Saskatchewan health coverage

Saskatchewan’s health plan covers medically necessary hospital services.

The Saskatchewan Special Support Program offers income-based financial assistance for prescription drug costs. Once the semi-annual deductible is reached, residents pay a co-payment for drugs listed on the provincial formulary. Seniors aged 65 and older are covered under the Seniors’ Drug Plan, while children aged 14 and younger are covered by the Children’s Drug Plan. In both cases, eligible residents pay $25 per prescription for covered drugs. Saskatchewan’s Biosimilars Initiative ensures that only biosimilar versions of eligible drugs are covered under provincial drug programs.

Residents under 18 years of age, or those with a confirmed diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are covered for one annual eye exam. Ocular emergencies are also covered. Routine coverage does not include prescription glasses or contact lenses.

There is no coverage for routine dental services under Saskatchewan’s health plan. However, partial coverage is available for oral surgeries required to treat specific medical conditions, including orthodontic services for individuals with cleft palate. Tooth extractions are also covered if deemed medically necessary.

Saskatchewan’s health plan covers a portion of chiropodist and podiatrist services. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy services are covered if provided in a hospital, special care home, community agency, or certain private clinics. All other paramedical services, such as chiropractic and naturopathy, are not covered under the provincial plan.

Saskatchewan’s provincial health plan does not cover hearing aids, though audiology services may be available to eligible residents, particularly those with specific medical conditions or financial need. The Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) program offers coverage for residents with physical disabilities and certain chronic illnesses. The Insulin Pump Program covers insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems for residents under 18 with type 1 diabetes who meet specific eligibility requirements, and CPAP machines are covered for residents with moderate to severe sleep apnea who meet the eligibility criteria.

Ambulance services are not fully covered in Saskatchewan, but the province provides subsidies for ground and air ambulance costs depending on the resident's location. Seniors aged 65 and older may benefit from the Senior Citizens’ Ambulance Assistance Program, which caps the cost per trip. Other residents are generally required to pay a portion of the ambulance service cost.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority offers home care services that include case management, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and personal support. Residents are responsible for a partial payment based on income and the services provided. Private home care services are not covered by the provincial health plan.

Saskatchewan’s health plan covers emergency in-patient and out-patient services outside of Canada, subject to a daily maximum. Coverage is limited to one visit per day, and residents are responsible for paying the difference between the full cost of services and the amount covered by the plan.

Saskatchewan’s health plan does not offer any coverage for accidental death and dismemberment. Private insurance is necessary for residents who need this type of protection.