Medical Marijuana Coverage Breakthrough: University Student's Struggle and Victory

Strategic Insights -

Jonathan Zaid, a 22-year-old University of Waterloo student, has successfully convinced his private insurance company, Sun Life Financial, to cover the cost of his medical marijuana, a feat that industry insiders say is unprecedented.

Zaid, who suffers from a rare illness called new daily persistent headache, had been denied coverage for his medical marijuana by Sun Life initially. However, after presenting research on his condition and the medicinal benefits of marijuana to an oversight committee of the University of Waterloo student union, his request was approved in December. The committee found Zaid's evidence to be persuasive, and Sun Life issued a cheque reimbursing him for nearly $3,000, covering the costs of cannabis and a $750 vaporizer.

**Key Takeaways:**

  • Zaid's case is the first of its kind, with his private insurance company, Sun Life Financial, agreeing to cover the cost of his medical marijuana.
  • The University of Waterloo student union's oversight committee approved Zaid's request after reviewing his research and finding it to be persuasive.
  • Sun Life Financial considers requests for exceptions to its standard benefit plans if directed by the organization or employer responsible for the benefit plan.
  • Other insurance companies, such as Insurance behemoth Manulife, have similar policies but are not aware of making any exceptions for medical cannabis.
  • Government agencies, such as Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and Quebec's Commission de la sante et de la securite du travail, have covered cannabis costs.
  • Zaid's case is not unprecedented, and some private insurers have been reimbursing costs for medical marijuana through health spending accounts, although it is rare.

**Statistics:**

  • Zaid's insurance company, Sun Life Financial, reimbursed him for nearly $3,000 for cannabis and a $750 vaporizer.
  • It is unknown how many other patients or plans have requested similar coverage.
  • It is unclear what effect Zaid's case will have on future claims for cannabis made to insurers.
  • According to Wendy Hope, vice-president of external relations for the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, some private insurers have been reimbursing costs for medical marijuana through health spending accounts, but it is rare.

**Sources:**

  • Toronto Star, "Student's battle wins: Insurance company pays for medical marijuana"
  • Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association
  • University of Waterloo Federation of Students
  • Bedrocan Canada
  • The Toronto Star