The short answer on cost.
- There is no separate fee for TECAR. It is delivered inside a physiotherapy appointment and shows on your receipt as physiotherapy, so you pay the normal physiotherapy fee for the visit.
- If your extended health plan covers physiotherapy, it covers the visit that includes TECAR. We direct-bill most extended health insurers, ICBC, and WorkSafeBC where the plan or claim allows it.
- For current physiotherapy fees and to confirm direct billing for your plan, call the clinic at (604) 988-5411 before your first visit.
Why there is no separate TECAR charge.
TECAR is a tool a physiotherapist may use during a treatment session, in the same way they might use hands-on techniques or guided exercise. It is not a standalone product you buy on its own. Because of that, the appointment is billed as a physiotherapy visit and your receipt reads physiotherapy, with no extra TECAR line added on top.
In practice this keeps things simple. You pay the normal physiotherapy fee for the visit, and whether the physiotherapist uses TECAR during that visit does not change the price. To see how TECAR fits into a wider treatment plan, read what TECAR therapy is, in plain English. We do not publish session prices here because fees can change, so please call (604) 988-5411 for the current physiotherapy fee.
Extended health benefits.
Most workplace and private health plans include a physiotherapy benefit. Since the visit that includes TECAR is billed as physiotherapy, that benefit applies in the normal way. How much is covered depends on your plan. Some cover the full fee, some cover a set amount per visit, and most have a yearly limit on how much physiotherapy they will pay for in total.
A few plans also ask for a doctor referral before they pay, so it is worth checking the wording of your physiotherapy benefit before you book. We direct-bill most major insurers where your plan allows it, which means we send the claim for you and you pay only any part your plan does not cover. If we cannot direct-bill your plan, we give you a receipt to submit yourself. Call (604) 988-5411 and we can confirm direct billing for your specific insurer before your first visit.
After a car crash, through ICBC.
If you were hurt in a car crash, your physiotherapy is usually claimed through ICBC. Under ICBC Enhanced Care, approved physiotherapy treatment after a crash is covered. Because TECAR is delivered inside that physiotherapy visit, there is no separate cost for the TECAR component. You bring your ICBC claim number, and we handle the billing with ICBC for you.
There are time windows and limits on how many treatments are pre-approved after a crash, so it helps to start care early. You can read more about how shockwave, laser, and TECAR fit into recovery on our ICBC page on these treatments after a crash. For the official rules on what ICBC covers, see ICBC. Call (604) 988-5411 if you are unsure whether your claim covers the visit.
Work injuries, through WorkSafeBC.
If your injury happened at work, it is usually claimed through WorkSafeBC. Once your claim is accepted, approved physiotherapy is covered. As with the other claim types, any TECAR used during those sessions is part of the physiotherapy visit, so there is no separate charge for it.
Bring your WorkSafeBC claim number to your first appointment and we will bill WorkSafeBC directly. If your claim is still being set up, call (604) 988-5411 and we can walk you through what to bring and confirm how the billing will work for your situation.
How to confirm your coverage before you book.
The clearest way to avoid surprises is to call us first. Phone Medstar Sport Physio and Health at (604) 988-5411 and tell us how you plan to pay, whether that is an extended health plan, an ICBC claim, or a WorkSafeBC claim. We can tell you the current physiotherapy fee, confirm whether we can direct-bill your plan, and let you know what to bring, such as a claim number or a referral. For general health information you can also read HealthLinkBC.
When you are ready, you can book online or come and see us at 1325 Marine Drive in North Vancouver. To understand whether TECAR is likely to suit your injury before you book, see who should try TECAR, or read about the physiotherapy plan TECAR fits into.
Common questions.
Is there a separate charge for TECAR?+
No. TECAR is delivered as part of a physiotherapy appointment, so your receipt shows physiotherapy and there is no extra TECAR line on the bill. You pay the normal physiotherapy fee for the visit, whether or not TECAR is used during it. Call (604) 988-5411 for the current physiotherapy fee.
Will my extended health plan cover it?+
If your plan covers physiotherapy, it covers the visit that includes TECAR, because the visit is billed as physiotherapy. Coverage levels vary by plan, so check your physiotherapy benefit, including any yearly limit and whether a doctor referral is needed. We direct-bill most major insurers where your plan allows it.
Do you direct-bill, or do I pay and claim back?+
We direct-bill most extended health insurers, ICBC, and WorkSafeBC where the plan or claim allows it. That means we send the claim for you and you pay only any portion your plan does not cover. Call (604) 988-5411 before your first visit so we can confirm direct billing for your specific plan.
I am claiming through ICBC after a crash. Do I pay for the TECAR part?+
No. Under ICBC Enhanced Care, approved physiotherapy after a crash is covered, and because TECAR is delivered inside that physiotherapy visit there is no separate cost for the TECAR component. Bring your ICBC claim number and we will handle the billing with ICBC.
What if my injury happened at work?+
Work injuries are usually claimed through WorkSafeBC. Once your claim is accepted, approved physiotherapy is covered, and any TECAR used during those sessions is part of the physiotherapy visit at no separate charge. Bring your claim number so we can bill WorkSafeBC directly.
Related reading
The only TECAR on the North Shore