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Is Genetic Testing Covered In Canada?

laughingduck

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laughingduck Rookie
laughingduck
Posted

I want to get genetically tested for celiac, as my blood test came back negative but my doctor thinks I still may be celiac following an endoscopy. I would like to do the genetic testing and have seen that they cost around $400 yikes! Does anyone know if genetic testing is covered in Canada? I am from Ontario if that makes a difference. Thanks!

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JillianLindsay Enthusiast
JillianLindsay
Posted

Hi,

I'm originally from Ontario but currently in MB. I had genetic testing done in August and it was 100% covered. I'm not sure if it's any different in ON, but it's probably covered :) Just ask your DR or search http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/default.aspx

Good luck,

Jillian

I want to get genetically tested for celiac, as my blood test came back negative but my doctor thinks I still may be celiac following an endoscopy. I would like to do the genetic testing and have seen that they cost around $400 yikes! Does anyone know if genetic testing is covered in Canada? I am from Ontario if that makes a difference. Thanks!
laughingduck Rookie
laughingduck
Posted
  • Author
Hi,

I'm originally from Ontario but currently in MB. I had genetic testing done in August and it was 100% covered. I'm not sure if it's any different in ON, but it's probably covered :) Just ask your DR or search http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/default.aspx

Good luck,

Jillian

thanks for the reply! I did a search but can't seem to find the info. I've got an appointment with my doctor in two weeks but if it's not covered then was going to go ahead and order the test. If it is I'd rather not waste my money though!

Has anyone here from Ontario had it covered?

JillianLindsay Enthusiast
JillianLindsay
Posted

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/prog...faq_dt.aspx#Q17

You can contact them http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_resi...s/STEL02_186323 for answers, but I'm sure your DR will know :)

Good luck

  • 2 weeks later...
laughingduck Rookie
laughingduck
Posted
  • Author

Well I saw the doc yesterday and he says OHIP does not cover genetic testing. He did however say he thought they might be changing that come the new year, so I will wait until then before I spend my money on the test! Just wanted to update this in the event that someone else from Ontario has the same question!

  • 1 year later...
milkmommy Apprentice
milkmommy
Posted

Just wondering if you ever found out about coverage??

  • 6 years later...
Shaun-M Newbie
Shaun-M
Posted

I'm in Ontario as well, and am trying to find out if coverage is available for testing.    I've recently had our doctor fill out a blood work request for us, however I was told it comes at a cost of $125.    My benefits don't cover what they call "diagnostic tests" and I'm finding that OHIP doesn't cover it either.   

I'm open to any suggestions if there is somewhere I can go for my 5 year old

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cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
1 hour ago, Shaun_M said:

I'm in Ontario as well, and am trying to find out if coverage is available for testing.    I've recently had our doctor fill out a blood work request for us, however I was told it comes at a cost of $125.    My benefits don't cover what they call "diagnostic tests" and I'm finding that OHIP doesn't cover it either.   

I'm open to any suggestions if there is somewhere I can go for my 5 year old

 

Welcome! 

I can not answer your question, but genetic testing is used as a last resource for ruling OUT celiac disease.  Normally, while on a gluten diet, a person is tested for antibodies (just like you can test antibodies (different ones) for lupus, thyroid or type 1 diabetes (blood test).  That cost is around $125 for the screening TTG IgA and IgA.  Are you saying that Canada’s Healthcare system does not cover standard lab tests?  I can see why they would not cover genetic tests as they are costly and in the case of celiac disease, can not diagnose.  Some 35%  of the population carries the genes for celiac disease but only a tiny fraction actually goes on to develop celiac disease.  

There is a bio card in the U.K. at Boots drugstore.   Perhaps there is one in Canada?  It is a place to start.  

Open Original Shared Link

The first step is a blood test and then an endoscopy to confirm.  Learn more:

Open Original Shared Link

I hope some Canadians will chime in.  

 

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted
45 minutes ago, Shaun_M said:

I'm in Ontario as well, and am trying to find out if coverage is available for testing.    I've recently had our doctor fill out a blood work request for us, however I was told it comes at a cost of $125.    My benefits don't cover what they call "diagnostic tests" and I'm finding that OHIP doesn't cover it either.   

I'm open to any suggestions if there is somewhere I can go for my 5 year old

There is a test called Biocard available in Canada.  It is a home test kit.  Should be cheaper than $125.  Biocard is NOT a genetic test though.  Genetic tests are of limited usefulness.

 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
3 minutes ago, GFinDC said:

There is a test called Biocard available in Canada.  It is a home test kit.  Should be cheaper than $125.  Biocard is NOT a genetic test though.  Genetic tests are of limited usefulness.

 

Great minds think alike!  ?

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted
21 hours ago, cyclinglady said:

Great minds think alike!  ?

Hmm, I wouldn't know... :)

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