What BC PharmaCare covers
Last updated on April 30, 2026This page has information about medications, medical devices and supplies, and pharmacy services that BC PharmaCare covers.
On this page
What to know
PharmaCare covers:
- Many medications - prescribed by a health professional licensed and practicing in B.C.
- Contraceptives - many are free
- Diabetes devices and supplies and medications
- Devices and supplies, such as prostheses and orthoses
- Ostomy supplies
- Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation prescription drugs
- Treatments for opioid use disorder
- Many pharmacy services, such as:
- Expensive drugs for rare diseases on a case-by-case, last-resort basis, with approximate annual cost of more than $100,000
- Medications for medical assistance in dying (MAiD)
Depending on the coverage plan and the benefit, coverage may be partial or full. Coverage under Fair PharmaCare is subject to deductible and family maximum requirements.
Some drugs require approval for PharmaCare coverage ("Special Authority"). Special Authority coverage may be partial or full, and is subject to plan requirements.
Pharmacies charge different amounts for drugs and services. You may want to compare prices and services.
Formulary Search
Use the PharmaCare Formulary Search to find out which drugs PharmaCare covers. Click on a drug's DIN/PIN/NPN to find out which plans cover the drug.
View the short Got a Minute video to learn how to use the Formulary Search: Does PharmaCare Cover My Medication?
Find out how PharmaCare decides which medications and medical devices to cover at BC PharmaCare drug review
What BC PharmaCare does not cover
PharmaCare does not help pay for...
Drugs covered by other agencies or facilities, such as those:
- Dispensed or administered in hospitals and emergency departments
- Used to treat cancer (available through BC Cancer Agency)
- For transplants (available through BC Transplant Society)
- For kidney dialysis (available through BC Renal Agency)
- Vaccines funded by the BC Centre for Disease Control
- For anti-retroviral treatment (funded by PharmaCare but provided through BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS)
The following medical supplies and devices:
- Hearing aids or hearing aid batteries
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
- Wheelchairs and walkers
- Eyeglasses
- Bandages
- Baby formula
- Herbal medicine products
- Artificial sweeteners, and
- Supplies and devices not listed on Medical Supplies
Drugs:
- Purchased from pharmacies not enrolled in the PharmaCare program
- Purchased outside B.C. or from companies/pharmacies outside B.C. (except eligible Plan W benefits)
- Purchased over the counter, unless eligible under a specific PharmaCare plan
- That PharmaCare has decided not to cover (visit Drugs that require Special Authority)
- For which a manufacturer has not submitted a request for PharmaCare coverage
- PharmaCare is currently considering for coverage
- Available as part of a private clinical trial
- Prescribed by a veterinarian
- Normally used for cosmetic purposes (e.g., wrinkle prevention)
- Paid for by another payer, such as:
- A private or federal insurer
- WorkSafe BC or ICBC
- Through an award for damages, or settlement agreement
These fees:
- Any portion of a dispensing fee above the maximum dispensing fee PharmaCare covers
- Dispensing fees above the maximum number of fees PharmaCare covers
- Drug costs above the maximum drug price PharmaCare cover
These pharmacy services:
Children in low and moderate income families may be eligible for basic dental and vision care coverage through B.C.'s Healthy Kids Program.
PharmaCare Compass
Click on the image for an interactive, online tool, to learn about PharmaCare coverage available to you. You can also download or print the PharmaCare Compass (PDF, 227 KB) for quick reference.
