British Columbia's PharmaCare program provides coverage for continuous glucose monitoring systems through Special Authority for people with diabetes mellitus who require intensive insulin therapy. Coverage applies to people with Type 1 diabetes and to those with Type 2 diabetes who use intensive insulin therapy, provided all clinical criteria are met and the person is enrolled in an eligible PharmaCare plan.
To learn more about which CGM systems are available across Canada, visit Our Guide to Continuous Glucose Monitors in Canada.
PharmaCare funding for CGM requires you to meet all of the following criteria. Coverage is available for both real-time CGM and flash glucose monitoring systems.
Age and residency: You must be a British Columbia resident, 2 years of age or older, with diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2).
Intensive insulin therapy requirement: You must use multiple daily injections of insulin or insulin pump therapy as part of intensive insulin therapy. Multiple daily injections means one or more injections of basal insulin and three or more injections of bolus insulin, with a minimum of at least 4 total insulin injections per day.
Diabetes education and follow-up: You and your family or caregiver must agree to comprehensive and age-appropriate diabetes education provided by an interdisciplinary diabetes healthcare team and commit to regular follow-up with your care providers.
PharmaCare covers both continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and flash glucose monitors (FGMs) through Special Authority. CGMs transmit glucose data in real time with alerts, while FGMs require scanning the sensor.
The 2025 BC Special Authority form lists the following eligible devices:
What the PharmaCare funds:
PharmaCare documentation does not explicitly list excluded accessories; however, the program funds only the medically necessary components required for operation of the approved glucose monitoring systems. Typically this does not include:
👉 For the most current approved devices and coverage details, visit the BC PharmaCare diabetes supplies page.
The application process requires your healthcare provider to submit a Special Authority request on your behalf.
Step 1: Discuss with your healthcare provider
Talk to your primary care provider or endocrinologist about whether CGM or FGM is appropriate for your diabetes management. Your provider will confirm whether you meet the clinical eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Special Authority application
Your healthcare provider submits a Special Authority request to BC PharmaCare. This includes documentation confirming you meet the intensive insulin therapy requirement and at least one of the additional qualifying criteria.
Step 3: Check approval status
You can check the status of your Special Authority approval by calling PharmaCare, contacting your prescriber or pharmacist, or checking Health Gateway online.
Step 4: Get your prescription and pick up supplies
Once approved, obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider and bring it to your local pharmacy. Your pharmacist will order your CGM or FGM supplies and coordinate coverage between PharmaCare and any private insurance you may have.
PharmaCare will not retroactively reimburse for CGM or FGM supplies purchased before Special Authority approval. Wait for approval before purchasing.
Initial Special Authority approval is valid for 1 year. After the first year, your coverage may be renewed for up to 5 years if you continue to require intensive insulin therapy and your healthcare professional supports continued CGM or FGM use. Renewal is not automatic and requires reassessment.
PharmaCare coverage includes deductibles and co-payments based on your income and your PharmaCare plan.
Fair PharmaCare (income-based): Most BC residents are eligible. Your annual deductible and family maximum are based on your net family income. After meeting your deductible, PharmaCare covers a percentage of eligible costs.
Plan C (income assistance): If you receive income assistance through BC Employment and Assistance or BC Disability Assistance, you have full PharmaCare coverage with no deductible.
Plan F (at home program): Children in government care living in a family care home have full coverage with no deductible.
Plan W (First Nations Health Benefits): Eligible First Nations and Inuit clients have coverage through the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
Private insurance: Private insurance plans may supplement PharmaCare coverage and may cover part or all of your deductible or co-payments. Coverage varies by insurer and plan.
If you do not meet PharmaCare's Special Authority criteria, there are other ways to access CGM technology.
Private insurance only: Some private health insurance plans cover CGMs or FGMs for people using insulin, even when PharmaCare criteria are not met. Coverage varies widely; check with your insurer.
Out-of-pocket costs: You can purchase CGM systems directly without insurance. Costs vary by device and usually include any required transmitter and receiver, plus ongoing sensor costs. Out-of-pocket monthly costs typically range from approximately $180 to $360 depending on the system chosen (based on Dexcom G7 at roughly $250-$300 per month for 3 sensors, or FreeStyle Libre 2 at roughly $180-$240 per month for 2 sensors).
Staying connected with your diabetes care team and managing your supply refills is essential for successful CGM use. The Endor Health app supports ongoing communication with your care team so questions about your CGM data or therapy can be addressed promptly. The app also provides convenient home delivery of insulin, prescription items, and CGM sensors at no added cost, helping reduce the risk of missed refills or last-minute pharmacy visits.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult with your diabetes care team before making changes to your diabetes management.
