Does the Quebec provincial health insurance plan or my insurer reimburse the cost of renting cold caps?

**Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)** The use of scalp cooling caps is not covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). **Group and Individual Insurance** An increasing number of private insurance providers now reimburse a significant portion of scalp cooling cap rental fees. - In most cases, patients can claim scalp cooling caps as an alternative to a wig, provided they have a medical prescription. - If you have a healthcare spending account (HSA), scalp cooling may also be an eligible expense. To maximize your chances of reimbursement, it is essential to: - Request a prescription from your oncologist for the use of scalp cooling caps, - Include your medical diagnosis, - Confirm that the prescribed chemotherapy causes alopecia. *Discuss with your employer: they may submit a special request on your behalf, and your HR department can support you through the process.* **Desjardins Insurance** Since November 1, 2025, insured members of groups offering the Therapeutic Equipment coverage will be eligible for reimbursement of scalp cooling caps, in accordance with their plan’s terms and conditions. A copy of the receipt will be required when submitting the claim—no medical prescription or diagnosis confirmation will be necessary. Until that date, coverage remains exceptional and requires a formal request from the employer to be added to the contract. **Beneva** As of September 1, 2026, members covered under plans that include "Therapeutic Medical Devices" will be eligible for reimbursement of rental costs of cold capping systems, in accordance with the terms and conditions of their benefit plan. To submit a claim, members will simply need to provide a copy of their receipt. No prescription or confirmation of diagnosis will be required. Prior to this date, coverage remains exceptional and requires a formal request from the employer to have the benefit added to the group insurance contract. **Tax Deductions** Penguin Cold Caps are registered as Class 1 medical equipment by Health Canada under reference number 17656. Details of the establishment license [https://health-products.canada.ca/mdel-leim/index-eng.jsp](are available here). At this time, it is the only manufacturer in Canada certified by Health Canada that offers manual cooling cap rentals and is authorized to sell or rent this type of product in the country. This is why we refer to it Finally, we recommend consulting an accountant, as the cost of renting scalp cooling caps is considered a deductible medical expense for tax purposes. **Financial Support Programs** An increasing number of organizations offering financial assistance programs now recognize scalp cooling systems as an eligible expense. Because each organization operates independently, eligibility criteria and reimbursement amounts may vary. It is therefore important to inquire with local organizations and foundations in your area. For example, the [https://www.morethanacure.com/](More than a Cure Foundation) provides reimbursement of up to $2,000 for the use of scalp cooling systems for eligible women diagnosed with breast cancer. Please visit [https://www.morethanacure.com/get-help](their website) for complete details, eligibility requirements, and program guidelines. The Garde tes cheveux Foundation is actively working to improve access to scalp cooling therapy across Quebec. Through strategic partnerships and various support initiatives, the Foundation helps reduce the financial barriers associated with this treatment. To learn more, visit the [https://gardetescheveux.org/en/obtenir-du-soutien/](Get Support) section of our website.