Financial coverage of smoking cessation medications in Canada, 2021

November 24, 2021

View a map and table of programs in each province and territory

Download the map and accompanying table of programs that provide financial coverage of smoking cessation medications.

Quick facts

• Smoking causes many cancers and chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• People who smoke when they are diagnosed with cancer are more likely to die of cancer and other causes.
• Quitting smoking improves people’s survival and quality of life and reduces costs to the health-care system.
• The use of smoking cessation medications, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline and bupropion, can more than double quit rates.

This map and accompanying table summarize the publicly funded programs that provide financial coverage of smoking cessation medications in Canada. Eligibility for these programs and the types, quantities and duration of medications covered varies greatly across Canada. Some people with cancer have access to free or subsidized smoking cessation medications when they receive their cancer care and these special programs are highlighted.

Learn how access to smoking cessation medications for people with cancer can be improved.

Downloadable content