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Canadian private insurance coverage for medical cannabis

Insurance coverage can make a big difference in the affordability of your medical cannabis.  Unlike other prescription medications, medical cannabis has not been issued a “DIN” or Drug Identification Number.  Despite this, many insurers are offering some form of coverage and reimbursement for medical cannabis.  You may have access to coverage via your “Healthcare Spending Account”, to find out if you qualify, check directly with your insurance provider or plan administrator.  You’ll also 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

Great West 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
on their coverage plan.

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
through health spending account.

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

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.

Markers Insurance

Yes

Buy Well Care is Markers Insurance's medical cannabis clinic. If current policy holders or new are interested in coverage as well as obtaining a prescription all can be met through their Buy Well Care.

Capped by individual plan

Policy holders can extend to their choice of Cannabis Producers. Patient must obtain their MC through this program in order to be covered. Case-by-case basis. Some exceptions can apply.

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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