How to Use Your Extended Health Benefits for Medical-Grade Compression Socks

If you have extended health benefits through your employer or a private insurance plan, you may have coverage for medical-grade compression socks without realizing it.

For people who spend long shifts on their feet, experience swelling or tired legs, or have been advised to wear compression by a healthcare professional, that coverage can make a big difference. The tricky part is knowing what your insurance company requires before you buy.

While every benefits plan is different, medical-grade compression socks are often eligible for reimbursement when you have the right prescription and documentation.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Check Your Extended Health Benefits

Before purchasing compression socks, contact your insurance provider or check your benefits booklet to find out exactly what your plan covers.

Look for terms such as compression stockings, compression garments, medical supplies or medical equipment.

Ask your insurer:

• What level of compression is eligible for coverage?
• Do I need a prescription?
• Who is permitted to write the prescription?
• Is there an annual maximum or limit on the number of pairs?
• What percentage of the purchase price is reimbursed?
• Do you require any specific information on the receipt?
• Do I need pre-authorization before purchasing?

Requirements vary considerably between plans, so confirming them ahead of time can help prevent a rejected claim.

Step 2: Get a Prescription for Medical-Grade Compression

Many extended health plans require a prescription before they will reimburse medical-grade compression stockings.

The prescription should clearly state the compression level recommended by your healthcare provider. Pegasole compression socks provide 20–30 mmHg graduated compression, a level commonly considered medical-grade.

If you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can ask about compression during an appointment. But what if you don't have a family doctor, or don't want to spend hours waiting at a walk-in clinic just to discuss a prescription?

For BC residents, virtual healthcare may be an option.

TELUS Health MyCare

TELUS Health MyCare allows BC residents with eligible provincial health coverage to book virtual appointments with doctors and nurse practitioners. Primary care consultations are currently covered by the provincial health plan, although fees can apply to uninsured services such as certain forms or letters.

During your appointment, explain why you are considering medical-grade compression and that your insurance provider requires a prescription. Whether compression is appropriate and whether a prescription is provided will be determined by the healthcare professional.

Rocket Doctor

Rocket Doctor BC also offers virtual primary care appointments in British Columbia. Physician appointments are currently covered for patients with a valid BC health card.

Availability can vary. Rocket Doctor currently notes that demand for BC physicians is high and wait times may be longer than usual.

Maple

Maple Virtual Care connects BC patients with Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners online. Unlike provincially covered options, standard Maple visit or membership fees may apply unless you have access through an employer or insurer.

Maple can be useful when convenience or appointment availability is the priority. Healthcare providers can issue prescriptions when medically appropriate, at their discretion.

Important: A virtual appointment does not guarantee a prescription. Just like an in-person appointment, the healthcare provider will assess your needs and determine whether medical-grade compression is appropriate for you.

Step 3: Purchase the Correct Compression Level

Not every pair of socks marketed as “compression socks” is considered a medical-grade compression garment by insurance providers.

Many everyday, athletic and travel compression socks provide lighter compression. Pegasole compression socks provide 20–30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg graduated compression, making them suitable for people who have been prescribed this level of medical compression.

Before ordering, make sure the compression level on your prescription matches the product you are purchasing and meets your insurer's requirements.

Step 4: Keep Your Prescription and Receipt

Once you have purchased your compression socks, keep both your prescription and your itemized receipt.

Your insurance company may ask for documentation showing the product purchased, compression level and amount paid. Even if your insurer doesn't request the prescription when you first submit the claim, keep a copy in case they ask for additional documentation.

Also check how long your prescription remains valid. Some plans may require a new prescription periodically rather than allowing you to use the same one indefinitely.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim

Most insurers now allow claims to be submitted through their website or mobile app.

Look for a category such as medical equipment, medical supplies, compression garments or compression stockingsand upload the required documentation.

If your claim is denied, don't immediately assume compression socks aren't covered. Contact your insurer and ask why the claim was declined. Sometimes a claim is simply missing a prescription, compression level or another piece of required information.

Don't Let Your Benefits Go Unused

If your extended health plan includes coverage for medical-grade compression, using that coverage can make it considerably more affordable to replace your compression socks regularly.

And if getting the prescription has been the part holding you back, virtual healthcare may make the process easier. BC residents can explore provincially covered services such as TELUS Health MyCare and Rocket Doctor, or paid services such as Maple, without necessarily needing to visit a walk-in clinic.

Start by checking your benefits plan. Once you know exactly what your insurer requires, you can talk to a healthcare professional about whether 20–30 mmHg medical-grade compression is right for you.

Pegasole's 20–30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg graduated compression socks are designed in Canada for comfortable, everyday wear, with options that don't look or feel like traditional medical compression stockings.

Ready to use your benefits? Explore Pegasole's medical-grade compression socks and find a pair designed for your day.

Coverage varies by insurer and individual benefits plan. Pegasole cannot guarantee reimbursement. Always confirm eligibility and documentation requirements directly with your insurance provider before purchasing. Medical-grade compression may not be appropriate for everyone; consult a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure whether compression is suitable for you.