Expanded insulin pump coverage for BC residents with diabetes

Earlier this year, BC and the federal government launched Plan NP, committing up to $670 million over three years to expand access to diabetes medications, devices, and supplies for BC residents. The first phase, which began March 1, 2026, introduced full coverage for many commonly used diabetes medications, including insulin and metformin. The second phase, effective April 1, expanded coverage to include additional diabetes devices and supplies, including broader provincial coverage for insulin pump systems and newer automated insulin delivery technologies.

For details on the March 1 medication coverage update, read our earlier article: BC PharmaCare's Plan NP: diabetes medication coverage starting March 2026.

Which pumps are covered

BC PharmaCare covers three insulin pump systems for eligible residents. Each is available through a starter kit: 

• The mylife YpsoPump is available through a starter kit that includes the insulin pump, a mylife infusion set, reservoir, inserter, reservoir storage box, and screen protector. The starter kit has an upfront cost of $7,000, which is subject to coverage under your PharmaCare plan. 
• The MiniMed Insulin Pump System is priced at $6,600 and covers Medtronic's current lineup of covered pumps.
• The Omnipod 5 is an automated insulin delivery system designed to pair with a continuous glucose monitor to automate insulin delivery throughout the day. Pods for all Omnipod systems are covered as insulin pump supplies, subject to your plan's coverage rules. The older Omnipod Personal Diabetes Manager and Omnipod Dash Personal Diabetes Manager remain available at no cost regardless of your PharmaCare plan or deductible.

Infusion sets, pods, and reservoirs for all covered pump systems are also covered as supplies and do not require separate Special Authority approval.

Who is eligible

Coverage is available to BC residents who meet all of the following criteria: they have type 1 diabetes or another form of diabetes requiring insulin, they are covered under Fair PharmaCare, Plan B (Long-Term Care), Plan C (Income Assistance), Plan F (At Home Program), or Plan W (First Nations Health Benefits), and they have Special Authority approval from an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist confirming they meet the medical criteria.

How to apply

Speak with your endocrinologist or diabetes specialist. If you meet the criteria, your specialist will submit a Special Authority request to PharmaCare on your behalf. If approved, PharmaCare will send an approval letter to your specialist's office, who will pass it along to you. You will need this letter when purchasing your pump from the manufacturer.

It is important to note that PharmaCare does not provide retroactive coverage. Residents are encouraged to wait for written approval before purchasing a pump.

Where to buy

Insulin pump supplies must be purchased from a pharmacy that specializes in diabetes devices and can direct bill BC PharmaCare, like Endor Health. Claims are submitted through PharmaNet and paper or manual claims are not accepted.

For the full details on BC insulin pump coverage, including eligible supply items and Special Authority criteria, visit the BC PharmaCare insulin pumps and supplies page.