Does it matter who caused the accident?

Not for your own accident benefits. Under both systems, you claim care through your own policy whoever caused the crash. Fault mattered most for lawsuits, which Care-First largely replaces.

I was a passenger. Who do I claim through?

Usually the insurer of the vehicle you were in, or your own if you have auto insurance. Ask us and we’ll help you find out.

Is therapy covered after a car accident in Alberta?

The date of your collision decides

Alberta changes its auto insurance system on January 1, 2027. Which rules apply to you depends on when your collision happened, not on when your policy renews.

Collisions before January 1, 2027

Every Alberta auto policy includes accident benefits, often called Section B. They can pay for medical and rehabilitation care, including counselling that’s needed for your recovery, up to $50,000 within two years of the collision.

Common injuries such as sprains, strains and whiplash have pre-approved treatment, usually 10 to 21 visits depending on severity. Therapy usually needs an approved treatment plan. Many people with collisions before 2027 also work with a personal injury lawyer.

If you also have extended health benefits, your auto insurer may ask for an explanation of benefits from your health plan first, because accident benefits generally pay after other coverage. We help you through it.

Collisions on or after January 1, 2027: Care-First

Under Care-First, you claim care through your own insurer, regardless of fault, and treatment has no overall dollar cap as long as it supports your recovery. Mental health care related to the collision is approved through a care and treatment request, which follows a first assessment by a physician, psychologist or registered clinical social worker. Read our guide to Care-First and your mental health.

Other ways to pay

Extended health benefits through work or a private plan
Health spending accounts
Employee assistance programs
Student plans

If your auto claim doesn’t cover everything, these can help fill the gaps. We give you a receipt after every session.

What to have ready

Your collision date
Your claim number and insurer
Your adjuster or case manager’s contact
Your lawyer’s contact, if you have one
Your family doctor or clinic, if you have one

How Bethesda bills

Once your insurer approves your plan, we bill them directly, so you’re not paying out of pocket and waiting to be paid back. If you’d like to start before approval, we’ll talk through your options first.

Sources

This article is general information, not medical, legal or insurance advice. For advice about your situation, talk to your health care provider, your insurer or a lawyer.