Coverage Guide
Provincial health coverage, private insurance, and out-of-pocket costs for hyperbaric oxygen therapy — everything you need to know, organized by province.
Quick Answer
HBOT coverage varies by province. Some provinces cover approved medical indications through public health insurance at hospitals and regulated facilities. Private insurance may cover additional indications. Many wellness uses are out of pocket. Find your province below for specific details, or find the nearest hyperbaric facility.
Province by Province
Click your province to see coverage details, which conditions qualify, and how to access treatment.
Note: Coverage information compiled from publicly available sources, March 2026. Confirm directly with your provincial health authority before beginning treatment.
Cost Information
1–3 sessions typical
$150–$1,200
at private clinics (may be covered)
10–20 sessions typical
$1,500–$8,000
at private clinics (may be covered)
20–40 sessions typical
$3,000–$16,000
at private clinics (may be covered)
30–60 sessions typical
$4,500–$24,000
at private clinics (may be covered)
Costs are estimates for private facility treatment. Publicly covered treatment at hospitals and regulated facilities has no out-of-pocket cost. Many facilities offer package discounts. Find a facility near you.
Detailed Coverage
Detailed coverage information for each province with public HBOT coverage. Click a province to expand.
Private Coverage
Beyond provincial health plans, there are several other ways Canadians access HBOT coverage.
Many employer-sponsored and individual extended health plans from Canadian insurers include coverage for HBOT, though the extent varies significantly by plan level and insurer.
Major Canadian insurers to ask:
Coverage typically falls under "paramedical services" or "medical equipment/treatment" categories. Some plans cover HBOT explicitly; others require it to be prescribed by a physician for a recognized medical indication. Always check your specific plan booklet or call the number on your benefits card.
If your condition resulted from a motor vehicle accident, HBOT may be covered through your auto insurance benefits. In Ontario, this is submitted through the OCF-18 Treatment Plan via the HCAI (Health Claims for Auto Insurance) system.
Acceptance of OCF-18 treatment plans involving HBOT is increasing as the therapy gains wider recognition. Your HBOT clinic can help prepare and submit the treatment plan to your auto insurer.
Note: Auto insurance coverage for HBOT varies by province and by insurer. No guarantee of approval. Your clinic and treating physician can provide supporting documentation.
If your condition is work-related, provincial workers' compensation boards may cover HBOT. This includes workplace injuries requiring wound healing, crush injuries, CO exposure at work, or decompression sickness for commercial divers.
Coverage is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Your treating physician must submit a treatment plan demonstrating medical necessity. Contact your provincial WCB: WSIB (Ontario), WorkSafeBC (BC), WCB Alberta, or your province's equivalent.
Canadian veterans with service-related injuries may be eligible for HBOT coverage through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). This is particularly relevant for TBI, blast injuries, and PTSD — conditions where HBOT research is growing.
Coverage is assessed individually. Contact VAC directly at 1-866-522-2122 or through your VAC case manager to inquire about HBOT eligibility for your service-related condition.
Call the number on your benefits card. Ask specifically: "Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered for [your diagnosis]?" Get the answer in writing.
Most insurers require pre-authorization. Submit your physician's referral, diagnosis, proposed treatment plan, and supporting clinical documentation before starting treatment.
Your insurer will want: physician's letter of medical necessity, diagnosis code, wound measurements or imaging, list of failed treatments, and the proposed number of sessions.
Most HBOT clinics have experience with insurance submissions and will help you prepare documentation, write supporting letters, and submit claims on your behalf.
HBOT prescribed by a licensed physician for a diagnosed medical condition may qualify as an eligible medical expense under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) on your Canadian tax return.
Step by Step
Discuss HBOT and get a referral with your diagnosis and clinical rationale.
Diagnosis, imaging, treatments tried, and why HBOT is medically necessary.
Contact your provincial health authority to confirm coverage and approved facilities.
Call your insurer about HBOT coverage for your diagnosis. Get pre-authorization.
Search our facilities directory to find a hospital or regulated facility near you. Their intake team confirms coverage and coordinates your referral.
Common Questions
We'll match you with a verified Canadian HBOT facility and confirm coverage options in your province.
Find a Clinic Near YouDisclaimer: Coverage information is compiled from publicly available sources and may not reflect the most current provincial policies. Always confirm with your provincial health authority, insurance provider, or HBOT facility before beginning treatment. This page does not constitute financial or medical advice.