Available across Canadian pharmacies since late 2023, the Dexcom G7 is a sensor-based continuous glucose monitor. Rather than pricking your fingers to test blood sugar, a G7 sensor is worn on the back of the upper arm, allowing glucose data to be monitored using a compatible smartphone or via the G7 receiver.
Read on to get your Dexcom G7 questions answered:
Please note, prices, coverage, and patient-assistance programs listed in this post are accurate as of December 2024.
Is the Dexcom G7 covered by insurance in Canada?
Coverage for the Dexcom G7 by public provincial plans remains limited at this time, especially for people living with type 2 diabetes. In Ontario, the Dexcom G7 has not been added to the Ontario Drug Benefits formulary. Those with type 1 diabetes can apply for coverage through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).
If you have private insurance coverage, you may have coverage for the Dexcom G7. Similar to the FreeStyle Libre system, most insurance providers only cover the Dexcom G7 if you are managing diabetes with insulin. However, coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and plan, so it is worth checking if you have coverage.
If you are paying out of pocket or your insurance only provides partial coverage. Dexcom Canada currently has a Dexcom G7 Patient Benefit Program which provides up to 20% off the pharmacy price of the Dexcom G7 sensors. To use the 20% discount, you can download the co-pay certificate for free from the Dexcom website to bring to your pharmacy.
How much does the Dexcom G7 cost in Canada?
If you are paying out of pocket, you can expect to pay about $ 84 to $104 for each sensor (which lasts for 10.5 days) pre-tax. You do not need to purchase a Dexcom G7 receiver if you have a compatible smartphone (check phone compatibility here on the Dexcom Canada website).
If your phone is not compatible, you will need a Dexcom G7 receiver, which costs $62 to $80 pre-tax depending on the pharmacy.
For those with a Costco Membership, Costco offered the cheapest price I came across in Ontario. Costco Canada sells the Dexcom G7 sensors for $83.99, and Dexcom G7 receivers for $62.10.
Again, you can make use of the Dexcom G7 Patient Benefit Program to get up to 20% off the sticker price at your pharmacy.
Do you need a prescription to purchase the Dexcom G7?
No, you do not need a prescription to purchase the Dexcom G7 from any Canadian pharmacies. However, you need a prescription if you plan to claim reimbursement through provincial or private insurance plans.
What are the differences between Dexcom G7 and FreeStyle Libre 2?
While each Dexcom G7 sensor is active for 10.5 days, each FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is active for 14 days.
Practically speaking, both will meet your needs for sensor glucose monitoring. The main difference at this time is that the Dexcom G7 is the only sensor that has approval for use during pregnancy.
Can the Dexcom G7 be used in pregnancy?
Yes, the Dexcom G7 has approval for use during pregnancy. This includes gestational diabetes, and pregnancy in women living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Please note, if you are using the Dexcom G7 to monitor glucose during pregnancy, you will need to adjust the target range to pregnancy specific targets (pregnancy targets are usually lower than the default target range of 3.9 - 10.0 mmol/L). Check with your endocrinologist what your target range should be set to.
References
Financial Assistance for Dexcom G7. Dexcom Canada. https://www.dexcom.com/en-CA/g7-copay. Accessed Dec 10, 2024.
Phones that Work with Dexcom Apps. Dexcom Canada. https://www.dexcom.com/en-CA/compatibility. Accessed Dec 10, 2024.
Polsky S, Valent AM, Isganaitis E, et al. Performance of the Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in Pregnant Women with Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2024;26(5):307-312. doi:10.1089/dia.2023.0516
Provincial Coverage for Dexcom CGM. Dexcom Canada. https://www.dexcom.com/en-CA/coverage/provincial-plans. Accessed Dec 10, 2024.
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