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Plagiocephaly helmet

Last updated on February 12, 2026

If your baby has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly, brachycephaly or craniosynostosis, PharmaCare may help pay for a helmet for them.

On this page:

How to get help paying for your baby’s helmet

  1. Make sure you have PharmaCare coverage before ordering the helmet. The helmet is covered under Fair PharmaCare, Plan C (B.C. Income Assistance) and Plan F (Children in the At Home Program). If you do not have Plan C or Plan F coverage, register for Fair PharmaCare at gov.bc.ca/ahdc or call 1-800-663-7100.

    Register for Fair PharmaCare 
     
  2. If your baby meets these requirements, the orthotist will have you sign PharmaCare’s Plagiocephaly Helmet form.
Plagiocephaly helmet requirements
  Age at start of helmet treatment Qualifying requirements
Plagiocephaly Between 5 months and 1 year Cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) of 6.25% or more
Brachycephaly Between 5 months and 1 year Cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) of 95% or more
Craniosynostosis Between 4 months and 1 year
  • Has had surgery for the condition
  • Written referral or prescription for a helmet from a pediatric neurosurgeon, and
  • Has had a post-operative helmet cast or scan

If your baby does not meet the requirements above, you will need PharmaCare approval for coverage before you order the helmet. Your orthotist will have you sign the PharmaCare Orthotic Benefits — Application for Financial Assistance form.

  1. Order the helmet. Even if you have coverage, you may have to pay for the helmet and get reimbursed. Coverage under Fair PharmaCare depends on whether you have met your deductible or family maximum.
  2. Submit the claim. In most cases, your orthotist will submit the claim for you. If you submit the claim, send it before March 31 of the year following the year you paid for the helmet. Mail the PharmaCare invoice and receipt and, if applicable, page 2 of the PharmaCare Orthotic Benefits — Application for Financial Assistance form, showing PharmaCare’s approval, to: PO Box 9655 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC V8W 9P2

Or fax to 250-405-3587. Make sure receipts are visible. Write PRIVATE FAX (if it is), so we can fax responses.

For more information

Phone us Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday 8 am to 4pm

  • From the Lower Mainland: 604-683-7151
  • From the rest of B.C., toll-free: 1-800-663-7100

Online resources

Plagiocephaly helmet coverage information sheet

The information on this page is also available in multiple languages on the plagiocephaly helmet coverage information sheet.

Learn about Fair PharmaCare in these languages