Does Nova Scotia MSI Cover Ozempic?
Ozempic has gained a lot of attention recently. While best known for treating type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is now being used as a medication to treat weight loss. When it comes to multi-purpose medications, the coverage public health plans like MSI offer can be tricky. The province’s Medical Services Insurance (MSI) and related pharmacare programs have strict rules about what medications they’ll pay for.
In this article, we’ll be breaking down when ozempic is and isn’t covered under MSI, how much it costs to pay out-of-pocket, and other options to get the coverage you need.
Does Nova Scotia MSI Cover Ozempic for Type 1 Diabetes?
Nova Scotia’s MSI does not cover Ozempic for people with Type 1 diabetes. Ozempic (semaglutide) has only been approved by Health Canada for managing Type 2 diabetes, not Type 1, as of November 2025.
MSI doesn’t cover Ozempic for Type 1 diabetes because studies have shown there is serious risk of complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and low blood sugar.
Other Options
If you’re living with Type 1 diabetes and looking for financial support, Nova Scotia does have other targeted programs for people with diabetes:
Sensor-Based Glucose Monitoring Program: Helps offset the cost of approved glucose monitoring systems that are listed in the provincial formulary.
Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program (NSIPP): Designed to make insulin pump therapy more accessible, with eligibility based on family income and size.
Does Nova Scotia MSI Cover Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes?
Yes, Ozempic is covered under Nova Scotia’s public drug plans, but only under certain conditions. Ozempic is classified as an Exception Status Benefit in the Nova Scotia Formulary, so you’ll need special authorization from your healthcare provider to qualify for coverage.
If approved, the plan will cover one prefilled pen every four weeks (or one oral tablet daily for Rybelsus, the pill form of semaglutide).
To be eligible, you must:
Be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Be using Ozempic along with metformin and a sulfonylurea.
Have tried the above medications with diet and exercise, but it did not result in adequate blood sugar control.
Does Nova Scotia MSI Cover Ozempic for Weight Loss?
No, MSI does not cover Ozempic for weight loss alone. Weight management is considered off-label use of Ozempic and isn’t officially approved by Health Canada. You will need to pay out-of-pocket.
An alternative to Ozempic for weight management is Wegovy. Wegovy is approved for weight loss by Health Canada, and contains the same key ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) at a higher dose.
However, Nova Scotia MSI currently excludes anti-obesity drugs from their coverage lists.
How Much is Ozempic Without Insurance in Canada?
If you’re paying for Ozempic yourself, you can expect to spend roughly $300 to $450 per month, depending on your prescribed dose. That adds up to a minimum of $3600 per year.
The cost of Ozempic can add up quickly if it’s being used long-term for weight management.
Does Private Insurance Cover Ozempic?
With Ozempic for weight loss, coverage varies widely. Some insurers may approve it if your doctor provides documentation showing a medical need, but it’s not guaranteed. It also may not be covered in full.
Wondering if there’s a private plan that covers Ozempic for weight loss? Call one of our brokers for a specialized plan designed for your needs!
Many private insurance plans cover between 50% and 100% of the cost of Ozempic when it’s prescribed for an approved medical condition, such as Type 2 diabetes.
As for Type 1 diabetes, most private plans follow Health Canada’s approval, so coverage for that use can be limited. Refer to the terms in your specific plan.