Provincial Programs

The BC Employment & Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

PWD provides disability assistance and supplements to eligible adults to provide greater independence through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. A person must be 18 or older with a physical impairment that in the opinion of a medical or nurse practitioner will continue for at least two years and directly restricts the person’s ability to perform daily living activities and as a result they require an assistive device. Specific criteria and application are available Designation Application - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Individuals must meet the criteria for a PWD designation and require income support. A person may also be granted a PWD- Prescribed Class designation if they are members of a prescribed class without applying for the designation:

Medical supplies including those for catheterization and ongoing bowel care required due to loss of muscle function can be considered and will be supplied through the Product Distribution Centre (PDC). Specific details are available Medical Supplies - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

There may be a better catheter option for you.

1. Ask for samples of SpeediCath® catheters*. Simply click here "Free SpeediCath® Samples" on this page.

2. Talk to your doctor - ask for a prescription for SpeediCath® catheters. SpeediCath® catheters are single use only so the prescription should be for the number of times you need to catheterize daily, typically 4-5 catheters per day (one for every time you need to empty your bladder).

3. Ask your doctor to complete and sign the Coloplast Intermittent Catheter Letter of Recommendation. Simply click on the letter on this page, download the letter and send it to your doctor. This letter outlines the issue(s) you are having and why you need to use SpeediCath®.

4. Submit the prescription and letter to Ministry of Social Development for review and approval.  

5. Once approved, the PDC (distribution centre)  ships the product directly to your home.

*Limitations apply 

Individuals and families that are no longer eligible to receive income assistance or disability assistance due to income in excess of the requirements can apply for Medical Services Only (MSO) coverage and may be approved to continue to have access to specific health supplements including medical devices. The specific criteria is available Medical Services Only - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

The At Home Program

The At Home Program through the Ministry of Children & Family Development provides eligible families that have a child that has been assessed as dependent in at least three of the four activities of daily living (eating, dressing, toileting and washing) with Medical Benefits. Children that receive nursing care through Nursing Support Services (bcchildrens.ca) are eligible for medical benefits without an assessment.

Once a family is assessed and approved they can have a medical practitioner submit a request for Medical Supplies Form Medical Benefits for Children and Teens with Complex Health Needs - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) and once approved they can be ordered monthly and supplied through the Product Distribution Centre.

Workers Compensation 

If you were injured at work and as a result need to use catheters for bladder management, Worksafe BC should cover your catheter requirements. 

If you are purchasing catheters for the first time, you will require a prescription from your doctor.  Send the prescription along with this completed letter to Worksafe BC for approval.

There may be a better catheter option for you.

1. Ask for samples of SpeediCath® catheters*. Simply click here "Free SpeediCath Samples" to order.

2. Talk to your doctor - ask for a prescription for SpeediCath® catheters. SpeediCath® catheters are single use only so the prescription should be for the number of times you need to catheterize daily, typically 4-5 catheters per day (one for every time you need to empty your bladder).

3. Ask your doctor to complete and sign the Coloplast Intermittent Catheter Letter of Recommendation. Simply click on the letter on this page, download the letter and send it to your doctor. This letter outlines the issue(s) you are having and why you need to use SpeediCath®.

4. Submit the prescription and letter to Worksafe BC for approval.

5. Upon approval, take your prescription and go to one of the preferred Worksafe BC suppliers to purchase your catheters.

6. Ask your supplier to bill Worksafe BC directly.

*Limitations apply

WorkSafeBC

Auto Insurance 

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)

ICBC is the sole provider of universal compulsory auto insurance in BC. 

If you sustained a catastrophic injury due to an auto accident, you may qualify for catheter coverage.

Settlements / lump sum payouts can take many years.  During that time, the insurance company covers catheters as recommended by the physician and is dependent on individual adjustor approval. The client usually receives a report at time of settlement itemizing products and services currently being covered and their associated annual costs -  it is up to client to manage the settlement amount and associated expenses for their lifetime. The insurance company will no longer be involved once the client settles.

It is important that you are using the best catheter option for you.

1. Ask for samples of SpeediCath® catheters*. Simply click on the "Free SpeediCath® Samples" on this page.

2. Talk to your doctor - ask for a prescription for SpeediCath® catheters. SpeediCath® catheters are single use only so the prescription should be for the number of times you need to catheterize daily, typically 4-5 catheters per day (one for every time you need to empty your bladder).

3. Ask your doctor to complete and sign the Coloplast Intermittent Catheter Letter of Recommendation Simply click on the letter on this page, download the letter and send it to your doctor. This letter outlines the issue(s) you are having and why you need to use SpeediCath®.

4. Send SpeediCath® prescription and support letter to ICBC to request approval.

* Limitations apply

ICBC Home

Municipal programs

Some municipalities offer their own health support programs or supporting services. Check with your local municipality to see if there are any additional support options available to you.