Are dietitian's covered by insurance? We’re lucky in Canada to have universal healthcare through the Canada Health Act, which allows residents to access a wide range of services covered by provincial health insurance plans like OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).
But if you’ve ever tried booking an appointment with a specialist like a physiotherapist, psychologist, chiropractor, naturopath, or even a dietitian, you’ve probably realized something: not everything is covered under OHIP.
So, where do dietitian's fit into this picture? Let’s break it down.
When Dietitians Are Covered Under OHIP
Dietitian services are covered by OHIP when you see a dietitian in certain healthcare settings, such as:
- Hospitals (e.g., inpatient care or outpatient clinics)
- Community health centres
- Family health teams
In these settings, there’s no cost to you because the services are publicly funded.
When Dietitian's Aren’t Covered
Here’s where things change: if you want to see a private practice dietitian (for example, someone in a clinic or virtually through their own business), OHIP does not cover this cost. That’s where private insurance or paying out of pocket comes in.
How Private Insurance Works for Dietitian Services
The good news is that many private insurance plans do cover dietitian services though coverage amounts and requirements vary based on plans.
- Employer benefits: Many workplace health plans include dietitian services, sometimes under a “paramedical” or “allied health” category.
- Individual/private plans: If you purchase your own insurance, dietitian's are often included (alongside vision, dental, prescriptions, and other services).
- Examples of insurance providers: Manulife, Blue Cross, GMS, and Green Shield all have plans that cover dietitian services at different levels.
Some big Canadian employers like Canada Post, major banks, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Telus also include dietitian services in their employee benefits.
Depending on the clinic, dietitian's may bill your insurance directly or provide an invoice for you to submit to be reimbursed.
Students, This Part Is for You
If you’re a student, definitely check your student health plan. Some universities and colleges include dietitian services in their coverage, and many campuses (like University of Toronto Mississauga, Western University, and Guelph) also offer on-campus dietitian support.
FAQs: Are Dietitian's Covered by Insurance?
It depends on where you’re going. If you want to see a dietitian through a hospital outpatient clinic, community health centre, or family health team, you typically need a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner.
On the other hand, if you’re booking with a private practice dietitian, you don’t need a referral you can reach out directly. Just keep in mind that some insurance companies may ask for a referral in order to reimburse your session, so it’s always good to double-check your plan.
You still have options! Some online health platforms, like Maple or telehealth programs, may give you access to dietitian services. It’s also worth asking your local community health centre about programs that might be free or low-cost.
Bottom line
Dietitian's are covered by OHIP—but only in hospitals, community health centres, and family health teams. For private practice dietitian's, you’ll need insurance or pay out of pocket.
Luckily, many private insurance plans cover dietitian's, so it’s always worth checking your benefits!
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