Introduction: If You See a Chiropractor, Your Insurance Plan Matters More Than You Think
Chiropractic care is one of the most frequently claimed paramedical services in Canada — and also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to insurance coverage.
Two of Canada’s most widely used insurance providers — Greenshield Canada and Manulife — both offer chiropractic coverage. But how do they stack up? Which one gives you more value, easier access, and better reimbursement?
Let’s compare these two insurance giants head-to-head — so you can make the most of your chiropractic benefits before they expire.
🔍 Key Coverage Categories We’ll Compare:
| Category | Greenshield Canada | Manulife |
| Coverage Amount | $300–$600/year | $300–$700/year |
| Per Visit Cap | Often $25–$50 | Up to $60–$80 depending on plan |
| Direct Billing | Yes (Telus eClaims) | Yes (Telus eClaims) |
| Doctor Referral Needed? | Sometimes | Often |
| Plan Reset | December 31st | December 31st |
| Shared With Other Services? | Sometimes shared with physio/massage | Often has combined limits |
✅ 1. Coverage Amount – Who Pays More Overall?
Manulife offers slightly more flexible maximums depending on your group or individual plan. Some plans go up to $700 per year for chiropractic care, while Greenshield commonly maxes out around $500–$600.
🏆 Winner: Manulife (but depends on plan level)
✅ 2. Per Visit Limits – The Hidden Cost Patients Miss
This is where things get tricky. Even if your plan says “$500/year,” most insurance companies also have a per visit maximum — meaning they’ll only cover part of each session.
- Greenshield: Often caps each visit reimbursement at $25–$40
- Manulife: Frequently allows up to $50–$60, depending on plan
If your chiropractor charges $90, you may be responsible for the rest.
🏆 Winner: Manulife
✅ 3. Direct Billing – Which Is More Convenient?
Both Greenshield and Manulife are supported by Telus Health eClaims, which many chiropractic clinics use to bill your insurer directly. This means:
- You pay only your share (co-pay) at the visit
- No paperwork, no waiting
You can find clinics with direct billing on our national provider map.
🏆 Tie – Both are equally accessible
✅ 4. Doctor’s Referral – Do You Need One to Claim?
This depends on your specific plan, but:
- Manulife plans more commonly require a physician referral for your first chiro visit
- Greenshield is more relaxed — often, no referral is needed
Referrals can be a hurdle. If you don’t have a family doctor, it might delay or block access to care.
🏆 Winner: Greenshield
✅ 5. Plan Reset & Shared Maximums – Know the Deadline
Both insurers reset their coverage on December 31st — and unused balances are lost.
But there’s a key difference:
- Some Manulife plans bundle chiro/massage/physio into one shared pool
- Greenshield is more likely to separate limits by service
🏆 Winner: Greenshield (you’re less likely to “run out” by using other services)
📣 Bottom Line: Which One Wins for Chiropractic?
| Feature | Winner |
| Overall Annual Coverage | Manulife |
| Per Visit Reimbursement | Manulife |
| Referral Requirement | Greenshield |
| Separate Service Caps | Greenshield |
| Direct Billing Convenience | Tie |
So the winner? It depends on your priorities.
- Want higher coverage and per visit payouts? ➡️ Manulife
- Prefer no referral, easier access, and standalone caps? ➡️ Greenshield
💡 Pro Tip: Always Check Your Exact Plan Details
No two plans are identical — even within the same provider. Always review:
- Your plan booklet
- Your online insurance portal
- Or ask your benefits department
Still unsure?
💬 Ask Ruby at insurance.rmtclinic.net — she can help you decode your plan.
✅ Action Steps Before December 31st
✔️ Use your chiropractic visits now while coverage is active
✔️ Book your spot before the year-end rush
✔️ Maximize your care without paying out of pocket
🔗 Find an insurance-approved chiropractor → RMTClinic.net
🔗 Learn what your plan covers → insurance.rmtclinic.net
