How to Get Your Breast Pump Covered by Insurance in Canada

Many Canadian parents pay full price for a breast pump without realizing their workplace health benefits may cover it. Here's how to find out — and how to claim it.

Spectra Baby Canada · 8 min read

A quality hospital-grade breast pump is an investment in your breastfeeding journey — but it doesn't always have to come out of your own pocket. A large number of Canadian extended health benefit plans cover breast pumps as durable medical equipment, and most parents simply never ask. This guide walks you through exactly how to check your coverage and submit a claim.

Does insurance cover breast pumps in Canada?

It depends on your specific plan, but the answer is "yes" far more often than people expect. Coverage for breast pumps typically falls under one of two categories in a Canadian benefits plan:

• Durable Medical Equipment (DME) — some plans list breast pumps directly as a covered medical device, often requiring a prescription or letter from your doctor.
• Health Spending Account (HSA) — many employer plans include a flexible spending account that can be used for a wide range of health-related purchases, including breast pumps, with no prescription needed.

Major Canadian insurers and benefit administrators — including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Blue Cross, Green Shield, and Desjardins — all administer plans that may include this coverage. The key word is may: coverage is set by your employer's specific plan, not the insurer as a whole.

Step 1: Call your benefits provider

The fastest way to get a definitive answer is a short phone call. The number is usually on the back of your benefits card or inside your online benefits portal. When you call, ask specifically:

• "Does my plan cover a hospital-grade breast pump as durable medical equipment?"
• "Do I have a Health Spending Account I can use toward a breast pump?"
• "Do I need a prescription or doctor's note to claim it?"
• "Is there a maximum reimbursement amount or annual limit?"

Write down the answers and the name of the representative you spoke with. This makes your claim smoother later.

Step 2: Get a prescription if required

If your plan requires a prescription, this is usually quick. Your family doctor, OB-GYN, or midwife can write a short note recommending a hospital-grade breast pump. Some plans accept a note that simply states the medical need; others want a formal prescription. Your benefits provider will tell you which.

Step 3: Buy your pump and keep the receipt

Purchase your Spectra pump and hold onto the receipt. A complete receipt should show the product name, the date of purchase, and the amount paid. When you buy a Spectra pump on Walmart.ca, your order confirmation contains everything your provider needs.

Step 4: Submit your claim

Most Canadian insurers now let you submit claims through an online portal or mobile app. You'll typically upload your receipt, your prescription (if required), and fill out a short claim form. Once approved, reimbursement is usually deposited directly into your bank account — often within a couple of weeks.

What if my claim is denied?

Denials happen, and they're often fixable. Common reasons include a missing prescription, an incomplete receipt, or submitting under the wrong category. If your claim is denied, call your provider, ask exactly why, and resubmit with the corrected information. If your core plan won't cover it but you have a Health Spending Account, ask to claim it through the HSA instead.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy from a medical supply store?

Usually not. Most plans reimburse based on the receipt regardless of where you purchased, as long as it's a recognized hospital-grade pump. Always confirm with your provider.

Can I claim accessories too?

Some plans cover replacement parts and accessories; many don't. Ask specifically about flanges, tubing, and milk storage when you call.

How much will I get back?

This varies widely by plan — some reimburse the full cost, others have a set maximum. Your provider can tell you your specific limit.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every breastfeeding journey is different. Please consult your doctor, midwife, or a licensed lactation consultant for guidance specific to you and your baby.