Surgical & Recovery Bra Coverage in Canada | Insurance & Provincial Benefits

After breast surgery—whether it’s a mastectomy, reconstruction, augmentation, or reduction—finding the right bra is a critical part of healing. These garments provide support, protect incisions, and improve comfort during recovery. But a common question is: “Will my surgical or recovery bra be covered by insurance or healthcare in Canada?”

The good news: many patients can qualify for coverage through provincial health programs and private insurance. Coverage depends on your province, your procedure, and whether you have supplemental benefits. Below, we outline what you need to know about reimbursement and patient support options across Canada.

How Coverage Works in Canada

Provincial & Public Programs

Canadian healthcare is managed provincially, so coverage for surgical or mastectomy bras is not uniform nationwide. In most cases, bras are considered medical garments when linked to surgery or prostheses. Here’s how it works in some provinces:

Province What’s Covered What Patients Should Know
British Columbia PharmaCare covers external breast prostheses. Some cancer support programs and registries provide partial coverage or assistance for recovery and mastectomy bras. A prescription is typically required. Coverage levels may depend on income, diagnosis, or program eligibility.
Ontario The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers external prostheses but does not fund bras directly. Patients often access coverage for surgical bras through private insurance. Always keep prescriptions and detailed receipts.
Quebec RAMQ covers partial costs of breast prostheses. Some reimbursement for post-surgery garments (including recovery bras) may be available. Submit claims with receipts and prescriptions; coverage varies depending on diagnosis.
Manitoba The Breast Prosthesis Program provides up to $400 per prosthesis every two years, with some allowance for bras fitted for prostheses. Not all recovery bras are included—focus is on prosthesis-compatible garments.
Other Provinces & Territories Most provide funding for prostheses. Recovery bras may be included if deemed medically necessary. Always confirm with your provincial health authority before purchasing.

Private Insurance Coverage

Private health benefits—through employers or individual plans—often provide more generous coverage than provincial programs. Many plans include surgical bras, recovery bras, or mastectomy bras under categories such as “medical supplies” or “post-surgical garments.”

  • Review your benefits plan: Look for terms like “post-surgical garments,” “compression bras,” or “prosthetic bras.”
  • Get a prescription: Most insurers require documentation from a surgeon, oncologist, or physician.
  • Pay and claim: Patients usually purchase the bra, then submit the receipt and prescription for reimbursement.
  • Check limits: Coverage often includes 1–2 bras per year or a fixed annual allowance.

Who Qualifies for Coverage?

Coverage applies broadly to patients with medically necessary procedures, not just breast cancer survivors. You may be eligible if you’ve had:

  • Mastectomy or Lumpectomy – Bras designed for prostheses or gentle recovery support are often eligible.
  • Breast Reconstruction – Recovery bras with support and adjustability may be covered.
  • Breast Reduction – Surgical bras that minimize swelling and aid healing are sometimes reimbursed.
  • Breast Augmentation or Lift – Insurance coverage is less consistent but some plans still cover post-surgical bras if prescribed.

Steps to Get Your Bra Covered

  1. Obtain a prescription – Ask your surgeon or physician to clearly write “post-surgical recovery bra” "is required to be worn as a result of a surgical procedure". We provide a prescriptions here, that can be signed by your doctor. 
  2. Check your coverage – Call your provincial program or insurer to confirm what’s eligible.
  3. Purchase from a recognized supplier – Approved vendors can provide detailed receipts (brand, size, medical purpose). Business details (address and phone number) and receipt of payment is required on these receipts. 
  4. Submit your claim – Send your receipt, prescription, and claim form to your insurer or provincial program.
  5. Explore support programs – Non-profit organizations like after BREAST CANCER and RETHINK BREAST CANCER may provide bras to women in need.

What’s Not Covered

  • Sports bras, fashion bras, or non-medical lingerie.
  • Extra garments beyond your plan’s yearly allowance.
  • Non-prescribed bras (most programs require medical documentation).

Tips from Plastic Surgeons

  • Ask for the correct diagnostic code on your prescription (e.g., mastectomy, breast reduction).
  • Choose bras designed for healing: front closure, adjustable straps, soft seams.
  • Keep receipts and claim forms organized to avoid reimbursement delays.
  • Fit matters: surgical bras should secure tissue without restricting healing.

Conclusion

In Canada, surgical bras, recovery bras, and mastectomy bras may be covered by provincial healthcare or private insurance. While prostheses are more consistently reimbursed, many patients also qualify for partial or full coverage of their recovery garments—especially with a doctor’s prescription. Whether you’re recovering from breast cancer surgery, a reduction, or a lift, coverage can reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure access to the garments you need for healing.

At LaBratory, we design bras with surgeon-led expertise to provide support, comfort, and confidence. Our team can also help guide you with documentation so you can maximize your insurance coverage.

 

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