Does Alberta Health Care Cover Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is one of the most widely used forms of complementary healthcare in Canada, with nearly 44% of Canadians saying they’ve tried it at some point in their lives. 

“From injury recovery and  stress relief to pain management, there’s a lot massage therapy has to offer,” says Brandon Barr Owner of FUEL Pain & Injury Recovery Clinic.  “What most people don’t realize is that there are several ways to reduce the out-of-pocket costs for sessions.” 

Find out whether Alberta Health Care covers massage therapy, and the 7 ways you can save (partially or fully) on your sessions. 

No, AHCIP Doesn’t Cover Massage Therapy

The short answer: no, it doesn’t. Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides coverage for medically necessary physician and hospital services, but not services such as massage therapy.

Massage therapy is categorized as an elective or supplementary service. So, even if your doctor recommends massage for a health issue, it won’t be paid for by the provincial plan.

That said, not having provincial coverage doesn’t mean massage therapy is out of reach for you. There are plenty of other ways to afford or offset the cost of treatment.

Paying for Massage Therapy: 7 Options Available 

Since you’ll have to look outside AHCIP for help with massage therapy costs, here are seven coverage and payment options to consider.

1. Health Insurance (Personal or Employment)

Many Albertans have extended health insurance either through workplace benefits or personal plans. These plans often cover massage therapy as a paramedical service, reimbursing the whole or a portion of the cost of each visit.

Coverage details vary by plan. For example, your benefits might cover up to a certain amount per year (such as $500 or $1,000) or a percentage of each session’s cost. Some plans impose per-visit maximums, for instance, paying only $50 of a $100 massage bill.

Typically, you’ll need to see a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) for the massage to be eligible under insurance. 

2. Health Spending Accounts

If you have a Health Spending Account, either provided by your employer or set up for self-employed business use, you can use it to pay for massage therapy. 

An HSA is essentially a special fund of pre-tax dollars for health expenses. Massage therapy is an eligible expense under HSAs, meaning you can get reimbursed 100% from your HSA balance. 

Unlike traditional insurance, HSAs typically don’t have annual limits on specific services, you’re only limited by your total HSA credits.

3. Coverage after a Motor Vehicle Accident

Alberta’s automobile insurance includes an Accident Benefits section (called “Section B” benefits) that may cover massage therapy if you’re injured in a car accident.

All Albertans are entitled to accident benefits regardless of who was at fault.

Massage therapy is covered as part of these medical benefits, though usually with a dollar limit. As of recent guidelines, massage therapy has a $250 per person sub-limit. And can be used in-protocol with your initial 21 treatments. 

Note that to use this coverage, you’ll need to see a doctor, physiotherapist or chiropractor  promptly after the accident, get a treatment plan, and get a referral for massage therapy.

4. Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta

If your injury or condition is work-related, the WCB may cover treatment costs as part of your claim. 

WCB-Alberta provides funding for necessary therapies to help injured workers get back to work. However, WCB’s coverage for massage therapy comes with restrictions. 

WCB typically does not pay for stand-alone massage therapy sessions if they are not part of a broader treatment plan. Simply put, they won’t usually cover you just going to an RMT on your own.

Every case can differ, though. Some injured workers do get massage therapy paid for by WCB when a doctor or physio deems it beneficial for recovery. Talk to your case manager or treatment provider about whether massage therapy can be included. If approved, WCB will often directly pay the provider for approved services, saving you out-of-pocket expenses.

5. Disability Insurance

If you have private disability insurance, such as a long-term disability (LTD) plan through work or a personal disability policy, it’s worth checking if it can help with treatment costs. 

Generally, disability insurance is designed to replace your income when you can’t work, rather than pay for specific therapies. However, many disability insurers also have rehabilitation programs or funding to help you recover and return to work faster.

Check with your disability case manager about any available rehab benefits. They may require documentation from your doctor that massage therapy is a beneficial part of your treatment plan.

The key is that if you’re on disability leave, you should inquire–don’t assume you must pay all therapy costs yourself.

6. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Coverage

Veterans Affairs Canada provides health benefits to eligible Canadian Forces veterans, and this can include massage therapy. 

If you are a veteran with a health condition related to your service, VAC’s Program of Choice 12 (Related Health Services) covers treatment by registered massage therapists. 

As of 2025, VAC generally approves:

• 15 massage therapy visits* per year for eligible veterans at up to $120 per hour

• 2 hours per calendar year (for reporting/documentation) at up to $60 per hour

*More can be requested with justification

VAC no longer requires a doctor’s referral to start massage therapy (though Blue Cross may still ask for one to process the claims).

7. Pay-per-Visit Massage Therapy

Of course, you always have the option to simply pay for massage therapy yourself without any third-party coverage. Many people do choose to pay out-of-pocket. The upside is that no referral is needed and you have full freedom to choose your provider and schedule.

While paying out-of-pocket can add up, many people find the relief and therapeutic benefits of massage well worth the expense. It can help your body recover faster, improve your day-to-day functioning, and even reduce your reliance on painkillers.

How Much Does Massage Therapy Cost in Alberta?

Massage Therapy Services	Rate
Massage Therapy Initial Assessment & Treatment – 90 minutes	$190
Massage Therapy – 90 minutes	$160
Massage Therapy – 75 minutes	$143
Massage Therapy – 60 minutes	$120
Massage Therapy – Lymphatic Drainage – 60 minutes	$120
Massage Therapy for Pediatrics – 45 minutes	$80
Massage Therapy for Pediatrics – 30 minutes	$65
Tui Na Massage Therapy Treatment – 60 minutes	$120

Massage Therapy with Exercise Therapy Services	Rate
Massage Therapy Initial Assessment & Treatment with Exercise Therapy – 120 minutes	$250
Massage Therapy with Exercise Therapy – 120 minutes	$220
Massage Therapy with Exercise Therapy – 105 minutes	$210
Massage Therapy with Exercise Therapy – 90 minutes	$180
Massage Therapy with Exercise Therapy – 75 minutes	$155
Massage Therapy with Exercise Therapy – 60 minutes	$140

Is Massage Therapy Tax Deductible in Alberta​?

Can you claim the cost of massage therapy on your income taxes? Unfortunately, no, not in Alberta. 

Whereas the federal government offers a Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) for a variety of health-related expenses. To qualify, the service must be provided by a professional recognized as a medical practitioner as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency for your province. 

Source: Canada Revenue Agency

Registered massage therapists are not recognized as authorized medical practitioners in Alberta for the purposes of the METC.

It doesn’t make a difference for tax deduction purposes even if your doctor prescribed massage therapy for a condition.

How FUEL Makes Massage Therapy More Accessible for Everyone

At FUEL Pain & Injury Recovery Clinic, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, personalized massage therapy, regardless of budget or insurance status. 

That’s why we offer a variety of session lengths, transparent pricing, and flexible treatment plans tailored to your goals. We also provide direct billing for most major insurers and walk you through your coverage options, so you can focus on healing instead of paperwork. 

We’re here to help you make massage therapy a sustainable part of your wellness routine, whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply looking to improve your quality of life, 

Take the next step to a happier, healthier you. Book your session today.