Is Ozempic Covered by Manulife in Canada? (2026 Guide)
Updated Mar 2026 - Written by Krista DeKuyper
While usually used by people with Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has quickly become highly sought-after by individuals who are looking to lose weight. So the question is, is Ozempic covered by Manulife? In this article, we’ll explore what Ozempic is, how Manulife insurance covers it, and whether it’s covered for weight loss purposes.
Private Ozempic Coverage 2026 Guide
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s a once-weekly injectable medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Ozempic works by stimulating insulin production, reducing the amount of sugar that your liver makes, and slowing down the digestion of food.
Ozempic for Weight Loss
Recently, more people have been using Ozempic for weight loss. It’s believed that the medicine slows down the digestion of food, which in turn, makes a person feel fuller for a longer period of time. This feeling of fullness can help individuals consume fewer calories throughout the day, leading to an inevitable weight loss. While some studies have shown positive results in weight loss, it’s important to note that Ozempic should not be used specifically for weight loss purposes unless taken under the guidance of a medical professional.
Is Ozempic Covered by Manulife?
If you have Type 2 diabetes and have been prescribed Ozempic by a doctor, Manulife will cover Ozempic medication (according to your plan’s coverage limits).
If you have Type 1 diabetes, Manulife won’t usually cover Ozempic for Type 1 diabetes treatment. We recommend requesting pre-authorization.
Manulife won’t cover Ozempic for weight loss, even if you’re medically obese. Ozempic for weight loss is “off-label use” and excluded from coverage.
To be eligible for coverage of Ozempic — Manulife requires that the patient have documented evidence of a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, have tried and failed traditional oral medication, and adhere to the required monitoring and documentation of the therapy.
How Much Does Ozempic Cost Without Insurance in Canada?
It depends on the province, but the general cost of Ozempic in Canada per month is around $200-$400. The cost can also vary based on what dosage you’re taking and whether you’re using the drug for weight loss or Type 2 diabetes treatment.
More on the Blog: Is Ozempic Covered by OHIP in 2026?
Understanding Private Weight Loss Drug Coverage in Canada
In the health insurance world, Weight loss drugs fall under the umbrella of “lifestyle drugs”.
For most policies, lifestyle drugs include:
Prescription birth control drugs
Glucose sensors
Oral erectile dysfunction drugs
Smoking cessation drugs and aids
Medical marijuana
Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs) and diaphragms
Vaccines
Anti-obesity drugs
However, most standard health insurance plans (individual, underwritten policies) exclude lifestyle drugs. Coverage of lifestyle drugs is generally exclusive to specialized, higher-tier guaranteed acceptance plans.
Which Manulife Plans Cover Weight Loss Drugs?
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
The Manulife plan that covers weight loss medication is the Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Plan. This is a guaranteed acceptance plan and includes benefits for a range of routine healthcare expenses, not just prescription drug and lifestyle drugs (weight loss medication). Review coverage details below. Click here to see a sample policy that indicates limitations, exclusions, and conditions.
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
Average Rating: 4/5
Average Premium: $225-$300/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Lifestyle & weight loss drugs covered
No medical underwriting
$250,000 lifetime benefit limit
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Guaranteed acceptance. Designed for people who may not qualify for traditional health insurance.
Strong prescription drug coverage for a guaranteed issue plan. The plan covers 80% of eligible prescription drugs up to $3,125 in expenses, with a maximum payout of $2,500 per year.
Additional coverage for lifestyle medications, such as weight loss drugs. Up to $500 per year within the drug maximum.
Accidental dental and travel assistance benefits available.
Some major dental procedures covered (oral surgery, endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics, and denture services).
Alternatives to Ozempic That Are Covered by Manulife*
Wegovy
Contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide)
Saxenda
Active ingredient liraglutide (GLP-1 medication)
Contrave
Taken orally instead of injected and contains naltrexone + bupropion
| Drug | Type | Form | Dosage Frequency | Approx. Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | GLP-1 agonist | Injection | Weekly | ~5–10% |
| Wegovy | GLP-1 agonist | Injection | Weekly | ~15% |
| Saxenda | GLP-1 agonist | Injection | Daily | ~5–10% |
| Contrave | Naltrexone + Bupropion | Oral tablet | Twice daily | ~5–10% |
*Coverage varies by Manulife plan and employer. The medications listed may not be covered under all policies or may require pre-authorization.