Insurance coverage can significantly impact the affordability of your medical cannabis. Unlike other prescription medications, medical cannabis has not been issued a Drug Identification Number (DIN). However, many insurers now offer some form of coverage or reimbursement. To find out if you’re eligible for coverage, check directly with your insurance provider or plan administrator. You may also have access to coverage through a Healthcare Spending Account (HSA). If your provider does not currently cover medical cannabis, you can advocate for its inclusion. Many insurers are beginning to recognize that medical cannabis can be a cost-effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, offering benefits with fewer side effects. You’ll find up-to-date information below on which Canadian insurance companies are currently offering coverage to medical cannabis patients. Feel free to contact us or view our FAQ for more information about medical cannabis.
Insurance Provider | Is Medical Cannabis Covered? | Eligibility | Coverage Limits | Additional Comments | Phone | Weblink |
Alberta Blue Cross | Yes | Eligible only for select employer sponsored and individual plans, and those patients with the select plans will still need to be evaluated under their criteria(with their signed consent). | Capped by individual plan | Coverage will be offered on a case by case basis, no further details at this time. | ||
Desjardins Financial | Yes/No | May be covered depending on individual or group/work plan, qualified on a case by case basis. | Capped by individual plan | Encourage active policy holders to call themselves to know more. | ||
Empire Life | Yes | May be covered depending on individual plan, qualified on a case by case basis. | Health spending account | Only through health spending account/incidental health expense. | ||
Equitable | Yes | Preauthorization from must be fill from their doctor. | Health spending account | |||
Canada Life | Yes/No | Critical Illness Insurance. If patient experiences a covered illness and meet the survival period, patients will receive a tax-free lump sum cash payment. | Only applicable to illnesses listed | Must pass pre authorization process. | ||
Green Shield | Yes | Chronic neuropathic pain, cancer related pain, spasticity secondary to MS or spinal cord injury, and nausea and vomiting caused by chemo. | Capped by individual plan or paid | Must pass pre authorization process. Must have tried and failed traditional treatments. | ||
Manitoba Blue Cross | Yes | May be covered depending on individual plan, qualified on a case by case basis. | Health spending account | Covered through health spending account. | ||
Manulife | Yes | Eligible only for select employer sponsored and individual plans, and those patients with the select plans will still need to be evaluated under their criteria | Capped by individual plan | More specific coverage notes can be released directly to active policy holders. | ||
SSQ Insurance | Yes | 4 Conditions Covered: Chronic neuropathic pain, cancer related pain, spasticity secondary to MS or spinal cord injury, and nausea and vomiting caused by chemo. | Capped by individual plan | Coverage option has come into affect. Will depend on the individual/group/employer coverage. AUX must be filled by prescribing doctor. Coverage holders are encouraged to call. | ||
Sun Life Financial | Yes | Must be diagnosed with cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, or require of palliative care. | Capped by individual plan | SunLife will examine the specific situation to determine whether medical cannabis is medically necessary. It will also depend on the individual’s insurance plan as they have broaden their requirements. Doctor must also file a AUX form. |
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