Prostheses covered by BC PharmaCare

Last updated on June 10, 2026

PharmaCare helps eligible B.C. residents with the cost of pre-approved prostheses needed to attain or maintain basic functionality.

What to know

A prosthetic device provider determines your needs. If required, the prosthetist, or orthotist (in the case of a transmetatarsal prosthesis), ocularist, or anaplastologist submits an Application for Financial Assistance to PharmaCare for pre-approval of coverage for the device, supplies, or service, on your behalf.

PharmaCare reviews the application and determines the maximum amount it will cover. The amount PharmaCare actually reimburses depends on your plan rules, including any annual deductible. You are responsible for paying any remaining cost.

Time and quantity limits may apply to all prosthetic benefits. These limits are different for each item; please talk to your device provider for details.

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.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must be covered by one of the following PharmaCare plans:

Fair PharmaCare - Register now!
Plan B (Long-term Care)

Plan C (Income Assistance)
Plan F (At Home Program)

Note: you must have PharmaCare coverage in place before your device provider dispenses your device.

Limb prostheses

PharmaCare covers basic function prostheses, supplies, and services for

Partial foot (must be at least trans-metatarsal amputation—through midfoot)
Leg (includes amputation through ankle, above and below knee, and hip)
Arm (includes amputations through the wrist, above and below elbow, and shoulder)

PharmaCare does not cover prostheses for individual toes or fingers. Some limits apply.

Breast prostheses

Following mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery, PharmaCare covers

Breast prostheses
Lymphedema arm sleeves
Glove or gauntlets for lymphedema arm sleeves

Note that pre-approval is not required for most breast prostheses. Some limits apply.

Ocular prostheses

PharmaCare covers custom ocular prostheses and polishing provided by certified ocularists. Some limits apply.

Ear, nose and orbital prostheses

PharmaCare covers custom-made ear, nose, and ear orbital prostheses provided by anaplastologists. Some limits apply.

What is not covered?

PharmaCare does not cover:

Prostheses, and associated supplies and services, that exceed basic function
Back-up prostheses
Replacement of lost or stolen prostheses or supplies
Prostheses for individual fingers or toes
Scleral lenses for those with sight in the eye
Products or devices covered by another insurer such as ICBC, WorkSafeBC, Veterans Affairs Canada, Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, similar programs from other provinces or jurisdictions, or associated with an award for damages (consult the PharmaCare Policy Manual, Section 3.4: Patients - Other Payers for details)

Repairs and replacements

The program covers repairs and replacements only if they:

Are not covered by a warranty
Help attain or maintain basic functionality
Extend the useful life of the prosthetic device; and
Are for a device or a component of a device that was covered by PharmaCare when it was bought

Note: all repairs and replacements of $400 or more require PharmaCare pre-approval. There are time and quantity limits for repairs and replacements. Your provider can help you determine which repairs and replacements are covered.

Information Sheet

English (PDF, 183KB)
Updated April 1, 2026

Translated copies of this information sheet will be available soon.

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