Canada Health Insurance

Fees and Premiums

90% of Canadians have some form of drug plan coverage. However, most must pay a deductible or premium to ensure coverage.

Paying the Deductible
The deductible is a fixed amount that constitutes the first portion of the drug costs. In most cases, you must pay the deductible in full when making your first purchase of prescription drugs during the month.

Paying the Premium
You must pay the premium annually, when you file your income tax return, regardless of whether you purchased prescription drugs during the year or not. Your provincial government is responsible for collecting the premium. The amount of your premium is determined on the basis of your income and your personal or family situation.

Tax Credits
In some provinces, fees, premiums, or deductibles paid under the prescription drug coverage plan are eligible for a tax credit. Contact a representative of your provincial government for details on if and how you can claim your prescription drug purchases.

It is for these various reasons that it is important to remain aware of the provincial and federal policies. Staying up-to-date with the policies and requirements of various reimbursement schemes can be challenging, but is necessary.

It is essential to remain up-to-date with your provincial government’s policies, deductible fees, and reimbursement schemes.

There is a comprehensive reference guide available to those who wish to remain aware of these policies. The report provides detailed information on the policies and procedures of the ten provincial prescription drug programs and includes separate chapters on four federal drug programs. To order, click on the link above.