As of April 1, 2023, BC PharmaCare covers the full cost of many contraceptives for B.C. residents:

• Oral contraceptives (“the pill”)
• Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Copper IUDs
• An implant
• An injection
• Emergency oral contraceptives (“morning-after pill”)

People do not have to register for coverage or fill out any forms. They need:

1. A prescription from a doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife (a prescription isn’t needed for emergency oral contraceptives)
2. To present the prescription at a community pharmacy along with their BC Services Card / Personal Health Number

If a prescription isn’t fully covered, people can ask a pharmacist to switch it to one that is.  Later in 2023, pharmacists will also be able to prescribe contraceptives.

Resources

• • • Free prescriptions contraceptives
    • Contraceptives – Information for health professionals