Did you know that if you’re injured in an accident in Alberta, you may be entitled to Section B benefits—regardless of who was at fault? Even if your insurance adjuster or lawyer has mentioned these benefits, you might still have questions. We sat down with our legal team to break it all down for you.
Key Takeaways
- What Are Section B Benefits? – A mandatory part of Alberta auto insurance that covers medical expenses, lost income, and death benefits for accident victims, regardless of fault.
- Provides up to $50,000 for Medical Expenses – Covers essential treatments like hospital care, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, dental work, and ambulance services for up to two years.
- Income Replacement for Injured Workers – If you can’t work due to accident-related injuries, Section B pays 80% of your gross weekly earnings (up to $600 per week) for up to two years.
- Death & Funeral Benefits for Families – Provides a lump sum payout to dependents and covers funeral expenses if the accident results in a fatality.
- How to File a Section B Claim – You must notify your insurer within 30 days and submit the AB-1 form within 90 days to qualify for benefits.
- What If Your Claim Is Denied? – If your Section B claim is rejected, you may still have legal options to appeal the decision and secure fair compensation.
- Why Section B Coverage Matters – Even if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, Section B benefits provide immediate financial support to help cover medical bills and lost wages.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
What Are Section B Benefits in Alberta?
Section B benefits are automatically included in the Alberta Standard Owner’s Automobile Policy. They provide some coverage for medical treatments, disability, and loss of income due to an accident. These benefits apply to anyone involved in the accident, regardless of fault.
Who Qualifies for Section B Benefits?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be eligible for these benefits—sometimes referred to as “accident benefits” by insurance companies. Every Alberta automobile insurance policy must include a Section B clause, which ensures that policyholders have access to no-fault benefits. These benefits cover certain expenses related to medical treatments, disability, and even death.
To be eligible for Section B disability benefits:
- You must have been injured in an accident involving an automobile (as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist).
- You must have been employed at the time of the accident OR at least 18 years old and employed for at least 6 out of the 12 months prior. The six months does not have to be consecutive.
- Your injuries must prevent you from performing all your job duties within 60 days of the accident.
- If required, a medical professional (usually a doctor) must certify that you are disabled.
In Alberta, you cannot claim Section B disability benefits unless you are “wholly and continuously” disabled by the injuries from your accident. This means that the disability must prevent you from doing any and all of your job duties. Keep in mind that once you go back to work, the disability benefits stop and cannot be reinstated if you find that you are unable to maintain your duties.
You cannot claim Section B benefits for the first seven days of your disability, so payment for that week is lost unless you are able to claim it back through a personal injury claim. If the Section B disability benefits do not cover all of your lost earnings, you may also be able to recover the difference through an injury claim.
What Does Section B Insurance Cover?
Section B insurance provides limited coverage for medical treatments and disability benefits, allowing accident victims to access essential care without waiting for the outcome of an injury claim. However, it’s important to note that Section B benefits have limits and may not cover all expenses.
Medical Expenses Covered Under Section B
The maximum Section B coverage for medical treatment in Alberta is $50,000 per person. This means that if three people are injured in the same car, each person may claim up to $50,000 for medical expenses. However, few people receive the full amount, as insurance companies often require individuals to use personal health insurance first.
Your Section B benefits may cover a portion of medical costs, including:
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- Ambulance services
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Dental treatment
- Massage therapy
- Medication
- Physiotherapy
- Psychological treatment
- And more
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Treatments must be approved by your medical provider, who will handle the necessary paperwork.
Treatment Maximums Under Section B Coverage:
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- Acupuncture: $350
- Chiropractic Care: $1,000
- Massage Therapy: $350
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Keep in mind that a treatment such as chiropractic care could be incredibly helpful in your recovery, but not necessarily deemed as “medically essential.” Another factor is that Section B benefits offer very limited coverage for certain treatments, such as the following: Additionally, insurers may send you to their own doctor to determine whether ongoing treatment is medically necessary, which can impact your access to benefits.
Disability Benefits: Income Replacement & Eligibility
Section B benefits provide up to $600 per week for lost earnings or 80% of your pre-tax weekly income (whichever is lower). If you earned less than $500 per week before taxes, your benefit amount will be lower. If you have disability coverage through personal or workplace insurance, you must claim those benefits first before accessing Section B benefits. The amount you will receive will be calculated by your insurance provider, and exceptions may apply depending on your situation.
If you have questions about your entitlement to Section B disability benefits or how to calculate your Section B disability amount, you can contact us at any time. It won’t cost you anything to speak with our legal team.
Death & Funeral Benefits Explained
While no amount of money could possibly replace the loss of a loved one, there are some financial supports available to the deceased’s family through insurance. Section B provides some financial support to families of individuals who have passed away due to an accident. Coverage includes:
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- Death benefit: Amount varies based on age and relationship to the deceased.
- Funeral expenses: Up to $6,150 per person.
- Grief counselling: Up to $500 per family (can be claimed separately for multiple deceased family members).
If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one due to an accident, please know that you have our sympathies and that we’re here if you need help accessing Section B benefits or filing a claim.
How to File a Section B Benefits Claim
Steps to Submit a Section B Claim
- Notify Your Insurance Company – contact your own auto insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident.
Question: “Do I need to sign a Release of Information Authorization to receive Section B benefits? ”
Answer: Yes. You must provide your insurance company with written consent to access your personal information before receiving Section B benefits. Without your authorization, they cannot process your claim.
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- IMPORTANT: You are never under any legal obligation to provide information (medical or otherwise) to the other party’s insurance company or adjuster. If you have an ongoing injury claim, do not speak to any insurance companies about your claim besides your own.
- Complete the Required Forms – Your insurance company will provide the necessary claim forms.
- AB-1 (Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim Form): You must submit this form within 30 days of the accident (or as soon as possible).
- AB-2 (Claim for Disability Benefits, if applicable): If you cannot work due to injuries, this form needs to be completed by your doctor and employer.
- Get Medical Treatment & Documentation
- See a healthcare provider and follow their recommendations.
- If you’re seeing a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, they may bill your insurance directly.
- Ensure all receipts and reports are properly documented.
- Submit Medical Reports & Invoices
- Your doctor may need to complete an AB-4 (Disability Certificate) to confirm your injuries.
- Submit medical expenses and receipts to your insurer for reimbursement.
- Receive Section B Benefits
- If approved, your insurance will cover medical treatments, up to $50,000 per person for up to two years from the accident date.
- If you qualify for disability benefits, they may cover up to $600 per week for a maximum of 104 weeks.
- Coordinate with Other Insurers (if applicable)
- If you have additional health benefits (e.g., through work or private insurance), Section B acts as secondary coverage, meaning your other insurer may be billed first.
- Communicate with Your Adjuster
- Stay in touch with your insurance adjuster to ensure smooth processing.
- If you experience delays or issues, consider seeking legal advice.
Deadlines & Documentation Required
Section B benefits must be claimed within a specific amount of time after your accident. Here are the key deadlines:
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- 30 days: Notify your insurance company of the accident (or the insurer of the vehicle that hit you if you were a pedestrian, cyclist, etc.).
- 90 days: Submit a Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim Form (AB-1 Form) for medical benefits.
- 60 days: Submit a Claim for Disability Benefits Form (AB-1A Form) for disability benefits.
- 2 years: The ultimate deadline for all Section B benefits. After two years, benefits expire.
The Section B insurer will provide you with the right forms for you and your doctor or medical practitioner (physiotherapist, chiropractor) to fill out (AB-2, AB-3, and AB-4).
Knowing which forms you need, what to do with them, and how to fill them out can be confusing during an already difficult time. If you have missed a deadline, do not panic, as you may still be able to receive benefits. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Notify them of the accident and try to open your medical or disability claim or both.
If you need any help with any of these forms or deadlines, or with opening a Section B claim, just give us a call. It won’t cost you anything to speak to a lawyer and get your questions answered (even if you may have been at fault).
What Happens If My Claim Is Denied?
This is a complex area of law. There are rules, deadlines, and exceptions that can make Section B insurance benefits inaccessible. But even if you are denied Section B benefits, you may be able to recover treatment costs, lost earnings, and compensation for many other accident-related things through a personal injury claim. If you have any questions about Section B insurance benefits or filing an injury claim, it won’t cost you anything to speak to our legal team.
Find all of this really confusing? You’re not alone. This is a complex area of law, and one that even insurance adjustors can misapply at times. That’s why it can be a good idea to ask for help from a legal team to make sure you are taking full advantage of the benefits you may be entitled to.
How Long Do Section B Benefits Last?
Section B benefits in Alberta typically last up to two years (104 weeks) from the date of the accident for medical and rehabilitation expenses, with a maximum coverage of $50,000 per person. Disability benefits, if applicable, can provide up to $600 per week for a maximum of 104 weeks, as long as you remain unable to work due to accident-related injuries. However, some treatments may have shorter coverage periods, so it’s best to check with your insurer for specific details.
Can I access Section B benefits if my claim is capped?
Your insurance company has the legal right to send you to their doctor to assess your injuries and eligibility for medical or disability benefits. If your claim is considered “capped” or potentially capped, they must wait 90 days before doing so—but there’s no waiting period for disability benefits. In these cases, you may get faster access to treatment and payments. Some insurers may suggest you’re limited to 21 treatments or less, but this isn’t true. Section B benefits cover essential medical services and supplies up to $50,000.
If you have questions about whether or not your claim is capped and how that may affect your Section B benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Section B Claim?
You don’t need a lawyer to file a Section B claim, but having one can be helpful—especially if you’re also pursuing a personal injury claim. Section B benefits cover medical expenses and disability benefits, but they don’t account for pain and suffering or long-term losses. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure you’re receiving the full benefits you’re entitled to, navigate disputes with the insurance company, and determine if you have a case for additional compensation.
If you have questions or need support, we’re always here to help! It won’t cost you anything to speak with our legal team and consultations are always free. Contact us today.
