What is Direct Billing?
Direct billing means your healthcare provider submits your claim directly to your insurance company, so you only pay the portion not covered by your plan—if any. This convenient service saves you time and effort by eliminating the need to handle insurance paperwork yourself.
How Direct Billing Works:
1. Check if the provider offers direct billing
Many massage clinics, therapists, chiropractors, and other health professionals offer this service.
2. Provide your insurance information
You’ll usually need your insurance card, policy number, and member ID.
3. Your provider submits the claim
The clinic will submit the claim directly to your insurance company on your behalf.
4. You pay only what’s not covered
This could include your co-pay, deductible, or any amount not covered by your plan.
Benefits of Direct Billing:
Convenience – No need to fill out claim forms or wait for reimbursement.
Efficiency – The provider handles the paperwork and communication with your insurer.
Lower upfront costs – You only pay the portion not covered by your plan.
Simplified payments – The provider receives payment directly from your insurer.
Common Insurance Companies That Support Direct Billing in Canada:
Sun Life Financial
Manulife
Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life)
Green Shield Canada (GSC)
Blue Cross (e.g., Ontario Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross)
ClaimSecure
Desjardins Insurance
Industrial Alliance (iA Financial Group)
CINUP
Equitable Life
Empire Life
GroupHEALTH
GroupSource
Manion
Maximum Benefit
SSQ Insurance
Co-operators etc.