Plagiocephaly helmet

Last updated on June 10, 2026

This web page has information for the public about PharmaCare coverage of a helmet for babies diagnosed with plagiocephaly, brachycephaly or craniosynostosis.

Get covered!

STEP 1 - Register for the Fair PharmaCare Plan for your family. Coverage depends on income: the less you earn, the more help you get. You'll need tax information from 2 years ago, Social Insurance Number(s) and Personal Health Number(s).

Register online
Or call 1-800-663-7100

STEP 2 - Return the consent form that will arrive in the mail. This allows PharmaCare to check your income with the CRA. This step is necessary to complete your registration.

What to know

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

Make sure you have PharmaCare coverage before ordering the helmet. The helmet is covered under Fair PharmaCare (register now), Plan C (Income Assistance and Family Services) and Plan F (Children in the At Home Program).
Even if you have Plan C or Plan F coverage, register for the Fair PharmaCare plan. It’s free. Coverage is based on your income. Register at BC Application for Health and Drug Coverage (AHDC) or call us at 1-800-663-7100. The amount of coverage under Fair PharmaCare depends on whether you have met your deductible and family maximum.
If your baby meets the requirements below, 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.

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.
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.