The PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) pill is a type of medication that helps protect people from becoming infected with HIV. It's important because it's an effective method of preventing HIV transmission.
The PrEP pill has become an essential tool in the fight against HIV, allowing people to take control of their health and protect themselves from infection. But how much does the PrEP pill cost? Here's a look at the cost of PrEP for Canadian customers.
It can help reduce the stigma around living with HIV by providing a safe and accessible form of prevention. Anyone who is at risk for HIV infection—such as those engaging in sex without the use of protection—should consider taking PrEP to reduce their risk.
When used consistently and correctly, PrEP may reduce the risk of contracting HIV from sex by more than 90%.
In Canada, the average cost of a 30-day supply of PrEP is around $160. However, many provincial and territorial governments offer financial assistance to cover some or all of the cost. If you're eligible for this support, you could pay significantly less than the average out-of-pocket price.
PrEP is free through the Trillium Drug Program for qualified residents in Ontario. Additionally, many insurance plans in Ontario cover the cost of PrEP, either fully or partially. If you cannot access these programs, you can talk to your private insurance company about coverage.
The Ontario government also offers subsidies to cover some of the cost of PrEP, so be sure to check if you're eligible. Whether it's free or purchased at retail, PrEP is an essential tool in the fight against HIV.
In Alberta, PrEP is accessible through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for qualified residents. Additionally, insurance plans in Alberta may cover the cost of PrEP, either fully or partially. Most private drug plans will also cover this cost.
In British Columbia, PrEP is available through the BC PharmaCare program, with coverage amounts varying depending on income level and enrolment status.
All individuals who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to receive free PrEP medications. If you do not qualify for BC PharmaCare coverage, you can purchase a 30-day supply of PrEP for a low or no cost online through providers like Felix.
In Manitoba, PrEP is offered for free through Manitoba's provincial prescription drug programs for those who qualify based on financial need or other criteria set out by Manitoba Health.
If you do not qualify for provincial coverage, most private insurance plans provide partial or full coverage for PrEP medications, and some offer co-pay assistance programs.
PrEP is available through the Saskatchewan Drug Plan if specific criteria are met in Saskatchewan. Most insurance plans in Saskatchewan also cover the cost of PrEP medications either fully or partially. Most people pay $0 for PrEP.
In New Brunswick, PrEP is available for free through the Expanded New Brunswick Drug Plan. The plan covers the total cost of PrEP medications up to a certain amount each month, and private insurance plans may cover any additional costs.
In Nova Scotia, PrEP is offered for free through Drug Programs Plus, which provides coverage for anyone who meets its eligibility criteria. Most private insurance plans in Nova Scotia offer partial or complete coverage of PrEP medications as well.
In Prince Edward Island, PrEP is available through the PEI Pharmacare Program if certain income eligibility requirements are met.
Additionally, many private health insurance plans cover the cost of PrEP medications either partially or fully. If you qualify for their program, Felix also offers no-cost or low-cost access to PrEP medication for Prince Edward Island residents.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, PrEP is free to all individuals that meet specific criteria set out by Drug Plans & Extended Benefits (DPEB). Most private insurance plans in Newfoundland and Labrador also provide partial or full coverage of PrEP medications as well. Felix also offers no-cost or low-cost access to PrEP medication for Newfoundland and Labrador residents.
PrEP is available to individuals in Canada at varying costs depending on your province or territory of residence.
In some provinces, the cost of PrEP is fully covered by provincial drug plans, while in other provinces, insurance plans may cover the cost either partially or fully. At Felix, we offer no-cost or low-cost access to PrEP medication for eligible individuals across Canada.
PrEP costs a very low or no amount each month. Some Canadian customers can also access generic versions of PrEP online from a reputable digital clinic.
PrEP is available in Canada at varying costs, depending on your province or territory of residence. Some provinces offer full coverage through provincial drug plans, while insurance plans in other provinces may cover the cost either partially or fully.
Felix offers no-cost or low-cost access to PrEP medication across Canada. The eligibility criteria vary by province, so it is worth looking into your specific situation to see if you qualify for free or low-cost PrEP.
Yes, PrEP pills can be purchased from retail pharmacies. However, the cost of PrEP is only sometimes covered by provincial drug plans or insurance plans in all provinces so that it may be expensive without coverage.
For those who don't have access to those programs or cannot afford the cost of buying PrEP from a pharmacy, Felix For You offers no-cost or low-cost access to PrEP medication for eligible individuals across Canada
The views expressed here are those of the author and, as with the rest of the content on Health Guide, are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare practitioner.
