Naturopathic benefit FAQ

Q1. What is the Naturopathic benefit?

Veterans Affairs Canada will now cover expenses incurred for the cost of naturopathic consultations and assessments provided by an approved naturopathic doctor.

This coverage is in line with the Public Service Health Care Plan policy for naturopathic care.

This benefit falls under Program of Choice 12: Related Health Services.

Q2. How do I check if my naturopathic doctor is approved?

You must choose a naturopathic doctor that is:

  • registered with Medavie Blue Cross as an approved VAC provider; or
  • if unregistered, meets the provider criteria. 

If you are unsure, please contact Medavie Blue Cross at 1-888-261-4033.

Q3. How do naturopathic doctors register with Medavie Blue Cross?

If you would like to become a registered provider, you may contact Medavie Blue Cross at 1-888-261-4033 or register online. Medavie Blue Cross provides information on how to register to the provider portal, sign up for direct deposit, view provider guides and benefit grids and more.

In order to register, naturopathic doctors who are providing services in a regulated province and territory must be registered members in good standing and have an unrestricted license in the province/territory in which they are practicing.

Naturopathic doctors do not also need to be a member with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

The six regulated provinces and territories are:

  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • Ontario
  • Saskatchewan
  • Northwest Territories

For naturopathic doctors providing services in an unregulated province or territory, the following criteria must be met:

Q4. Which naturopathic treatments or services are now covered?

Naturopathic consultations and assessments provided by an approved naturopathic doctor are covered by this benefit.

Coverage does not include such items as treatments, medications or laboratory tests/bloodwork. As new research on naturopathic treatments and medications (e.g., pharmaceuticals or Natural Health Products) is completed, VAC will continue to review available evidence and its decision to cover such treatment.

Q5. Who is eligible for this coverage?

All Veterans eligible for Treatment Benefits are eligible for this benefit.

Q6. How do I apply for coverage of naturopathic services?

You do not need to apply for coverage of naturopathic consultations or assessments. Starting 1 June 2022, all Veterans eligible for Treatment Benefits can submit requests for reimbursement to Medavie Blue Cross towards naturopathic consultations and assessments.

Q7. Are family members eligible for coverage?

No, family members are not eligible for naturopathic consultations and assessments. Family members must access their provincial and private health care coverage.

Q8. Do I need pre-authorization from VAC or Medavie Blue Cross to get coverage for naturopathic services?

No, you don’t need pre-authorization. However, to be reimbursed, the naturopathic doctor must be registered with Medavie Blue Cross (or if unregistered, meet the provider criteria). If you are unsure, please contact Medavie Blue Cross at 1-888-261-4033.

Q9. Do I need a prescription for naturopathic services?

No, you don’t need a prescription or referral from a medical doctor to be covered for naturopathic consultations and assessments.

Q10. What if I spend more than the allotted yearly amount? Are there exceptions?

The VAC Benefit Grid outlines the yearly maximum coverage available. There are no exceptions to the yearly amount covered for naturopathic consultations and assessments.

Q11. I have naturopathic services covered under my private health care plan. Does this mean I cannot receive additional coverage for naturopathic services through VAC Treatment Benefits?

Benefits covered by the Public Service Health Care Plan or other private insurance plans do not replace the health care coverage provided by VAC. You may request reimbursement of eligible health care benefits/services that have not been reimbursed by your other insurance by mailing your receipts to:

Medavie Blue Cross:
National Reimbursement Centre
PO Box 6700
Moncton, NB, E1C 0T8

Q12. How are my naturopathic consultation or assessment costs reimbursed?

If your naturopathic doctor is a registered provider with Medavie Blue Cross, they may request reimbursement (online or by mail) directly from Medavie Blue Cross on your behalf.

If you have paid for your naturopathic consultation or assessment from a provider who meets the registration criteria but is not registered, you can submit reimbursement request for assessments or consultations which occurred on or after 1 June 2022. Please mail this completed form and your receipts within 18 months from the date you received your assessment or consultation to:

Medavie Blue Cross:
National Reimbursement Centre
PO Box 6700
Moncton, NB, E1C 0T8

Q13. What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion while supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal (and addressing underlying causes of illnesses).

Q14. What is a naturopathic doctor?

A naturopathic doctor is a primary care practitioner who is trained to assess, diagnose, prevent and treat disorders, diseases and dysfunctions by blending modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine (and in some provinces, prescribe medication).  

Q15. What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a naturopath? 

The education, training and scopes of practice differ between naturopathic doctors and naturopaths. It’s important to note when seeking naturopathic services that there is a difference between regulated  naturopathic doctors (or in unregulated jurisdictions, naturopathic doctors who meet the criteria for regulation) and naturopaths. Services such as consultations or assessments provided by naturopaths are not eligible for reimbursement under our Treatment Benefits program.

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