BC PharmaCare coverage for Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound
By GLP1Prices Editorial · Plan rules checked October 24, 2026 · Sources under each section
The short answer
BC PharmaCare pays for Ozempic and generic semaglutide only with Special Authority, a request your prescriber sends. Mounjaro and Zepbound are under review: PharmaCare hasn't decided whether to cover them, and it doesn't pay for a drug it is still considering. Wegovy is a non-benefit, so PharmaCare doesn't pay for it. Without coverage you pay the pharmacy's price, and prices differ from one pharmacy to the next.
Sources: BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Formulary Search (coverage data dated October 13, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); What BC PharmaCare covers (page dated May 22, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
What you pay without coverage in BC
"Pharmacies charge different amounts for drugs and services," PharmaCare says, and suggests comparing prices. These are the lowest prices we list in British Columbia, with the pharmacy and the date the price was last updated.
Source: What BC PharmaCare covers (page dated May 22, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
| Drug | Public plan status | Lowest price we list in British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Limited Coverage: Special Authority required | $234.82 at Costco Pharmacy1mg/0.5mL pen, 1 pen · Updated October 20265 pharmacies listed |
| Generic semaglutide (Apo-Semaglutide) | Limited Coverage: Special Authority required | $84.65 at London Drugs4mg/3mL pen, 1 pen · Updated October 20262 pharmacies listed |
| Mounjaro | Under Review: not covered yet | $272 at Costco Pharmacy5mg/0.6mL pen, 1 pen · Updated October 20265 pharmacies listed |
| Wegovy | Non-Benefit: not covered | $419 at Walmart Pharmacy0.25mg pen, 1 pen · Updated October 20263 pharmacies listed |
| Zepbound | Under Review: not covered yet | $325.55 at London Drugs2.5mg/0.6mL pen, 1 pen · Updated October 20265 pharmacies listed |
Status from the plan's own lists (sources under each section below). Prices are the lowest active price we list per drug in British Columbia, before any plan or savings card; a pharmacy may add a dispensing fee.
How BC PharmaCare decides what it pays
PharmaCare has several plans, and one person can be covered by more than one; most of them need you to be enrolled in MSP. On Fair PharmaCare, "coverage is based on income", and what it pays depends on your deductible and family maximum.
Sources: BC PharmaCare plans (page dated August 27, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); Fair PharmaCare plan (page dated October 8, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); What BC PharmaCare covers (page dated May 22, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Each drug has a status. PharmaCare reviews a drug when its manufacturer asks, and decides whether it will be a full benefit, a partial benefit, a limited coverage benefit ("covered only if a patient meets specific criteria") or a non-benefit ("not covered"). PharmaCare doesn't help pay for drugs it has decided not to cover, or for drugs it is still considering.
Sources: BC PharmaCare drug review (page dated June 8, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); What BC PharmaCare covers (page dated May 22, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
A limited coverage drug is paid for through Special Authority: "Some drugs require a special request from a healthcare provider to be partially or fully covered." Your prescriber sends the request, and you can track it in Health Gateway. PharmaCare says decisions are taking about five weeks.
Source: BC PharmaCare: Drugs that require Special Authority (page dated September 8, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
MSP pays for required medical services, such as a physician's visit. For prescription drugs, MSP's own page points to the PharmaCare plans. Plan NP (National Pharmacare), which started on March 1, 2026, covers its listed medications for everyone enrolled in MSP; semaglutide and tirzepatide are not on its list.
Sources: Services Covered by MSP (page dated February 27, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare plans (page dated August 27, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Plan NP, National Pharmacare plan (page dated June 29, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Ozempic and generic semaglutide in British Columbia
Status: Limited Coverage: Special Authority required
PharmaCare lists Ozempic as "Limited Coverage. Special Authority required", a decision dated December 15, 2020. In the Formulary Search, the Ozempic pens and the generic semaglutide pens from Apotex (Apo-Semaglutide) and Dr. Reddy's all show Special Authority as needed.
Sources: BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Formulary Search (coverage data dated October 13, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
PharmaCare publishes who qualifies on its semaglutide criteria page (linked below). A request sent through eForms can be approved automatically when the criteria are met, and an approval doesn't expire. Special Authority covers the pens up to the 1 mg pen; the 2 mg pen is under review.
Source: BC PharmaCare: Limited coverage criteria, semaglutide (page dated April 21, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Since June 15, 2026, the generics from Apotex and Dr. Reddy's have been in the Low Cost Alternative program with full coverage through Special Authority. PharmaCare said brand Ozempic "will remain fully covered through SA request" to support supply. On Fair PharmaCare you may still pay part or all of the cost until you reach your deductible or family maximum.
Source: BC PharmaCare Newsletter, June 2026: generic semaglutide listed June 15 (read October 24, 2026)
Ozempic prices in British Columbia · Generic semaglutide (Apo-Semaglutide) prices in British Columbia
Mounjaro in British Columbia
Status: Under Review: not covered yet
BC PharmaCare's Drug Review Results list Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as "Under Review". The review started on August 6, 2026, and no decision has been published. BC asked the public for input on Mounjaro from February 25 to March 24, 2026.
Sources: BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare: Drug review decisions (page dated October 21, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Drug Information: tirzepatide (Mounjaro) (read October 24, 2026)
There is no Special Authority for Mounjaro in BC. Tirzepatide is not on PharmaCare's Special Authority drug list, and the Formulary Search, which lists every medication PharmaCare covers, finds no tirzepatide product. PharmaCare doesn't help pay for a drug it is still considering, so for now you pay the pharmacy price unless another plan covers it.
Sources: BC PharmaCare: Special Authority drug list (page dated September 24, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Formulary Search (coverage data dated October 13, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); What BC PharmaCare covers (page dated May 22, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Wegovy in British Columbia
Status: Non-Benefit: not covered
PharmaCare decided on December 18, 2025 that Wegovy is a non-benefit. Its decision summary says the national price negotiations with the manufacturer ended without an agreement on December 1, 2025. The Formulary Search shows no PharmaCare amount for the Wegovy pens.
Sources: BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare: Drug coverage decision, semaglutide (Wegovy), Non-benefit (December 18, 2025) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Formulary Search (coverage data dated October 13, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Zepbound in British Columbia
Status: Under Review: not covered yet
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is also "Under Review"; its review started on August 12, 2026, after public input from May 27 to June 23, 2026. Until PharmaCare decides, it doesn't help pay for it, and there is no Special Authority for it.
Sources: BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Drug Information: tirzepatide (Zepbound) (read October 24, 2026); What BC PharmaCare covers (page dated May 22, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare: Special Authority drug list (page dated September 24, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Private and workplace plans
Private and workplace plans set their own rules. Manulife, Sun Life and Canada Life put Ozempic on their prior authorization lists: your prescriber sends the insurer's form, and the insurer pays only when its criteria are met. Wegovy is covered only on plans that include it. Ask your insurer about Mounjaro and Zepbound, or check with the Coverage Checker.
Sources: Manulife: Ozempic placed on the prior authorization list (April 5, 2023); coverage subject to plan design (read October 2, 2026); Sun Life: Ozempic prior authorization form 4233-PA-OZE-E (reimbursement only if all listed criteria are met) (read October 2, 2026); Sun Life: optional drug category, prior authorization from October 15, 2024 (August 13, 2024) (read October 2, 2026); Canada Life: Ozempic and Rybelsus added to the prior authorization drug list (November 27, 2023) (read October 2, 2026); Canada Life: Wegovy prior authorization form M6453 ("not covered under all benefit plans") (read October 2, 2026)
Getting a prescription online in BC
Each of these drugs needs a prescription: the CMA says "You can only get GLP-1 drugs with a prescription from a licensed health care provider." If you don't have a prescriber, our BC guides list the online providers that serve BC, what they charge and where to fill the prescription.
Source: CMA: Can you get GLP-1 drugs in Canada? (read October 24, 2026)
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Frequently asked questions
Is Mounjaro covered by BC PharmaCare?
Not yet. PharmaCare's Drug Review Results list Mounjaro as "Under Review" (the review started on August 6, 2026), and the Formulary Search finds no tirzepatide product. PharmaCare doesn't help pay for a drug it is still considering, so you pay the pharmacy price unless a private plan covers it.
Sources: BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Formulary Search (coverage data dated October 13, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); What BC PharmaCare covers (page dated May 22, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Can I get Special Authority for Mounjaro in BC?
No. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) is not on PharmaCare's Special Authority drug list, so there is no request a prescriber can send while the review is open. In BC, Special Authority applies to semaglutide: Ozempic and its generics.
Sources: BC PharmaCare: Special Authority drug list (page dated September 24, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026)
How much is Ozempic in BC without insurance?
The lowest Ozempic price we list in British Columbia is $234.82 at Costco Pharmacy (1mg/0.5mL pen, 1 pen, updated October 2026). The lowest generic semaglutide (Apo-Semaglutide) price we list in British Columbia is $84.65 at London Drugs (4mg/3mL pen, 1 pen, updated October 2026). A pharmacy may add a dispensing fee. Every pharmacy's price is on Ozempic prices in British Columbia.
How much is Mounjaro in BC without coverage?
The lowest Mounjaro price we list in British Columbia is $272 at Costco Pharmacy (5mg/0.6mL pen, 1 pen, updated October 2026). The lowest Zepbound price we list in British Columbia is $325.55 at London Drugs (2.5mg/0.6mL pen, 1 pen, updated October 2026). A pharmacy may add a dispensing fee. Every pharmacy's price is on Mounjaro prices in British Columbia.
Is Ozempic covered in BC?
Yes, through Special Authority, for the pens up to the 1 mg pen; the 2 mg pen is under review. PharmaCare lists Ozempic as "Limited Coverage. Special Authority required"; your prescriber sends the request, and PharmaCare publishes who qualifies on its semaglutide criteria page. The generic semaglutide pens from Apotex and Dr. Reddy's are covered the same way. On Fair PharmaCare your deductible still applies.
Sources: BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare: Limited coverage criteria, semaglutide (page dated April 21, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Newsletter, June 2026: generic semaglutide listed June 15 (read October 24, 2026)
How long does Special Authority take in BC?
PharmaCare says decisions are taking about five weeks, and you can track a request in Health Gateway. A semaglutide request sent through eForms can be approved automatically when the criteria are met, and the approval doesn't expire.
Sources: BC PharmaCare: Drugs that require Special Authority (page dated September 8, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare: Limited coverage criteria, semaglutide (page dated April 21, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Is Wegovy covered in BC?
No. PharmaCare decided on December 18, 2025 that Wegovy is a non-benefit, after the national price negotiations ended without an agreement. A private plan may cover it if your plan includes it.
Sources: BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare: Drug coverage decision, semaglutide (Wegovy), Non-benefit (December 18, 2025) (read October 24, 2026); Sun Life: optional drug category, prior authorization from October 15, 2024 (August 13, 2024) (read October 2, 2026); Canada Life: Wegovy prior authorization form M6453 ("not covered under all benefit plans") (read October 2, 2026)
Does MSP or National Pharmacare (Plan NP) cover Ozempic or Mounjaro?
No. MSP pays for required medical services such as a physician's visit, and points to the PharmaCare plans for prescription drugs. Plan NP covers the medications on its own list, and semaglutide and tirzepatide are not on it.
Sources: Services Covered by MSP (page dated February 27, 2026) (read October 24, 2026); BC PharmaCare Plan NP, National Pharmacare plan (page dated June 29, 2026) (read October 24, 2026)
Sources
- BC PharmaCare Drug Review Results (searches for tirzepatide and semaglutide) (read October 24, 2026): Mounjaro (tirzepatide): PharmaCare Status "Under Review", drug review start date August 6, 2026. Zepbound (tirzepatide): "Under Review", start date August 12, 2026. Ozempic: "Limited Coverage. Special Authority required", decision date December 15, 2020. Wegovy: "Non-Benefit", decision date December 18, 2025.
- BC PharmaCare Formulary Search (coverage data dated October 13, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): The search includes every medication PharmaCare covers. Tirzepatide: no products found. Semaglutide: the Ozempic pens and the Apotex and Dr. Reddy's generic pens show Special Authority needed; the Wegovy pens show no PharmaCare amount.
- What BC PharmaCare covers (page dated May 22, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): PharmaCare does not help pay for drugs "That PharmaCare has decided not to cover" or that "PharmaCare is currently considering for coverage". "Pharmacies charge different amounts for drugs and services." Fair PharmaCare deductible and family maximum; Special Authority coverage may be partial or full.
- BC PharmaCare plans (page dated August 27, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): One person can be covered by several plans; most plans need MSP enrolment; Plan NP launched March 1, 2026.
- Fair PharmaCare plan (page dated October 8, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): "Coverage is based on income." Temporary coverage starts the same day you register by phone or online.
- BC PharmaCare drug review (page dated June 8, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): A review starts on the manufacturer's request and ends with a full benefit, a partial benefit, a limited coverage benefit ("covered only if a patient meets specific criteria") or a non-benefit ("not covered").
- BC PharmaCare: Drugs that require Special Authority (page dated September 8, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): "Some drugs require a special request from a healthcare provider to be partially or fully covered." Decisions are taking approximately 5 weeks; requests can be tracked in Health Gateway.
- Services Covered by MSP (page dated February 27, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): "MSP is the provincial insurance program that pays for required medical services", including services by physicians; for prescription drugs the page points to the PharmaCare plans.
- BC PharmaCare Plan NP, National Pharmacare plan (page dated June 29, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): The medications Plan NP covers for everyone enrolled in MSP. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are not on it, or on the full Plan NP list for health professionals (page dated June 8, 2026).
- BC PharmaCare: Limited coverage criteria, semaglutide (page dated April 21, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): The Special Authority criteria; automatic approval when the request is sent through eForms and the criteria are met; approval period indefinite; coverage up to the 1 mg pen, the 2 mg pen under review.
- BC PharmaCare Newsletter, June 2026: generic semaglutide listed June 15 (read October 24, 2026): Pages 10 and 11: the Apotex and Dr. Reddy's generics added to the Low Cost Alternative program with full coverage through a Special Authority request; brand Ozempic "will remain fully covered through SA request".
- BC PharmaCare: Drug review decisions (page dated October 21, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): Decision summaries for Ozempic and Wegovy; none for tirzepatide.
- BC PharmaCare Drug Information: tirzepatide (Mounjaro) (read October 24, 2026): Page 1: "being considered for coverage"; public input from February 25 to March 24, 2026.
- BC PharmaCare: Special Authority drug list (page dated September 24, 2026) (read October 24, 2026): Semaglutide is on the list; tirzepatide is not.
- BC PharmaCare: Drug coverage decision, semaglutide (Wegovy), Non-benefit (December 18, 2025) (read October 24, 2026): Page 2: the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance concluded the negotiations without agreement on December 1, 2025.
- BC PharmaCare Drug Information: tirzepatide (Zepbound) (read October 24, 2026): Page 1: "being considered for coverage"; public input from May 27 to June 23, 2026.
- Manulife: Ozempic placed on the prior authorization list (April 5, 2023); coverage subject to plan design (read October 2, 2026): Live page blocks automated access; read via the Wayback snapshot of 2026-06-19.
- Sun Life: Ozempic prior authorization form 4233-PA-OZE-E (reimbursement only if all listed criteria are met) (read October 2, 2026)
- Sun Life: optional drug category, prior authorization from October 15, 2024 (August 13, 2024) (read October 2, 2026): Read via the Wayback snapshot of 2026-06-09.
- Canada Life: Ozempic and Rybelsus added to the prior authorization drug list (November 27, 2023) (read October 2, 2026)
- Canada Life: Wegovy prior authorization form M6453 ("not covered under all benefit plans") (read October 2, 2026)
- CMA: Can you get GLP-1 drugs in Canada? (read October 24, 2026): "You can only get GLP-1 drugs with a prescription from a licensed health care provider."
Health Canada compliance: GLP1Prices.ca displays drug names, prices, and quantities only. We do not make therapeutic claims. This website does not provide medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider about medication options.
Related
- Alberta Blue Cross coverage · What Alberta's government drug plans pay for the same drugs.
- Generic Ozempic cost in BC · Apo-Semaglutide prices at BC pharmacies.
- Coverage Checker · Check what your own plan covers.
Update log
- New page: what BC PharmaCare pays for Ozempic, generic semaglutide, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound, from PharmaCare's own lists, with cash prices and prescription options.