Your benefits plan may cover electrolysis.
Many Ontario workplace benefits plans now include gender affirmation coverage, and that often includes electrolysis. Here's how to find out if you're covered, what you'll need from your doctor, and how to claim.
New clients: consultation plus first treatment for $100 + HST.
What you need to know.
OHIP covers some gender-affirming surgeries, but hair removal is typically not included.
Many private plans include gender affirmation coverage, and electrolysis is commonly part of it. Manulife added it to all of its extended health plans in 2024.
Most insurers ask for a diagnosis or referral from your doctor, and many also ask you to apply for approval before you start.
What major insurers offer.
Coverage depends on what your employer chose for your plan, so two people with the same insurer can have different benefits. Use this as a starting point, then confirm with your insurer.
| Insurer | What we found | What they typically ask for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manulife | Gender affirmation coverage was added to all extended health plans in September 2024, and lists electrolysis or laser hair removal. | A diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a physician | Source → |
| Sun Life | An optional add-on employers can include. Core coverage includes hair removal for pre-surgical areas, and enhanced coverage adds facial and body hair. | A claim form, with treatment done in Canada | Source → |
| GreenShield | Lists laser and electrolysis hair removal as eligible in Ontario, and notes it can be done by practitioners other than physicians. | Check your plan booklet | Source → |
| Desjardins | Gender affirmation coverage through extended health care can help pay for procedures OHIP does not cover, including hair removal. | Check your plan booklet | Source → |
| Federal public service (Canada Life) | The federal Public Service Health Care Plan added gender affirmation coverage for medically necessary procedures not covered provincially. | Care from a doctor or nurse practitioner, and pre-approval | Source → |
Information checked November 2026. Insurers update their plans regularly, so always confirm your own coverage.
Six steps to getting covered.
- 1
Check your plan
Look in your benefits booklet or app for "gender affirmation," or call the number on your benefits card.
- 2
Ask what's required
Find out what paperwork they need, whether you need pre-approval, and how much is covered.
- 3
Get your doctor's note
Book a visit with your doctor or nurse practitioner and ask for the note or diagnosis your insurer requires.
- 4
Apply for approval
If your plan asks for it, send in the application form before you start treatment.
- 5
Book with us
Pay at each visit. Your receipt, with the date, treatment and your electrologist's name, is saved in your Jane account to download any time.
- 6
Submit your receipts
Send them in through your insurer's app, website or claim form to get reimbursed.
What to ask, word for word.
Insurance calls can feel intimidating. Keep this list open when you call, and write down the answers, the date and the name of the person you spoke with.
If you're told hair removal isn't covered, ask them to check the gender affirmation section of your plan specifically. Not every representative knows it's there.
No gender affirmation coverage at all? You can ask your HR team or benefits administrator whether it can be added to your plan.
- Does my plan include gender affirmation coverage?
- Does it cover electrolysis, and for which areas: face, body or pre-surgical areas?
- What do you need from my doctor: a note, a referral or a diagnosis?
- Do I need pre-approval before I start?
- Is there a lifetime or yearly maximum, and how much is left?
- Does the electrologist need any specific credentials?
- How do I submit receipts, and what do they need to show?
Not covered? You still have options.
If your workplace offers a Health Spending Account, ask whether electrolysis is an eligible expense.
Prepaid packages save 20% on 15 hours or 25% on 32 hours, which suits larger projects like full facial hair.
When our training program is running, sessions with a supervised associate are half price.
The questions everyone asks.
Does OHIP cover electrolysis?
Generally, no. OHIP covers some gender-affirming surgeries, but hair removal is typically not included. Private workplace benefits are the most common way to get it covered.
Do I need a diagnosis?
Most insurers ask for a note or diagnosis from your doctor confirming the treatment is part of your gender affirmation. Some, like Manulife, specifically ask for a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Your insurer will tell you exactly what they need.
Will my plan cover facial hair, or only pre-surgical areas?
It depends on your plan. Some cover hair removal only to prepare for surgery, while others also cover facial and body hair. Ask your insurer which areas are included.
Is there a maximum?
Most gender affirmation coverage has a lifetime maximum, which varies by plan. Ask your insurer how much is available and how much you've used.
Can you bill my insurer directly?
You'll pay at each visit, then download your receipt from your Jane account and submit it to your insurer for reimbursement.
Where can I get gender-affirming electrolysis?
Right here. Learn about gender-affirming electrolysis at Bellwoods, including what to expect for facial and body hair.
We're electrologists, not insurance advisors. This page is a general guide based on publicly available information, not a guarantee of coverage. Always confirm your benefits with your insurer.
Ready when you are.
Have questions about using your benefits? Our team is happy to help you figure out next steps.