Sometimes, depending on your specific plan. Some extended health benefits will reimburse medical cannabis (fully or partially), while others won’t. Many plans that do cover it require pre-authorization and/or limit coverage to certain conditions.
Mendo can provide an invoice/receipt with the details your insurer typically needs but your insurance provider is the only one who can confirm eligibility, limits, and required documents.
Please note, the information in this article is intended for Civilian Patients. Canadian Veteran's have alternate methods of coverage through Blue Cross & Veteran's Affairs Canada.
Insurance Coverage Options For Civilians:
1. Coverage through a Health Spending Account (HSA/HCSA)
If your employer benefits include a Health Spending Account / Health Care Spending Account, medical cannabis may be claimable there as an eligible medical expense (rules vary by plan).
How HSA/HCSA reimbursement normally works:
You purchase as usual, then submit your invoice/receipt through your HSA/HCSA claim portal.
Coverage is generally based on your account balance and your plan’s eligible-expense rules.
2. Direct medical cannabis coverage under your drug/extended health plan
Some insurers offer medical cannabis coverage as a defined benefit, but often only with prior approval/pre-authorization and specific criteria.
Examples of defined benefit coverage:
Sun Life: medical cannabis reimbursement may require prior authorization and have specific eligibility requirements.
Canada Life: provides a medical cannabis pre-authorization form for workplace benefits.
GreenShield: has offered medical cannabis options for benefits plans with defined oversight/eligibility.
How to check if you’re covered
Look at your benefits booklet/portal for terms like “medical cannabis,” “marijuana,” “cannabinoids,” “HSA/HCSA,” or “prior authorization.”
Call your insurer (or ask your HR/benefits administrator) and ask:
Is medical cannabis covered under my plan or only through HSA/HCSA?
Do you require pre-authorization?
Are there annual maximums, condition requirements, or product-format limits?
What documents do you need for reimbursement?
What you’ll typically need to submit a claim
Requirements vary, but insurers commonly ask for:
A paid invoice/receipt showing purchase details
Your policy/member info
Sometimes: a pre-authorization approval letter/form (if your plan requires it)
Getting an order invoice from Mendo
Need documentation for your insurer? While order receipts are available in your account dashboard, these usually don't include all the information your insurance company requires. To get an order invoice tailored to your insurance provider message our support team and include:
Your order number
The date of purchase
The name/email on your account
We’ll help you get the right invoice/receipt for your claim submission.
FAQ
Is medical cannabis always covered if I have insurance?
No, coverage varies by insurer and plan. Many plans exclude it or only allow it through an HSA/HCSA.
If my plan requires pre-authorization, can I still buy before approval?
Some insurers may deny reimbursement without prior approval, confirm with your insurer before purchasing if you’re unsure.
Can Mendo tell me if my plan will reimburse?
We can provide the documents you need, but only your insurer can confirm coverage and requirements.