Medical spas, often called med spas, are becoming very popular in Toronto. They offer a unique mix of wellness treatments and medical-grade services. But many people wonder: Are any of these treatments covered by insurance in Ontario?
The short answer is: only a few services are eligible, and coverage depends on whether the treatment is performed by a licensed health professional such as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) or physiotherapist. Most cosmetic procedures, like Botox or facials, are considered elective and need to be paid out of pocket.
In this guide, we’ll break down what insurance does cover, what it doesn’t, and how you can make the most of your benefits when booking a medical spa in Toronto.
Coverage Under OHIP
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is designed to cover medically necessary care. This means that most spa-related services are not covered by OHIP.
- OHIP may cover some physiotherapy sessions under specific conditions (for example, if you’re a senior, under 18, or recently discharged from hospital).
- Cosmetic and wellness services—such as facials, laser treatments, or Botox—are not considered essential medical care and therefore are not included.
So if you’re booking a visit to a med spa in Toronto, don’t expect OHIP to pay for it, unless the treatment falls into a very limited medical category.
Extended Health and Workplace Benefits
While OHIP doesn’t usually help with med spa costs, many Canadians have extended health insurance through work benefits or private plans. This is where you may be able to claim certain treatments.
The most common example is massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). If the med spa employs licensed RMTs, their services may be covered under your benefits plan, up to your annual maximum.
Some extended health plans may also cover:
- Acupuncture (when performed by a licensed provider)
- Chiropractic care
- Physiotherapy sessions
It’s important to check your policy details or call your insurance provider before booking.
What’s Not Covered by Insurance
The majority of med spa services in Toronto are considered cosmetic and are not eligible for insurance claims. This includes:
- Botox and dermal fillers
- Chemical peels and facials
- Laser hair removal
- Skin resurfacing treatments
- Microdermabrasion
- Body contouring treatments
Even though these treatments can improve confidence and skin health, they fall outside the category of medically necessary care.
How to Claim Med Spa Services
If your service is eligible, here’s how to make sure you get reimbursed:
- Confirm the provider’s credentials – Insurance companies will only accept claims if the treatment was performed by a licensed professional (such as an RMT).
- Ask for an itemized receipt – Make sure the receipt includes the provider’s licence number, treatment date, and fee.
- Check direct billing – Some spas in Toronto can bill your insurance company directly, saving you the hassle.
- Submit claims promptly – Keep copies of all documents and follow your insurer’s deadlines.
Quick Comparison Table
| Service Type | Covered by OHIP | Covered by Extended Benefits | Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) | No | Yes (most plans) | If no plan |
| Physiotherapy (special cases only) | Yes (limited) | Yes (most plans) | If no plan |
| Acupuncture / Chiropractic | No | Sometimes (check plan) | If no plan |
| Botox / Fillers / Cosmetic lasers | No | No | Always |
| Facials, Skin Peels, Body Treatments | No | No | Always |
FAQs About Medical Spa Insurance in Toronto
Q1: Does OHIP cover medical spa treatments in Toronto?
No. OHIP only covers medically necessary services. Cosmetic or wellness treatments like facials, Botox, or laser therapies are not included.
Q2: Can I claim massage therapy from a med spa on my insurance?
Yes—if it’s performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Most extended health benefit plans in Canada cover RMT services up to a set yearly maximum.
Q3: Are Botox or fillers ever covered by insurance?
In most cases, no. These treatments are considered cosmetic. The only exceptions are rare cases where Botox is prescribed by a physician for medical conditions like chronic migraines.
Q4: How do I know if my plan covers a med spa service?
Always check with your insurance provider. Look under “paramedical coverage” in your benefits package. You can also ask the spa if they offer direct billing to insurance companies.
Final Thoughts
When booking a medical spa in Toronto, remember that most services are not covered by OHIP or private insurance. The main exception is treatments provided by licensed health professionals, such as RMTs or physiotherapists.
If you want to enjoy the best of both worlds—relaxation and insurance savings—look for a spa that employs licensed RMTs and check your extended health coverage in advance. That way, you can treat yourself to wellness without extra stress on your wallet.
