Does Canadian Insurance Cover Compression Socks? Here's What You Need to Know
Posted by HAYLIE SEGAL
If you're wearing compression socks — or thinking about starting — there's a good chance your extended health benefits plan will cover some or all of the cost. Yet most Canadians never claim this benefit. Either they don't know it exists, they assume the process is complicated, or they simply never thought to check.
This guide covers everything you need to know about compression sock coverage in Canada — which levels qualify, how to submit a claim, what documentation you may need, and a few things most people don't realize about their plan.
Which compression levels are covered by Canadian insurance?
Most Canadian extended health benefit plans cover medical grade compression socks at the following levels:
- 20-30 mmHg — Therapeutic compression
- 30-40 mmHg — Medical grade compression
These two levels are considered therapeutic or medical grade — meaning they are recognized by most insurers as eligible health expenses rather than everyday clothing or accessories.
15-20 mmHg compression socks are generally considered over-the-counter and are typically not covered by extended health benefits — though it's always worth checking your specific plan, as coverage varies.
Coverage is available through most major extended health benefit providers in Canada including Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, Blue Cross, Green Shield Canada and others. The specific amount covered and any annual maximums will depend on your individual plan.
Do you need a prescription to buy compression socks?
No — you do not need a prescription to purchase compression socks at Dr. Johnny's. All compression levels including 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg are available to purchase directly without a doctor's referral or prescription.
However — and this is an important distinction — some insurance plans require a doctor's note or prescription in order to process your reimbursement claim. This is not universal. Many plans will reimburse based on your receipt alone. But since requirements vary by provider and by plan, we strongly recommend checking with your insurance provider before purchasing if you plan to submit a claim — just so you know exactly what documentation you'll need.
If your plan does require a doctor's note, your family physician can typically provide one quickly. The note simply confirms that compression socks are medically appropriate for your condition.
How to claim compression socks on your Canadian insurance — step by step
Step 1: Check your plan
Log into your benefits portal or call your insurance provider directly. Ask specifically about coverage for "therapeutic compression stockings" or "medical grade compression socks" — the terminology varies between providers. Confirm your annual maximum and whether a doctor's note is required for your specific plan.
Step 2: Get a doctor's note if required
If your plan requires a prescription or doctor's note, contact your family physician. This is a straightforward request — your doctor simply needs to confirm that compression socks are medically appropriate for you. Many physicians can do this at a regular appointment or sometimes without an in-person visit.
Step 3: Make your purchase
Shop for 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg compression socks at drjohnnys.ca. A receipt will be emailed to you automatically after your purchase. Keep this receipt — it's your proof of purchase for your insurance claim.
Step 4: Submit your claim
Log into your benefits portal and submit your Dr. Johnny's receipt along with any required documentation (doctor's note if applicable). Most claims are submitted online and processed within a few business days.
Step 5: Get reimbursed
Your insurance provider will reimburse you up to your annual maximum. The reimbursed amount is deposited directly to your bank account or applied to your benefits balance depending on your plan.
That's it. The process is simpler than most people expect.
A note for healthcare workers — your family members may also be covered
If you're a nurse, doctor, physiotherapist or other healthcare professional — you likely already know that your extended health benefits cover compression socks. Many healthcare workers max out their annual compression benefit on their own pair each year.
But here's something worth checking: if other family members are on your extended health benefits plan, their compression sock purchases may also be covered.
Spouses, partners and dependents on your plan often have their own separate annual maximum for compression socks. If your partner has swollen legs, tired feet or a job that keeps them on their feet all day — their compression socks could be covered under your family plan. It's worth a quick call to your benefits provider to find out.
Understanding annual maximums and benefit year renewals
Most extended health benefit plans have an annual maximum for compression socks — a dollar amount that resets each benefit year. Common annual maximums range from $50 to $200 per person, though this varies significantly between plans and employers.
Your benefit year typically renews on one of two schedules:
- Calendar year — resets January 1st each year
- Plan anniversary date — resets on the date your plan originally started, which varies by employer
If you've already used your compression benefit this year — make a note of when it renews so you can plan your next purchase accordingly. Many people find it helpful to set a calendar reminder a few weeks before their benefit year resets.
If you purchased compression socks earlier in the year and haven't yet submitted your claim — check with your provider about the submission deadline. Most plans allow you to submit claims for a period of time after the purchase date, though this window varies.
Which Dr. Johnny's products are insurance eligible?
The following Dr. Johnny's products are eligible for Canadian extended health benefit claims at most major insurers:
- 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks — therapeutic compression, covered by most plans
- 30-40 mmHg Compression Socks — medical grade compression, covered by most plans
Our 15-20 mmHg compression socks, non-binding diabetic socks and moisturizing foot cream are not typically covered under compression sock benefits — however coverage for other product categories varies by plan. Check with your provider if you're unsure.
All Dr. Johnny's purchases come with an itemized receipt emailed automatically to the address used at checkout. This receipt includes the product name, compression level and price — everything your insurance provider needs for your claim.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy from a specific retailer for my insurance to cover it?
Most Canadian insurance plans do not restrict which retailer you purchase from — they cover the product category (therapeutic compression socks at 20-30 or 30-40 mmHg) regardless of where it was purchased. Dr. Johnny's receipts are accepted by all major Canadian insurance providers. If you're unsure, confirm with your provider before purchasing.
Can I claim compression socks if I don't have a diagnosed condition?
Coverage requirements vary by plan. Some plans cover compression socks for anyone with a recommendation from a healthcare provider, regardless of a formal diagnosis. Others may require a specific diagnosis. Check with your benefits provider and speak to your doctor if you're unsure whether your situation qualifies.
How many pairs can I claim per year?
This depends entirely on your plan's annual maximum dollar amount rather than a set number of pairs. Once you know your annual maximum — for example $100 — you can calculate how many pairs that covers based on the price of the socks you're purchasing. Our receipts clearly itemize each pair so you can track your claims easily.
Can I claim compression socks purchased for my husband or partner?
Yes — if your spouse or partner is listed as a dependent on your extended health benefits plan, their compression sock purchases are typically eligible for reimbursement under their portion of your family plan. Submit their receipt through your benefits portal the same way you would your own.
What if my claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, ask your insurance provider for the specific reason. Common reasons include missing documentation (a doctor's note may be required), exceeding your annual maximum, or submitting after the claim deadline. In many cases a denied claim can be resubmitted with the correct documentation. Your family doctor can often help if additional medical justification is needed.
I need help with my receipt or have a question about my purchase. Who do I contact?
Our team is happy to help. Email us at info@drjohnnys.ca and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.
Your benefit exists to be used
Extended health benefits are part of your compensation. The compression sock benefit in particular is one that millions of Canadians are entitled to — and one that most never claim. Whether you're a nurse who spends 12 hours on your feet, someone managing swollen legs and varicose veins, or simply someone whose legs feel heavier than they should by end of day — if your plan covers it, there's no reason not to use it.
Dr. Johnny's compression socks are surgeon-designed, clinically informed and built to make a real difference in how your legs feel. If your insurance covers the cost — getting started has never been easier.
- Shop 20-30 mmHg compression socks →
- Shop 30-40 mmHg compression socks →
- Book a free virtual fitting →
Not sure which compression level is right for you? Book a free virtual fitting — our team will help you find the right fit and level for your specific needs.
⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or insurance advice. Coverage varies by plan and provider. Always confirm your specific coverage with your insurance provider before purchasing. If you have peripheral arterial disease, neuropathy, or any condition affecting circulation or sensation in your legs and feet, please consult your healthcare provider before wearing compression socks.
About Dr. Johnny's
Dr. Johnny's was founded by general surgeon Dr. Jean Segal — who has specialized training in vascular disease and over 35 years of experience treating patients with venous conditions in Vancouver, BC — alongside his children Haylie and Brandon Segal. Our compression socks are clinically designed, insurance eligible and built for real legs with real problems. Learn more about us →
