Spotlight on SABS: Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits
This is the second post in our “Spotlight on SABS” series. In our previous post, we looked at the basics of SABS and now we’re digging into the different types of auto insurance benefits available to people injured in motor vehicle collisions in Ontario. First up: medical and rehabilitation benefits.
Medical Benefits:
While much of your medical care will be covered by OHIP, there are many other costs you will be left on the hook for. Fortunately, the SABS lays out an extensive list of medical expenses that will be covered as long as they are reasonable and necessary. Here are a few of the most common expenses; you can find the full list in s.15 of the SABS.
- Ambulance and hospital fees
- Physiotherapy and chiropractic
- Counselling
- Dental & optometry costs
- Tests and assessments
- Medication
- Assistive or mobility devices
- Prosthetics
Rehabilitation Benefits:
These benefits cover “reasonable and necessary for the purpose of reducing or eliminating the effects of any disability resulting from the impairment or to facilitate the person’s reintegration into his or her family, the rest of society and the labour market.”
- Counselling (family, financial, employment, etc.)
- Vocational assessments
- Vocational or life skills training
- Devices to support accommodation at home or work
- Vehicle modifications
- Transportation to and from counselling and training.
See the detailed list in s.16 of the SABS.
How Much Does the Benefit Pay?
It depends on your level of injury and your specific policy. Below are the maximums under the standard auto insurance policy. If you have purchased optional benefits in addition to the standard policy, they may be higher.
- Minor: a maximum of $3,500
- Non-catastrophic: a maximum of $65,000 over 5 years
- Catastrophic: a maximum of $1,000,000 over 5 years
Please note that amounts listed above are a combined maximum for medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits (which we will discuss in our next post).
Will I Automatically Receive Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits From My Insurer?
While it would make things so much easier for injured people, unfortunately, no. You will need to apply for benefits and that insurer will decide whether to approve them.
Please remember that if your expenses are reasonable and necessary, you are entitled to receive them. If the insurer pushes back, an experienced personal injury lawyer can advocate on your behalf to ensure you received the compensation you require and are entitled to.