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When do "No Fault Benefits" kick in?
In the case of serious personal injury resulting typically in hospitalization and prolonged recovery, it is important to seek the appointment of a rehabilitation staff member from ICBC's Rehabilitation Department. That person is trained to assist in making arrangements to fund and organize rehabilitation. In many cases, this person will work in conjunction with your treating doctors and lawyer in arranging for necessary rehabilitation.
Income replacement No Fault Benefits will not be paid until you have exhausted any benefits available to you from Employment Insurance or any private or work-related insurance.
Depending on the other types of benefits that you are seeking, No Fault may only be available to you after you have used other insurance benefits available to you such as the provincial Medical Services Plan, extended health, and other insurance programs.
ICBC will only pay for what it considers "reasonable" expenses - likely the expenses that are medically recommended. You should therefore discuss your needs with your doctor, and you should ask that any recommendations be recorded, since your medical records may be requested by ICBC. You should also obtain a note from your doctor confirming his or her recommendations. Prescription expenses are often paid by ICBC if the drugs are prescribed for the treatment of your accident-related injuries.
If you are considering any form of treatment for which you will be seeking reimbursement from ICBC, it is advisable to discuss the treatment with your adjuster beforehand. Otherwise, you may not be reimbursed. In some cases, people will proceed with treatment even though ICBC will not reimburse them for it as they feel it benefits their recovery to continue the treatment. Expenses not reimbursed by ICBC under the No Fault Benefits category should be included in your overall personal injury claim. |
