ICBC & MVA Claims: What You Need to Know

Being in a car accident is stressful enough. Navigating the insurance system on top of it shouldn't add to that stress. At Locus Health Centre, we work with ICBC patients every day and want to make the process as simple as possible for you.

Here's everything you need to know about accessing healthcare after a motor vehicle accident (MVA) in BC.

If you've been injured in a car accident, report it to ICBC as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. You'll receive a claim number, which you'll need to access treatment.

You can report online at icbc.com or by calling 1-800-910-4222.

Visit your family doctor or a walk-in clinic as soon as possible after your accident, even if your symptoms seem minor. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussions can take hours or days to fully manifest.

Your doctor will document your injuries and may provide a referral for allied health services — though a referral is not always required to begin treatment.

Under ICBC's Enhanced Care model, most injured patients are entitled to pre-approved treatment sessions without needing to submit receipts or wait for approval. This includes:

• Physiotherapy — up to 25 sessions in the first 12 weeks
• Massage Therapy (RMT) — covered sessions for soft tissue injuries
• Acupuncture — covered for pain management and recovery
• Chiropractic Care — covered for spinal and musculoskeletal injuries
• Kinesiology / Active Rehab — covered for functional recovery

At Locus Health Centre, we direct bill ICBC directly — you don't pay out of pocket for your covered treatments.

Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Whiplash — neck pain, stiffness, and headaches from the sudden jolt
• Soft tissue injuries — muscle strains and ligament sprains throughout the body
• Back pain — lumbar and thoracic injuries from impact or bracing
• Shoulder injuries — from seatbelt force or bracing against the steering wheel
• Concussion — even low-speed impacts can cause mild traumatic brain injury
• Psychological effects — anxiety, sleep disruption, and post-traumatic stress

Don't dismiss symptoms as "just soreness." Early treatment leads to faster, more complete recovery.

As soon as possible. Research consistently shows that early intervention after an MVA leads to better outcomes. Delaying treatment can allow injuries to become chronic and harder to treat.

You do not need to wait until you're in severe pain to start physiotherapy or massage therapy. Starting within the first week is ideal.

Some patients feel fine immediately after an accident and develop symptoms days or weeks later. This is completely normal — especially with whiplash and soft tissue injuries. You can still access ICBC coverage even if you didn't start treatment right away.

If your condition is more complex or your recovery is taking longer than expected, your treatment team can communicate with ICBC on your behalf to request additional sessions.

We handle all ICBC billing directly. You simply:

1. Provide your ICBC claim number at your first appointment
2. Receive your treatment
3. We bill ICBC — no paperwork, no out-of-pocket costs for covered services

If you've been in a car accident, don't wait. Our team at Locus Health Centre in East Vancouver is experienced in MVA recovery and ready to help you heal. Book online or call us at (604) 716-6073.