Physiotherapy in Edmonton
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, navigating injuries, insurance rules, and treatment options can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already in pain. At Advanced Health Physio & Hand Clinic, we help guide both your recovery and the process, so you can focus on healing.
If you’ve been injured in a collision, you should:
1
Report
Report the accident and any injuries to your insurance company
In Alberta, you will need to fill out an AB-1 form, which will be sent to you from your car insurance company, or you can find one online or ask our clinic to send you a blank form.
2
Arrange an assessment
Arrange an assessment with a regulated healthcare professional (physiotherapist, physician, or chiropractor) to begin treatment.
If you’re unsure where you fit or what applies to you, that’s okay—we help patients sort this out every day.
How MVA physiotherapy funding works in Alberta:
Physiotherapy treatment after a motor vehicle accident depends on your diagnosis and generally falls under one of two categories:
Diagnostic & Treatment Protocols
If you are diagnosed with whiplash or another soft-tissue injury (such as a sprain or strain):
Treatment is typically covered under Alberta’s Diagnostic & Treatment Protocols
You must submit a Notice of Loss & Proof of Claim (AB-1) form to your insurer within 10 days of the accident
Based on the severity of your injury, you may be approved for up to 10 or 21 physiotherapy treatments
What happens after the first 90 days?
After the initial 90-day protocol period, your care does not automatically stop.
At this point, treatment typically transitions from protocol-based care to non-protocol (Section B) treatment.
This means:
- You may continue physiotherapy if it is clinically indicated
- Extended health benefits (if you have them) are generally used first
- Your auto insurance covers the portion not paid by your benefits.
This type of coverage can apply from 90 days up to 2 years from the date of the accident
Many patients are not told this and assume they are “cut off” after the protocol period. We help guide patients through this transition so care can continue appropriately.
Section B Medical Benefits
If your injuries involve something other than a soft-tissue injury (for example: a fracture, non-protocol and more complex injuries), or if you require ongoing care beyond the initial protocol (90days) period, treatment falls under Section B Medical Benefits.
The AB-1 form must be submitted within 30 days of the accident
If you have extended health benefits, they are typically accessed first
Remaining eligible treatment costs may be covered by auto insurance, pending adjuster approval
Treatment related to your accident may be available for up to 2 years from the accident date
Please note: Under Section B, there may be limitations on certain services such as chiropractic, massage therapy, or acupuncture.
Knowing your rights after a car accident
Many patients are unaware of their rights following a motor vehicle accident.
You have the right to choose your healthcare provider.
Insurance companies may suggest certain clinics, but you are not required to attend their clinics.
Your access to treatment cannot be denied simply because of where you choose to receive care.
Treatment related to your accident is available for up to two years from your date of accident.
For individuals who are not at fault, we recommend booking a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. This can be helpful in understanding your rights and options. This is about being informed—not about pursuing legal action unnecessarily.