Manulife launches AI-backed virtual physiotherapy for disability claimants
Manulife is rolling out an AI-powered virtual physiotherapy program for its Canadian group disability claimants, combining digital exercise guidance with clinician oversight to support recovery from home. The initiative aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes and help injured employees return to work sooner.
What happened
Manulife has introduced an AI-supported virtual physiotherapy service for its Canadian group disability insurance claimants. The program uses artificial intelligence to guide patients through rehabilitation exercises remotely while connecting them with licensed physiotherapists for clinical oversight. It is designed to help employees on disability leave recover from musculoskeletal injuries and other common conditions that keep them out of work.
What it means for consumers
Claimants on disability benefits now have access to a digital rehabilitation tool that can be used from home, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person clinic visits. The platform offers guided exercises, progress tracking, and remote check-ins with physiotherapists. For workers dealing with back pain, joint injuries, or post-surgical recovery, this could translate to earlier access to treatment, fewer travel barriers, and a faster path back to work.
What it means for premiums
No direct premium change has been announced.
Coverage considerations
The new service is being added as a rehabilitation resource within Manulife's group disability offerings. Employers sponsoring Manulife group plans should confirm with their benefits advisor whether the virtual physiotherapy program is automatically included in their current contract or requires a plan amendment. Coverage parameters—such as session limits, eligibility windows, and qualifying conditions—will likely be defined at the plan-sponsor level rather than applied uniformly across all group policies, so plan administrators should review the specifics before communicating the benefit to employees.