In Canadian healthcare settings, your doctor will provide necessary medications without charge. However, medications obtained from a pharmacy are not included in this free service. Often, public health insurance does not cover the costs of medications, necessitating personal payment. Alternatively, you may be eligible for coverage through alternative insurance or drug programs.

For non-urgent, minor ailments or injuries that are not life-threatening, you can consult a pharmacist at a pharmacy. Pharmacists are available to assist with issues like colds, headaches, minor cuts, or burns. While prescription medications require a doctor's prescription, pharmacists can suggest over-the-counter remedies. Over-the-counter medications, in contrast, require out-of-pocket payment.

In order to obtain medication for more serious illnesses and conditions, a doctor's prescription is mandatory. This document, known as a "prescription," is presented to the pharmacist when requesting the medication.

Generally, public health insurance does not cover the cost of prescription medications. Many Canadians have supplemental insurance that helps cover a portion of their prescription expenses. This supplemental coverage can come from provincial and territorial medication programs, for which eligibility is required, or from employers offering private insurance plans for their employees.