Expenses Covered for Injured Workers

It’s important to keep track of any expenses related to your recovery from a work-related injury. The WCB may reimburse you for some of those costs related to travel, medical equipment, and prescriptions.

Use WCB Online for faster expense payment

WCB online lets you submit and track your expenses—and get paid back within days.

1. Log in to WCB Online.
2. In the forms sections, find the right form for your expense. Fill it out and submit it online. (WCB may request receipts, so keep them handy)
3. Set up direct deposit to get paid back directly into your bank account. Fill out the Deposit Enrollment Form (PDF) and submit it securely through your account.

If you’re not signed up yet, register for WCB Online.

Can’t submit online? You can fill out a travel expense form (PDF) and send it to us by mail or fax. Keep a copy for your records and allow a few weeks for processing.

Travel expenses for medical care

Travel expenses for medical care DO NOT need approval in advance

WCB will pay you back for travel expenses to receive medical care. You do not need approval in advance to submit these expenses*. Make sure you do not send in any expenses for medical care until AFTER you have travelled.

• Mileage $0.5932/km
• Parking and toll repayment
• Meals - only for trips over 100km one way (200 km round-trip)
  • $8 breakfast
  • $15 lunch
  • $20 dinner

*Mileage rate and meal amounts are as of April 1, 2025, and are subject to change.

Advance approval required for some expenses

Not all expenses are approved. And some need advance approval. Talk to your caseworker to make sure. It’s important to get the approval before you pay the expense. The following expenses need approval in advance:

• Driver/attendant (If you need someone to drive or accompany you to an appointment)
• Taxis
• Overnight accommodations in a private home - may be approved at $40/night
• Hotel accommodations - contact your case worker for approval and booking

Travel expenses not covered

WCB will not pay you back for these expenses:

• Travel to and from the pharmacy for prescriptions
• Travel to appointments about appealing your claim decision

Travel expenses for vocational rehabilitation services

Sometimes WCB benefits may involve enhanced supports to help workers return to work in ways other than medical recovery. We call this vocational rehabilitation services, and it may involve things like job search assistance, or new skills training.

Vocational rehabilitation travel expenses DO need approval in advance

If you are in an approved program to get training or support to return to work after your injury, WCB will pay you back the following travel expenses:

• Mileage $0.5932/km
• Meals $8 breakfast
• $15 lunch
• $20 dinner

These repayment amounts are as of April 1, 2025, and are subject to change.

Medical equipment and prescriptions

WCB may cover these health care costs related to your workplace injury or illness:

• Mobility aids: crutches, artificial limbs, wheelchairs, etc., (including maintenance and repair)
• Repair or replacement of eyeglasses and dentures damaged when the injury occurred (conditions apply)
• Medical devices like braces and TENS machines
• Prescriptions

Talk to your WCB case worker about these expenses and how they are reimbursed.

Use WCB PayDirect for prescriptions

Give your WCB claim number to your pharmacist and any approved prescription will be charged directly to WCB. No need to reach for your wallet!

PayDirect is a program in partnership with Medavie Blue Cross which takes care of electronic payment of approved prescriptions. All you need to do is give the pharmacy your WCB claim number.

If you’ve already paid for prescriptions related to an approved claim, (or for some reason an electronic payment does not go through) you may be able to get reimbursed. Keep your official prescription receipt from the pharmacy and talk to your case worker.