Will my plan pay for this?
Is a naturopath covered by insurance?
Is a naturopath covered by insurance? Not by OHIP. Many extended health plans in Ontario do cover naturopathic care, and how much depends on your plan. Every payment to the Naturopathic Doctor (ND) gets an itemized receipt with the ND's registration number. Fees may also count toward the medical expense tax credit.
The short answer
- OHIP: no. OHIP doesn't cover ND visits.
- Extended health plans: many extended health plans in Ontario cover naturopathic care. How much depends on your plan.
- Your receipt: every payment gets an itemized receipt with the ND's registration number, ready for your claim.
- Tax time: fees may count toward the CRA medical expense tax credit.
OHIP
OHIP doesn't cover visits with a Naturopathic Doctor. That includes lab tests the ND orders. Those are paid privately, at lab cost, and quoted before anything is ordered.
Extended health plans
Many extended health plans in Ontario cover naturopathic care. Plans differ in how much they pay, and when.
Check your plan's yearly amount for a Naturopathic Doctor before you book. Your plan booklet, your insurer's app or your HR team can tell you.
Your receipt
Every payment gets an itemized receipt. It shows the ND's name and registration number, the date, and each service on its own line. Visit fees, lab tests and any supplements are listed separately.
You pay at the visit, then send the receipt to your insurer.
Tax time
Naturopaths are on the Canada Revenue Agency's list of authorized medical practitioners for Ontario. So fees you pay may count toward the medical expense tax credit. Keep your receipts, and check with the CRA or your accountant.
Lab tests
Lab tests are only suggested if they add something to your plan. They are paid privately, at lab cost, and quoted before anything is ordered. Some extended health plans cover lab tests ordered by an ND. Ask yours. More on lab testing
Check your plan
Questions to ask your insurer, or to look up in your plan booklet:
Does my plan cover a Naturopathic Doctor?
What is my yearly amount for naturopathic care, and how much is left this year?
Is there a limit per visit?
Do I need a doctor's referral for my plan to pay? (You don't need one to book.)
Does my plan cover lab tests ordered by an ND?
Does my plan cover supplements?
Can a spouse's or family plan pay the rest?
Bring the answers to your free call, and ask anything that's still unclear.
good questions
Before you book.
Is a naturopath covered by OHIP?
No. OHIP doesn't cover ND visits or lab tests the ND orders. Many extended health plans in Ontario do cover naturopathic care.
Does my group or workplace plan cover naturopathic care?
It depends on the plan your employer chose, not on the insurer's name. Look up "Naturopath" or "Naturopathic Doctor" in your plan booklet or app, and check the yearly amount.
What should I ask my insurer?
Ask whether your plan covers a Naturopathic Doctor, the yearly amount and any per-visit limit. The checklist above has the rest, including lab tests and supplements.
Does this practice take insurance?
You pay at the visit and claim with your itemized receipt, which shows the ND's registration number. Many extended health plans in Ontario cover naturopathic care.
Can I get a receipt for my insurance?
Yes. Every payment gets an itemized receipt with the ND's registration number.
Is naturopathic care tax deductible in Canada?
Fees may count toward the medical expense tax credit. The CRA lists naturopaths as authorized medical practitioners in Ontario. Keep your receipts and check with the CRA or your accountant.
Bring your sentence. We'll start there.
Know what your plan covers? The next step is ten minutes, free.