How Much Does Sertraline Cost in Canada?

If you’re researching Sertraline, you’ve likely noticed that prices can vary quite a bit across Canada. Your location, insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you choose all play a role in what you’ll actually pay.

The cost differences can be significant, ranging from under $10 with good insurance to over $120 without any coverage. Here’s what you can expect to pay for Sertraline in Canada, plus some practical ways to manage the expense.

Sertraline cost breakdown in Canada

The price you’ll pay for Sertraline depends heavily on your dosage strength and whether you have insurance and buy brand name or generic. Here’s the current pricing breakdown for 100-capsule supplies without insurance for both:

Generic

• 25 mg for $29 to $36
• 50 mg for $45 to $56
• 100 mg for $54 to $36

Brand name Zoloft 

• 25 mg for $180 to $200
• 50 mg for $270 to $290
• 100 mg  for $300 to $320

These prices include both the medication cost and dispensing fees. Most pharmacies charge around $9.99 for dispensing, which gets added to the base drug cost. Dispensing fees can make up a significant portion of your total prescription costs, representing 29.2% for prescriptions with 30 days or fewer supply, and decreasing to 15.5% for those with 91 days or more supply.

Insurance makes a huge difference. Canadian plans typically cover 50% to 100% of Sertraline costs, depending on your specific coverage. The 25 mg strength shows the biggest potential savings. Insurance can reduce your cost by nearly $100.

For monthly supplies (30 capsules), you’re looking at roughly $13 to $15 for the 50 mg and 100 mg strengths if you’re paying cash. The 25 mg strength costs more per capsule, making it the priciest option without insurance.

Pricing of Sertraline in different provinces

Where you live in Canada affects both your out-of-pocket costs and coverage options. Each province runs its own drug benefit program with different rules and co-payment structures.

Ontario provides coverage through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. If you’re 65 or older, receive social assistance, or are under 25 without private insurance (through OHIP+), you might qualify. Seniors typically pay a $100 annual deductible plus up to $6.11 per prescription. Some lower income seniors don’t pay anything due to their economic situation. 

Sertraline is covered under BC’s PharmaCare program. Mental health medications fall under Plan G, which brings costs down to about $45 for a 90-day supply of 50 mg daily dosing for eligible residents. Additionally, patients whose antidepressant treatment aligned with pharmacogenomic test recommendations saved about $1,061 CAD per year on prescription medication costs compared to those with incongruent treatments. Recently, BC’s PharmaCare program has seen significant change; it no longer covers all individuals and it’s only available for specific individuals with age restrictions who fit a unique medications profile. 

Alberta covers Sertraline under Alberta’s Drug Benefit List. Pharmacists with prescribing authority can adapt or renew prescriptions in this province, which can be convenient for ongoing treatment.

Other provinces have varying coverage policies. Atlantic and Prairie provinces each have their own programs, so you’ll want to check directly with your provincial health authority for specific details.

All provinces require a valid prescription from a licensed Canadian healthcare provider. Coverage details can change, so it’s worth verifying current information with your provincial health authority before making treatment decisions.

Please note that the manufacturer may have patient assistance programs based on an individual’s income. 

Private insurance coverage for Sertraline

Private insurance can dramatically reduce your Sertraline costs. Most Canadian plans cover generic Sertraline, though your co-payment depends on your specific plan details.

Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 100%. With 50% coverage, your co-payment for 100 capsules of Sertraline 50 mg would be $8.67 instead of the full $43.34. Plans with 100% coverage after deductibles can reduce your costs to just dispensing fees.

Some insurance plans require prior authorization before covering Sertraline. This means your healthcare provider submits documentation explaining why Sertraline is appropriate for your situation. It’s an extra step, but it ensures coverage when approved.

Key coverage considerations:

• Generic preference: Most plans favour generic versions over brand name options
• Step therapy: Some plans require trying less expensive alternatives first
• Coordination of benefits: If you have both private and public coverage, your private plan usually gets billed first

The 25 mg strength offers the largest potential insurance savings. Coverage can reduce costs by $99.51, bringing the price from $124.39 down to $24.88 for eligible patients.

Your insurance provider can confirm your specific Sertraline coverage details, including co-payment amounts and any required documentation. It’s worth checking before filling your prescription to avoid unexpected costs.

Paying for Sertraline without insurance

If you don’t have insurance coverage, your costs depend on the dosage strength and quantity you purchase. Here’s what to expect when paying cash:

100-capsule generic supplies:

• Sertraline 25 mg 100 caps $29-$36
• Sertraline 50 mg 100 caps $45-$56
• Sertraline 100 mg 100 caps $54-$36

Brand name 

• Zoloft 25 mg $180-$200
• Zoloft 50 mg $ 270-$290
• Zoloft 100 mg $300-$320

Money-saving strategies include:

• Shop around: Prices can vary between pharmacies
• Buy larger quantities: 90-day or 100-day supplies reduce dispensing fees per dose
• Ask about discounts: Some pharmacies offer loyalty programs or price matching
• Consider online options: Licensed online Canadian pharmacies sometimes offer competitive pricing

Provincial assistance programs might help if you’re facing high prescription costs. Each province operates drug benefit programs with different eligibility criteria that could reduce your expenses even without private insurance.

The base drug costs range from $33.35 for the 50 mg strength to $114.40 for the 25 mg strength. Adding the typical $9.99 dispensing fee brings you to the total cash prices listed above.

Getting a Sertraline prescription

You’ll need a prescription from a licensed Canadian healthcare provider to get Sertraline. This applies whether you’re paying cash or using insurance. Pharmacies can’t dispense it without a valid prescription.

Canadian physicians and nurse practitioners can prescribe Sertraline at their discretion if they determine it’s appropriate for your situation. The consultation process involves reviewing your medical history and current health status.

Healthcare providers who can prescribe Sertraline:

• Canadian-licensed physicians (family doctors, psychiatrists)
• Nurse practitioners (in most provinces)
• Pharmacists with prescribing authority (in some jurisdictions for renewals)

Through Maple, you can connect with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider within minutes who can assess your needs and provide recommendations at their discretion if appropriate. Virtual consultations offer a convenient way to discuss treatment options and understand your coverage possibilities.

The prescription requirement ensures proper medical oversight and allows pharmacies to process insurance claims or provincial drug plan coverage. All medication orders require this legal prescription from a Canadian physician.

Final word on Sertraline cost in Canada

What you’ll pay for Sertraline depends on several key factors. Your insurance coverage, dosage strength, and pharmacy choice all significantly impact your monthly expenses.

With insurance, expect to pay between $8.67 and $24.88 for a 100-capsule supply. Without coverage, costs range from $43.34 to $124.39 for the same quantities. The 25 mg strength represents the highest cost at both coverage levels.

Provincial drug plans offer additional coverage opportunities for eligible residents. Programs in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia can substantially reduce out-of-pocket expenses if you qualify.

Maple lets you talk with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider in a few minutes. They’ll assess your specific needs and can discuss whether Sertraline might be right for you. These virtual visits make it easy to understand both your treatment and coverage options without leaving home.

Disclaimer: This content serves educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. All prescriptions are given at the provider’s discretion. Coverage details and policies can change; verify with official sources before making financial commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Sertraline cost without insurance in Canada?

Without insurance, Sertraline can cost $45 to $56 for 50 mg strength, $54 to $36 for 100 mg strength, and $124 or more for 25 mg strength per 100-capsule supply. These prices include the medication cost plus a $9.99 dispensing fee that most Canadian pharmacies charge.

Does provincial health insurance cover Sertraline in Canada?

Coverage varies by province and eligibility. Ontario covers Sertraline through the ODB program for seniors and other eligible groups. Quebec provides coverage through RAMQ with income-based co-payments. British Columbia and Alberta also offer coverage through their respective provincial programs for qualifying residents.

Can I get Sertraline for free in Canada?

Some Canadians qualify for free or low-cost Sertraline through provincial programs. Ontario residents under 25 without private insurance can access coverage through OHIP+. Seniors, individuals receiving social assistance, and other eligible groups may receive coverage with minimal co-payments depending on their province.

How much can insurance reduce Sertraline costs in Canada?

Insurance can reduce Sertraline costs by 50% to 100% depending on your plan. For example, the 25 mg strength can drop from $124.39 to $24.88 with coverage,  a savings of nearly $100. The 50 mg and 100 mg strengths see smaller but still significant reductions with insurance coverage.

Do I need a prescription to buy Sertraline in Canada?

Yes, Sertraline requires a valid prescription from a licensed Canadian healthcare provider. This applies to all medication orders and ensures proper medical oversight. The prescription also allows pharmacies to process insurance claims or provincial drug plan coverage for eligible patients.