services funded depend on the nature of your injuries, your treatment needs and your ICBC claim approval.
Revive Rehab works with ICBC patients every day. The clinical and front desk teams understand the claims process and can help you navigate each step — from your first call to your final progress review.
Who may be eligible?
You may be eligible for ICBC-funded rehabilitation if you were:
- A driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian involved in a motor vehicle accident in BC
- Injured as a result of the accident, even if symptoms appeared days or weeks later
- In possession of an open ICBC claim related to the accident
Eligibility is determined by ICBC based on your claim and injury details. Revive Rehab can guide you through the process, but cannot guarantee coverage or approval.
What to do after a motor vehicle accident
If you have been in a crash, here is a general overview of the steps many people take. Every situation is different, so use this as a starting point rather than medical or legal advice.
Get medical attention
If you are hurt, visit a hospital, walk-in clinic or your family doctor. Even if symptoms seem mild, early documentation can help your recovery and your claim.
Report the accident to ICBC
Contact ICBC by phone or through their online portal to open a claim. You will receive a claim number that connects your treatment to your file.
Book a rehabilitation assessment
Call or book online at Revive Rehab. Bring your ICBC claim number, photo ID and any available medical documents or imaging reports.
Begin your treatment plan
Your physiotherapist will assess your injuries and recommend a treatment pathway. This may include one or more services depending on your needs.
Follow up and progress
Your treatment team will monitor your recovery, adjust your plan and provide progress reports to ICBC as required.
What to bring to your first appointment
Direct billing and payment
When your ICBC claim is active and the service is approved, Revive Rehab can typically bill ICBC directly. This means you usually do not need to pay out of pocket for covered services at the time of your appointment.
If a service is not approved by ICBC, or if there are limits on the number of funded visits, the front desk team will let you know before treatment begins so there are no surprises. You may have the option to use extended health benefits or pay privately for additional care.
Services available through ICBC rehabilitation
The services included in your ICBC rehabilitation plan depend on your injuries, clinical recommendations and ICBC approval. Here is an overview of the services Revive Rehab commonly provides to ICBC patients.
Physiotherapy
Assessment, manual therapy, exercise prescription, education and treatment planning. Physiotherapy is typically the starting point for ICBC rehabilitation and helps coordinate the rest of your care.
Massage Therapy
Registered massage therapy for soft-tissue injuries, muscle tension, pain management and recovery support. Particularly helpful for whiplash, neck and back injuries.
Chiropractic Care
Spinal and joint assessment, adjustment and movement restoration for neck, back and musculoskeletal injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident.
Active Rehabilitation
Exercise-based rehabilitation delivered by a kinesiologist. Focuses on rebuilding strength, endurance, mobility and confidence through progressive programming.
Clinical Counselling
Supportive counselling for anxiety, fear of driving, sleep disturbance, emotional distress and other psychological impacts of a motor vehicle accident.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be included in your rehabilitation plan when clinically appropriate for pain management, muscle tension and recovery support.
Common conditions after a motor vehicle accident
Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may develop days or even weeks after the collision. Here are some of the most common reasons people seek ICBC rehabilitation.
Whiplash
Neck pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of a collision.
Neck Pain
Pain, tension and stiffness in the neck from soft-tissue injury, muscle guarding or disc involvement.
Back Pain
Low back and mid-back pain from the forces of impact, poor posture during bracing, or disc and joint injury.
Concussion
Headaches, dizziness, visual sensitivity, brain fog and fatigue following a head impact or sudden deceleration.
Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff strain, shoulder impingement or frozen shoulder resulting from bracing against the steering wheel or seatbelt.
Headaches
Tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches and migraine-type symptoms related to neck injury or concussion.
Your first appointment
Your first visit at Revive Rehab is focused on understanding your injuries, your goals and what matters to you. Here is what typically happens:
- The front desk confirms your ICBC claim details and insurance information
- Your physiotherapist reviews your accident history, symptoms and medical background
- A physical examination assesses your range of motion, strength, posture and areas of pain
- Your therapist explains what they found and discusses a recommended treatment plan
- You agree on the frequency, duration and type of sessions that make sense for your recovery
- If other services are recommended (massage, active rehab, counselling), referrals can be made within the clinic
Important disclaimer
Revive Rehab cannot guarantee ICBC coverage or approval for any service. Coverage, funding and the number of approved visits depend on ICBC's assessment of your individual claim, the nature of your injuries and ICBC program rules. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, medical or insurance advice. Always confirm your coverage details directly with ICBC.
Common ICBC rehabilitation questions
Answers to the questions ICBC patients ask most often at Revive Rehab.
ICBC rehabilitation refers to the medical and therapeutic care funded through an ICBC claim after a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia. This may include physiotherapy, active rehab, massage therapy, chiropractic care, clinical counselling and other approved treatments.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in BC, you may be eligible for ICBC-funded rehabilitation. Eligibility depends on your claim, the nature of your injuries and whether the treatment is approved by ICBC.
ICBC may require a physician referral for certain services. Physiotherapy can often begin with a direct referral to the clinic, but ICBC may request additional documentation depending on the service and your claim circumstances.
Contact ICBC directly to report your accident and open a claim. You can call ICBC or use their online portal. Once your claim is open, you will receive a claim number that you bring to your first appointment.
Bring your ICBC claim number, government-issued photo ID, a list of current medications, any imaging or medical reports, your family doctor's contact information, and comfortable clothing appropriate for assessment.
Yes. When your ICBC claim is active and the treatment is approved, Revive Rehab can typically bill ICBC directly so you do not need to pay out of pocket for covered services.
Starting treatment early is generally recommended. Many people benefit from assessment within the first one to two weeks after an accident, but you can begin care at any point while your claim is active.
Your physiotherapist will complete a detailed assessment of your injuries, range of motion, strength and functional limitations. They will then discuss a treatment plan, expected timeline and any recommendations for additional services.
ICBC commonly funds physiotherapy, active rehabilitation (kinesiology), massage therapy, chiropractic care, clinical counselling and acupuncture. The specific services approved depend on your injuries and claim.
Active rehabilitation is exercise-based care delivered by a kinesiologist. It focuses on rebuilding strength, endurance, mobility and confidence through progressive exercise programs tailored to your injuries and recovery goals.
Yes. Registered massage therapy is commonly included in ICBC rehabilitation plans, particularly for soft-tissue injuries, muscle tension, pain management and recovery support.
Chiropractic care may be approved as part of your ICBC rehabilitation plan, depending on the nature of your injuries and your treatment recommendations. The clinic team can help confirm what may apply to your claim.
ICBC may fund clinical counselling when psychological symptoms such as anxiety, fear of driving, sleep disturbance or emotional distress are related to your motor vehicle accident.
Acupuncture may be included in your ICBC rehabilitation plan when it is clinically appropriate for your injuries. Availability depends on your claim approval and the specific clinic location.
Common conditions include whiplash, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, concussion, jaw pain, nerve symptoms and general stiffness. Many people also experience anxiety, reduced confidence with driving and sleep difficulties.
The duration of treatment varies by individual. Some people recover within a few weeks, while others with more complex injuries may need several months of care. Your treatment plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on progress.
Yes. You have the right to choose your rehabilitation provider. Revive Rehab has four clinic locations across Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford so you can choose the one closest to your home or work.
Physiotherapy focuses on hands-on assessment, diagnosis, manual therapy and treatment planning. Active rehab focuses on exercise-based reconditioning, strength building and return-to-function goals. They work well together as part of a complete recovery plan.
For approved ICBC services that Revive Rehab bills directly, you typically do not need to pay out of pocket. However, if ICBC does not approve a service or your claim circumstances change, costs may apply. The clinic team will keep you informed.
Yes. You can switch your rehabilitation provider at any time during your claim. If you are transferring from another clinic, bring any available treatment records or summaries to help with continuity of care.
If ICBC does not approve a particular service, the clinic team can discuss your options. You may be able to appeal the decision, use extended health benefits for the service, or pay privately.
Yes. Revive Rehab provides progress reports to ICBC as part of the claims process. These reports document your treatment, progress and any recommendations for continued care.
In some cases, extended health benefits may complement your ICBC claim. For example, if ICBC does not cover a particular service, your extended health plan may provide coverage. The clinic team can help you coordinate.
Seek medical attention if you are injured, contact ICBC to report the accident and open a claim, document the scene if possible, and book an assessment with a rehabilitation provider when you are ready to start care.
No. Revive Rehab cannot guarantee ICBC coverage. Approval and funding depend on ICBC's assessment of your claim, the nature of your injuries and individual claim circumstances. The clinic team can help you understand the process, but final decisions rest with ICBC.
You can book online through the Revive Rehab website, call any of the four clinic locations directly, or walk in during clinic hours. Have your ICBC claim number ready when you call or arrive.
