Your Guide to Medical Cannabis Insurance and Benefits

Today many insurance companies include medical cannabis in their insurance plans. At MMC we can help you find out if medical cannabis can be covered in your plan. What you’re eligible for often depends on what plan you have and what medical condition you’re treating. 

In this guide will offer an overview of the opportunities available so, you can find something that suits you.  

Insurance & Extended Benefits for Medical Cannabis in Canada  

Here is a summary of the plans and coverage available for the most common insurance companies in Canada. 

Sunlife

Sunlife reimburses medical cannabis as part of a treatment plan for cancer symptoms, multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS and individuals requiring palliative care. The amount you can be reimbursed for depends on which plan you choose through their Healthcare Account. Coverage can also be covered through Optional Coverage plan. 

For more information visit Sunlife Medical Cannabis Information.

The Cooperators  

The Cooperators reimburse medical cannabis for a diagnosis of: chronic pain, muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS), and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Coverage can be accessed through Optional Coverage in an existing plan. 

For more information visit The Cooperators Medical Cannabis Information.

 Greenshield

Coverage can be accessed through Optional Coverage. Greenshield reimburses for a diagnosis of any of: chronic neuropathic pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy.  

For more information visit Greenshield Medical Cannabis Information.

Desjardin

Coverage is available for treatments of cancer symptoms, refractory neuralgia, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, and spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or a lesion of the spinal cord. Cannabis coverage can be accessed through a Healthcare Spending Account. 

For more information visit Desjardin Cannabis Information.

Manulife

Manulife cannabis coverage and reimbursement is available through a Healthcare Spending Account, for the diagnosis of: stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms in people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy, and chronic neuropathic pain. 

For more information visit Manulife Medical Cannabis Information.

Licensed Producers & Compassionate Pricing  

In some cases, Licensed Producers offer compassionate pricing to low income individuals as well as people who are on programs such as the Ontario Disability Program Support (ODSP).  

Veterans Affairs

At MMC, we believe in taking care of our veterans and work closely with Veteran Affairs, who were the first Canadian Insurance company to offer coverage for medical cannabis treatment. 

Veterans Affairs offers coverage for up to three grams of medical cannabis per day and, in more serious cases, more cap the limit they spend per gram at $8.50. Like other insurance companies the cannabis must be purchased through a licensed producer with a medical prescription.  

How MMC Can Help You With Coverage  

At MMC we deal with our patients’ insurance and benefits coverage on a case by case basis. Whether you have a Healthcare Spending Account included in your plan which allows for medical cannabis, or have a particular health condition which is covered. Our Patient Advisors will help assist patients in choosing an appropriate licensed producer who offers additional support. 

Whatever your situation is we are happy to help and are here to offer guidance and support throughout your medical cannabis journey.