Are Pedorthist Services Covered by Insurance in Ottawa?

At Healthy Steps Pedorthic, we understand how crucial foot and lower limb health is to your overall well-being. Whether you’re managing ongoing foot pain, recovering from an injury, or addressing conditions like arthritis or diabetes, pedorthic care plays a key role in helping you move comfortably and confidently.

One of the most frequent questions we hear from our clients is: Are pedorthist services covered by insurance in Ottawa? In this blog, we’ll explain what’s typically covered, how to navigate your insurance plan, and how we can support you throughout the process.

What Are Pedorthist Services?

Pedorthists are specialized healthcare professionals assessing, design, and fitting custom orthotics and orthopedic footwear. At Healthy Steps, our certified pedorthists provide personalized biomechanical assessments and gait analysis to create solutions tailored to your unique needs. 

Our services aim to relieve pain, prevent injuries, and enhance mobility using custom orthotics, supportive footwear, compression therapy, and other modifications.

Are These Services Covered?

Pedorthic services are not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), but the good news is that many extended health insurance plans do offer coverage. Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement for:

• Custom-made orthotics
• Orthopedic shoes
• Shoe modifications
• Compression hosiery
• Assessments by a Canadian Certified Pedorthist

The amount of coverage and the conditions for reimbursement vary from provider to provider. While one plan might cover a large portion of the cost, another might have more limitations or require specific documentation.

Steps to Utilize Your Insurance Coverage

To make the most of your insurance plan, follow these important steps:

Review Your Benefits Booklet

Start by reading your health benefits booklet or logging into your insurance portal. Look for terms such as “custom orthotics,” “orthopedic footwear,” or “footwear modifications” to see what’s included in your plan.

Get a Prescription

Most insurance companies require a prescription from a physician, podiatrist, or other recognized medical professional. This prescription should clearly state the medical necessity of the orthotics or footwear.

Visit a Certified Pedorthist

Be sure to book your assessment with a Canadian-certified Podiatrist. Many insurers require that a certified professional provide services for reimbursement to be approved.

Keep All Documentation

When you come to Healthy Steps, we’ll provide detailed receipts, assessment reports, and other supporting documents needed for your claim submission.

Check for Yearly Limits

Some plans have annual caps on how much they’ll reimburse for orthotics or related products. Others may cover replacements every second year. Knowing these limits helps you plan your appointments accordingly.

How We Help at Healthy Steps

We know dealing with insurance claims can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’re committed to making your experience smooth and stress-free at Healthy Steps.

• Expert Assessments: We provide in-depth biomechanical evaluations and gait analyses to determine the best solution for your feet and lifestyle.
• Certified Professionals: All of our assessments and custom orthotics are completed by Canadian-certified pedorthists, meeting the requirements of most insurance providers.
• Claim Support: While we don’t submit claims directly to insurance companies, we ensure you leave with all the necessary documentation to streamline the process.
• Personalized Advice: We’ll explain what your plan might cover and help you prepare the paperwork needed to file a successful claim.

Don’t Have Insurance? You Still Have Options

Even if you’re without extended health benefits, there are other ways to access the pedorthic care you need:

• Medical Tax Deductions: You can claim the cost of orthotics or orthopedic shoes as a medical expense on your tax return.
• Provincial and Workplace Programs: Depending on your situation, programs such as WSIB, ODSP, or certain workplace insurance plans may offer coverage.
• Payment Plans: We’re happy to discuss payment options that work for your budget so you can prioritize your health without financial stress.

Final Thoughts

Understanding whether your insurance plan covers Pedorthist services in Ottawa is the first step to taking control of your foot health. While OHIP doesn’t provide coverage, most private insurance plans do — and we’re here to help you navigate the process from start to finish.

If you’re ready to book an assessment or have questions about your insurance coverage, contact us today. Contact Healthy Steps Pedorthic today. We look forward to helping you take confident, comfortable steps forward.