Medical marijuana is one of the most hotly debated topics in North America.
But is medical marijuana covered by insurance in Canada?
The answer depends on where you live in Canada and what type of coverage you have, but it is most likely not covered.
CBD oil (or Cannabidiol) is a cannabis extract derived from industrial hemp.
It is legal to use in Canada as long as it's extracted from industrial hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC content.
Lately, the main concern for many users has been whether insurance covers CBD oil in Canadian medical centers and how to find the dispensaries that cover medical marijuana.
We'll discuss the answers to these questions and more below.
Legalization Status of Cannabis in Canada (Including Recreational and Medicinal use)
If you currently use medical marijuana, you may be wondering: is medical marijuana covered by insurance in Canada?
Currently, medical marijuana is legal in Canada and is covered by most insurance plans.
If you're looking to buy CBD oil for medicinal purposes, we recommend speaking with your doctor about obtaining a prescription before making any online purchases.
This is because many companies require the prescription (or, at the very least, they will ask for proof of diagnosis).
You can also present them with the medical document that your doctor provides.
In general, marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in Canada.
If you are looking to purchase CBD oil for recreational use, there is no need for a prescription or medical document.
However, many companies will require some ID (such as your driver's license), and proof that you're over the age of 18 is required in most cases.
Most CBD oil is purchased online because it is still illegal to sell cannabis products in retail stores.
How to find a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Canada
This is an essential question that many new patients ask, especially with the recent realization that medical marijuana can be covered by insurance in Canada.
Here are some tips to guide you to find a dispensary near you or online that is licensed and regulated for medical cannabis sales.
- One way is to use Google Maps on your smartphone.
- Find dispensaries within your own province or region.
- Then take a look at the dispensary's menu to find prices and strains available for purchase.
- The other is to use the Google search engine on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. This is good if you're looking for an option online where medical marijuana is sold legally.
- Make sure it is legal before your purchase.
How to get Medical Insurance Coverage for CBD Oil in Canada
Once you know where to get your legal, medical marijuana, you may be wondering: does insurance cover CBD oil in Canada?
Here are some of the ways you can get medical insurance coverage for CBD oil in Canada.
As a first step, you need to identify the companies that offer CBD oil insurance.
This is not always easy as numerous cannabis dispensaries and other online retailers offer different oils and edibles.
The first option is to approach your current insurance provider, explain the situation, and give them a list of all medications for which you are currently under treatment.
However, this is not always easy because even if they have it in their system, some insurers may still require that you contact them or fill up an application form.
The second is to search online and find the insurance providers that offer coverage for CBD oil.
There is a high chance that they will ask you for your medical reports, prescriptions, or doctor's recommendations before approving any policy application.
It is important to note that some insurers might require their clients to use cannabis oil already, even if they are not sure of its benefits.
CBD oil is legal in Canada and is available for sale to the public over the counter at local dispensaries or cannabis shops.
However, just like any other medical drug out there, insurance companies may require you to present your prescription before paying for the treatment cost.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Plan with Coverage for CBD Oil
Medical insurance is designed to help ease the financial consequences of health issues.
When settling for CBD oil, it is essential that you know whether or not your plan offers benefits for this type of treatment.
CBD has proven to have numerous benefits for those with difficult-to-treat medical conditions.
Your doctor may have recommended CBD oil as a treatment option, so it is vital to learn about whether or not your insurance coverage includes this type of product before you make any additional purchases.
Advantages
Some of the advantages of having a plan with coverage for CBD oil include:
- It is affordable
- You can get the treatment you need without having to pay out of pocket for it yourself.
- If your insurance is through an employer, they may cover CBD oil in their plan.
Disadvantages
The Disadvantages include:
- The provider is not always willing to work with you if they disagree that CBD oil treats your condition.
- You may have issues getting the product mailed or delivered directly to your home and instead will need to pick it up at an approved dispensary.
If you do decide to switch insurance providers to get CBD oil coverage, keep the following considerations in mind:
- You may be able to cut costs by signing up for a high deductible plan.
- Consider higher deductibles and lower premiums if you only use your insurance when necessary.
If you do not have an employer-sponsored health care plan or cannot afford the monthly premium, you may be able to get free or low-cost health care from a variety of clinics and organizations.
Final Thought
If you've asked yourself, “Is medical marijuana covered by insurance in Canada” or “does insurance cover CBD oil,” you now have the answers.
CBD is an exciting new treatment that is showing great promise for people with epilepsy.
It is essential for patients who want to try the oil to discuss their options with their neurologist before using CBD oil.
Once you have the green light to use CBD oil, always settle for insurance plans covering medical marijuana to optimize the benefits.
To check out Canada’s best source for CBD products online, click here.