Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA)
Instructions & Insurance
Section A: First 90 Days Following Car Accident
The first 90 days after a car accident are critical for your recovery and insurance coverage. During this period, it’s important to seek medical care, document symptoms, and follow recommended treatment plans.
STEP 1
Initial Contact & Booking
Client contacts the clinic after a motor vehicle accident. They must have an active claim with their auto insurance company.
STEP 2
First Visit (Assessment)
Meet with a psychologist after the accident. Share your symptoms and concerns. The psychologist starts to prepare a treatment plan.
STEP 3
Paperwork Sent To Insurance
The treatment plan is submitted to your auto insurance company. A doctor’s referral may be requested by your MVA adjuster to support your claim.
STEP 4
Insurance Review
Your insurance adjuster looks over the treatment plan. They decide how many sessions they will cover.
STEP 5
First Approval
You and your psychologist are told how many sessions are approved. Billing is usually handled directly with your insurance.
STEP 6
Continued Care
Your therapist may recommend additional sessions from your MVA adjusters.
Section B: 90 Days Post Accident
Alberta’s Bill 41 allows individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents to access supplementary care, including dentists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. Coverage is capped at $1,000 and expires 90 days after the accident.
STEP 1
Extending Psychological Support
We can help you request an extension for counselling support beyond the initial 90 days after the accident. Your MVA insurer may ask for an additional medical support letter from your family doctor.
STEP 2
Additional Coverage Options
Your psychologist can provide reports or letters explaining why ongoing therapy is recommended. This can help extend your approved sessions, usually between 10 and 20 sessions, depending on your needs.
STEP 3
Advocate For Your Care
Your psychologist can provide reports or letters explaining why continued therapy is necessary. This can help extend coverage even after 90 days.
STEP 4
Insurance Review
If you or your family have extended health benefits through work, your MVA insurer typically requires you to claim those benefits first. Any remaining balance will then be covered by your MVA insurer. Your MVA insurer will request an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to show that you have exhausted your personal benefits.
If You Do Not Have Extended Health Benefits, No Worries! If your MVA insurance has approved sessions, we can direct bill to your MVA insurer.
STEP 5
If Section B is Denied
- Pay out-of-pocket first and claim later
- Request reimbursement through your lawyer as part of your settlement
- Explore other benefits (workplace insurance or extended health plans)
- Talk to your lawyer about an Assignment of Benefits, where your lawyer may agree to cover limited sessions
