Does WSIB Reimburse Travel Expenses for Medical Appointments in Ontario?

Sustaining a workplace injury often means attending numerous medical appointments, physiotherapy sessions, and specialist evaluations. For injured workers in Ontario, the costs of driving, parking, and taking public transit can quickly add up and cause financial strain. Fortunately, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) provides a framework to reimburse you for these essential travel expenses, ensuring that you can focus on your recovery rather than worrying about gas money.

Whether you are travelling from a smaller town to a major hospital in Toronto, or simply taking the bus across Hamilton, Hamilton, or London, you may be entitled to claim these costs. However, the WSIB requires strict documentation and adherence to their specific billing procedures. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for claiming your travel expenses, exactly what is covered, and how long it takes to receive your reimbursement cheque. 💰

Step-by-Step Process to Claim WSIB Travel Expenses in Ontario

Getting your travel expenses reimbursed by WSIB is generally a straightforward process, but it requires you to be organized. WSIB will not automatically send you money for travel; you must actively track and claim your expenses.

Step 1: Confirm Your Medical Appointment is Approved

Before you travel, you must ensure that your claim is approved and that the specific medical treatment is related to your workplace injury. WSIB will only reimburse travel for approved treatments, such as visits to a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or a specialist recommended by your treating physician. If WSIB scheduled an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) for you, travel to this appointment is fully covered. 🏥

Step 2: Track Your Kilometres and Save All Receipts

If you are driving your personal vehicle, you need to track the exact distance from your home to the medical facility and back. Use a digital map tool to calculate the shortest route. Additionally, you must keep every original receipt for parking fees, public transit tickets, or taxi fares. WSIB strictly requires receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses beyond basic mileage.

Step 3: Complete the Worker’s Travel Expense Form

You must fill out the official WSIB “Worker’s Travel Expense Form.” On this form, you will document the date of your appointment, the name of the healthcare provider, the distance travelled in kilometres, and any additional expenses like parking. Make sure you write your WSIB claim number clearly at the top of the form so the adjudicator can process it without delay. ✍️

Step 4: Submit the Form and Receipts to WSIB

The fastest way to submit your travel claim is through the WSIB’s secure online document upload portal. You can scan or take clear photos of your form and your parking receipts. Alternatively, you can mail the physical documents to the WSIB head office or fax them. Keep a copy of everything for your own records just in case a document gets misplaced.

How Much Does WSIB Reimburse for Travel in Ontario?

WSIB Ontario updates its reimbursement rates periodically to reflect the current cost of living and gas prices. The following table outlines the general expenses you can claim while travelling for approved medical care.

It is extremely important to remember that if you take a taxi or Uber because you are physically unable to drive or take transit, you generally must get prior authorization from your WSIB Case Manager before incurring the cost. 🚖

How Long Does It Take to Get Reimbursed?

Once you submit your properly completed Worker’s Travel Expense Form along with your receipts, it generally takes WSIB between 2 to 4 weeks to process the payment. The fastest way to receive your reimbursement is to set up direct deposit through your WSIB online services account. If you rely on paper cheques sent through the mail, it may take an additional week to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Author: lawyerinfo.ca