How to Use Your Extended Health Benefits Before They Reset
It's October. You have extended health benefits. And somehow another year has almost slipped by without booking a single massage or acupuncture session.
You're not alone. Most people who have RMT or acupuncture coverage use it inconsistently, if at all, and by the time December arrives, the money is gone. Not spent. Gone.
This is a quick, practical heads-up from practitioners who see this pattern every single year.
What your extended health benefits actually cover
Most Ontario group benefit plans include coverage for Registered Massage Therapy. Annual maximums typically range from $500 to $1,000 depending on your plan, though some are higher. Acupuncture is covered by many plans as well. Osteopathy coverage varies but is included in a growing number of benefit packages.
Reflexology and Reiki are less commonly covered, but worth checking your plan booklet.
The short version: if you have an employer benefits plan, there is a strong chance you have money set aside for wellness services you haven't used yet.
Check your benefits card or plan booklet to see your specific coverage. The amounts listed there are real. They do not roll over.
What direct billing means and why it matters
One of the reasons people don't use their benefits is the perceived hassle: paying out of pocket, keeping receipts, submitting a claim, waiting for reimbursement.
At Natura, Vera (RMT) and Aly (acupuncture) offer direct billing. That means we submit the claim to your insurer directly, so you only pay what your plan doesn't cover, if anything.
We direct-bill Sun Life, Manulife, GreenShield, and most other major insurers. If you're not sure whether your insurer is on the list, reach out before your appointment and we can confirm. The process is straightforward, and the team is happy to answer questions about coverage before you book.
When benefits reset, and why October matters
Most Ontario group benefit plans reset on December 31. Some plans reset on your policy anniversary date, which varies by employer, so it's worth checking yours.
Here's what that means in practical terms: if you have $800 in RMT coverage and haven't booked a session this year, that $800 disappears on January 1. You've already paid into it through your premiums. It's yours until it isn't.
October and November are the two months where booking makes the most financial sense. Two or three sessions between now and year-end is realistic, and many clients find it easier to book ahead than to scramble in December when availability gets tight.
This isn't a pressure tactic. It's the same thing your benefits advisor would tell you if you asked.
How to book at Natura with direct billing
Here's all it takes:
Check your benefits card or plan booklet for your RMT or acupuncture coverage and annual maximum.
Contact us before your appointment to confirm we direct-bill your insurer, or just mention it when you book and we'll sort it out ahead of time.
Book online at natura.noterro.com.
Same-week appointments are often available. If you have questions about which service is right for you, or whether your insurer is covered, email us at info@naturawellnessgroup.com or call (289) 879-3342.
Your benefits are there. You've already paid for them. Before they reset, book a session at Natura.
Health information in this post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
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