Provincial Programs

Community Services Pharmacare Program

If you are part of SPD - Services for Persons with Disability or ESIA – Employment Support and Income Assistance you have access to medical supplies like catheters. 

Community Services Pharmacare Programs will provide drugs and devices on the Pharmacare Formulary, as well as support for other necessary medical supplies (including incontinence and ostomy supplies) for those receiving Employment Support, Income Assistance, Disability Support Program & the Nova Scotia Child Benefit.

Prescription Drug Coverage (Pharmacare) | Nova Scotia Department of Community Services

Workers Compensation

Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCBNS) pays all reasonable expenses for required medical treatment arising from the work-related injury, for the rest of person’s life. WCBNS may also reimburse the cost of prescription medication, assistive devices, and other items.

If you were injured at work and as a result need to use catheters for bladder management, your WCBNS caseworker needs to approve your doctor prescription for catheters.

There may be a better catheter option for you.

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

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 Support letter to your WCBNS case manager for approval.

5. Once approved, ask your supplier to bill WCBNS directly.

*Limitations apply

Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (wcb.ns.ca)

Auto Insurance

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 your auto insurance to request approval.

*Limitation apply

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.