Is PrEP covered by my insurance?

Yes, in Quebec, PrEP is covered for anyone who has drug insurance, whether public or private.

However, the level of coverage and the reimbursed options can vary. Here is what you need to know.


The principle of coverage in Quebec

The law requires all insurance plans to cover at least the most standard PrEP options.

  • Generic oral PrEP (equivalent to Truvada®): Always covered by all plans.
  • Oral PrEP with Descovy®: Covered by most private insurance plans, but access is limited with RAMQ.
  • Injectable PrEP (Apretude®): Covered by both RAMQ and private plans.

RAMQ, private insurance, and other programs

  • With RAMQ: Your cost is predictable. It is limited by your monthly co-payment and deductible, until you reach the maximum annual cap set by the government.
  • With private insurance: Coverage varies greatly. A personalized quote is essential to know the exact cost.
  • For eligible First Nations and Inuit people: PrEP is covered by the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.
  • For asylum seekers and refugees: PrEP is generally covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) pending eligibility for RAMQ.

What if my out-of-pocket cost is too high?

This is where the financial support programs offered by the drug manufacturers come in. In many cases, these programs cover the portion of the cost that is not paid by your insurance, which can reduce your share to a very small amount, or even to zero.

The system can seem complex, but our job is to help you see clearly. Contact us with your insurance details. We can give you the exact cost for each option and help you enroll in support programs to prevent financial barriers from blocking your access to PrEP.