Accessibility and Insurance Coverage for Gender-Affirming Surgery in Canada: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

    June 2024 in “ Plastic Surgery ”
    Alan Gou, Michelle Bonapace-Potvin, Blair R. Peters
    TLDR There is unequal access to gender-affirming surgeries in Canada, with a need for better coverage and specialized programs.
    This study examines the accessibility and insurance coverage of gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) across Canada, revealing significant variability in coverage by province. It identifies 32 unique GAS procedures covered by provincial health plans, with Prince Edward Island offering the highest coverage and Nunavut the least. Quebec has the most comprehensive in-province GAS program, while the three territories generally lack in-province access. Genital procedures have the most comprehensive coverage, chest surgeries are widely covered, but facial GAS is only covered in two provinces. The study concludes that there is a disparity between coverage and availability of GAS, and it calls for physicians to advocate for broader coverage and the development of specialized GAS programs in underserved regions.
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