Provincial Programs

The Employment & Income Assistance (EIA) for Persons with Disabilities program provides financial help for Manitobans who have no other way to support themselves or their families. For those eligible, costs for basic and essential medical equipment and supplies (including catheters) not covered through Home Care or any other health plan may be covered.

You can apply for EIA here Province of Manitoba | fs - How to Apply for EIA (gov.mb.ca) and learn more about the criteria here Province of Manitoba | fs - EIA for Persons with Disabilities (gov.mb.ca).

A doctor’s prescription for catheters must be approved by a EIA case worker

There may be a better catheter option for you.

A doctors’ prescription for catheters

1. Ask for samples of SpeediCath® catheters*. Simply click here "Free SpeediCath Samples" to order.

2. Talk to your doctor - ask for a prescription for SpeediCath® catheters. SpeediCath® catheters are single use only so the prescription should be for the number of times you need to catheterize daily, typically 4-5 catheters per day (one for every time you need to empty your bladder).

3. Ask your doctor to complete and sign the Coloplast Intermittent Catheter Letter of Recommendation. Simply click on the letter on this page, download the letter and send it to your doctor. This letter outlines the issue(s) you are having and why you need to use SpeediCath®.

4. Submit SpeediCath® Prescription and letter to your case worker at EIA for approval.

*Limitations apply

Individuals receiving support from Employment and Income Assistance Program, the Children’s disABILITY Services Program and Community Living disABILITY Services Program may be eligible for additional financial help with costs for health-related supplies not provided by other programs (including medical supplies). Requests for these items are reviewed by the Disability and Health Supports Unit. Requests must be submitted by health professionals on behalf of recipients.  For more information Province of Manitoba | fs - Disability and Health Supports Unit (gov.mb.ca)

Workers Compensation

If you were injured at work and as a result need to use catheters for bladder management, Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WC MB) should cover your catheter requirements. 

If you are purchasing catheters for the first time, you will require a prescription from your doctor. Send the prescription along with a completed support letter to WCB MB for approval.

There may be a better catheter option for you.

1. Ask for samples of SpeediCath® catheters*. Simply click here "Free SpeediCath® Samples" to order.

2. Talk to your doctor - ask for a prescription for SpeediCath® catheters. SpeediCath® catheters are single use only so the prescription should be for the number of times you need to catheterize daily, typically 4-5 catheters per day (one for every time you need to empty your bladder).

3. Ask your doctor to complete and sign the Coloplast Intermittent Catheter Letter of Recommendation. Simply click on the letter on this page, download the letter and send it to your doctor. This letter outlines the issue(s) you are having and why you need to use SpeediCath®.

4. Submit the prescription and letter to WCB MB for approval.

5. Upon approval, take your prescription and go to one of the preferred WCB MB suppliers to purchase your catheters.

6. Ask your supplier to bill WCB MB directly.

*Limitations apply

Home | Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (wcb.mb.ca) 

Auto Insurance

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) / Autopak

MPI is a government owned corporation which provides mandatory basic auto insurance (called Autopak insurance) for Manitoba drivers. Drivers in Manitoba also have the option of purchasing additional coverage from private insurance companies, or private insurance brokers, besides MPI.

If you sustained a catastrophic injury due to an auto accident, you may qualify for catheter coverage.

Settlements / lump sum payouts can take many years. During that time, the insurance company covers catheters as recommended by the physician and is dependent on individual adjustor approval. The client usually receives a report at time of settlement itemizing products and services currently being covered and their associated annual costs - it is up to client to manage the settlement amount and associated expenses for their lifetime. The insurance company will no longer be involved once the client settles.

It is important that you are using the best catheter option for you.

1. Ask for samples of SpeediCath® catheters*. Simply click here "Free SpeediCath® Samples" to order.

2. Talk to your doctor - ask for a prescription for SpeediCath® catheters. SpeediCath® catheters are single use only so the prescription should be for the number of times you need to catheterize daily, typically 4-5 catheters per day (one for every time you need to empty your bladder).

3. Ask your doctor to complete and sign the Coloplast Intermittent Catheter Letter of Recommendation. Simply click on the letter on this page, download the letter and send it to your doctor. This letter outlines the issue(s) you are having and why you need to use SpeediCath®.

4. Send SpeediCath® prescription and support letter to MPI or your private insurer to request approval.

*Limitations apply

Manitoba Public Insurance (mpi.mb.ca)

Municipal programs

Some municipalities offer their own health support programs or supporting services. Often geared towards low-income populations. Check with your local municipality to see if there are any additional support options available to you.