For thousands of people across Canada, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a vital part of their health routine, reducing the risk of HIV infection.
For those who want to start PrEP, cost is a huge concern. There are multiple costs involved in accessing a prescription, including:
- The price of the medication itself
- Routine lab work
- Consultations with a healthcare practitioner
Thankfully, there are numerous ways to access free or low-cost PrEP in Canada. We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate your options.
1. Private Health Insurance Coverage
If you have private health insurance, there’s a good chance your plan will cover all or most of the costs of PrEP. Unlike in the U.S., there’s no national mandate requiring private insurance to cover PrEP in Canada, but many private plans do include it as a benefit.
The first step is to check with your insurance provider. Review your benefits or call your insurer to confirm PrEP coverage.
Some private plans may cover both medication and associated lab work, so check for any co-pays or additional fees.
2. Provincial and Territorial Health Plans
Canada’s provincial and territorial health systems provide coverage for some or all of the costs of PrEP, depending on where you live. Certain provinces cover PrEP through public drug programs, especially for individuals with low income or those at higher risk.
Here’s a quick look at PrEP coverage in different Canadian provinces and territories:
- Alberta: Those registered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan can get PrEP for free by meeting certain eligibility criteria.
- British Columbia: If you’re enrolled in the province’s Medical Services Plan, you can get PrEP at no cost through the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.
- Manitoba: PrEP is covered in Manitoba through the Manitoba HIV Medications Program (MHMP).
- Nova Scotia: If you’re enrolled in the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program, PrEP might be covered if you get exception status. However, you might have to pay a co-payment.
- New Brunswick: PrEP may be covered under the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: The provincial drug program covers PrEP, with co-pays defined by eligibility criteria.
- Prince Edward Island: PrEP is provided at no charge to those whose prescription is approved by the Chief Public Health Office.
- Northwest Territories: Universal coverage for PrEP is provided without clinical criteria.
- Nunavut: PrEP may be covered through the Extended Health Benefits for eligible residents with a valid Nunavut Health Care card.
- Ontario: PrEP is covered for most Ontario residents, including residents 24 years old and younger with OHIP or OHIP+, residents 25 to 64 years old through the Trillium Drug Program (may require a co-pay), and residents over 65 through the Ontario Drug Benefit plan (ODB). It’s also covered for those on the Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
- Québec: If you’re covered by Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), the cost of PrEP is $95.31 per month. Some residents may receive an exemption.
- Saskatchewan: The provincial government fully covers PrEP for people with a Saskatchewan Health Card who are at a higher risk for exposure to HIV.
- Yukon: The Government of Yukon fully covers PrEP.
3. Federal Assistance Programs
Government assistance programs help certain groups of people access PrEP for free (or at a low cost).
You might be eligible for a federal assistance program if you fall into one of the following groups:
- First Nations individuals and Inuit: The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program may cover PrEP. Learn more about this program here.
- Refugees, refugee claimants, and other groups: The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) program may cover certain healthcare benefits. Learn more here.
- Veterans: If you’re a Veterans Affairs Canada health card holder, the Treatment Benefits Program may cover your prescription. You can read more about this program here.
Be sure to read the eligibility criteria for each federal program.
4. Community Health Centres, HIV Clinics, and Non-profits
Many community health centres and HIV clinics in Canada offer low-cost or free PrEP services.
Look for a sexual health clinic, an HIV organization, or an LGBTQ2S+ health centre and enquire about whether they offer HIV prevention services.
Many health centres employ staff who can assist with PrEP applications and provide information on financial assistance. Call ahead to confirm costs and eligibility requirements. Some centres offer sliding-scale fees or free PrEP services for qualifying individuals.
5. Opt for Generic PrEP
In Canada, PrEP is available in both branded and generic versions. The generic version of PrEP can provide the same level of protection against HIV as branded versions, yet it’s available at a fraction of the cost.
Not every type of PrEP is available in a generic version. Talk to a healthcare professional to discuss which type of PrEP is best for you.
6. Use a Telehealth Provider
Telehealth services simplify the process of getting PrEP while often reducing the cost.
With a telehealth provider, you can complete your consultation at home and have your prescription delivered to your door (if you are prescribed). You may still be required to visit a local clinic for lab tests before receiving your prescription.
Many telehealth providers of PrEP have programs in place to help you access PrEP at the lowest cost possible.
Finding Free or Affordable PrEP in Canada: Know Your Options
No one should have to face financial barriers to accessing HIV prevention. If you’re unable to pay for PrEP out of pocket, there are options available, from provincial programs to patient assistance and telehealth services.
Whether it’s through your family doctor, a local clinic or a telehealth provider, reach out to a healthcare professional to learn more about the most affordable way for you to get PrEP.
