Canada Health Insurance

About Drug Coverage

According to National Prescription Audit Inc. (PDF file), average retail prescription drug prices have doubled in the last 10 years.

This means that while the prices for prescription drugs keep rising, individuals without supplemental health insurance are having a harder time paying for the medication they need.

Although Canada is known for having the lowest drug prices in North America, lack of full drug coverage is an ensuing problem throughout the country.

There are some exceptions, however. Those who are eligible for full drug coverage after paying a small deductible of a few dollars remain the same throughout most of Canada:

• Individuals on social assistance
• Those 65 years of age and older

For the rest of Canadian citizens, partial drug coverage is available from every provincial government. Many government plans require individuals under 65 years of age to pay a yearly deductible in order to receive 100% coverage.

As every government policy varies, learn the details of your own provincial government’s coverage policies.

The federal government and every provincial and territorial government provide varying drug coverage to their residents. Every provincial government undertakes a review of Health Canada approved drugs that are eligible for benefit coverage, and reaches a decision as to which drugs will be covered in their respective province.

Supplemental health insurance is complementary to the basic coverage offered under the government plan and may even cover prescription drugs that are not covered by the government plan.

Paying the premiums for supplemental health insurance may be more affordable than paying the required deductible for the government plan. Refer to the Fees and Premiums page for more information on the costs of supplemental prescription drug coverage.

Coverage Details