Sleep health education

Sleep Apnea Testing by Province in Canada

Quick answer

In every province, an in-lab sleep study ordered by a physician is generally covered by provincial health insurance, but wait times can be long. Home sleep apnea tests are publicly funded in some settings, such as qualifying facilities in British Columbia, and are widely available privately elsewhere. What you pay, and whether you need a referral, depends on your province and provider.

At a glance

Key takeaways

Takeaway 1

Publicly funded in-lab sleep studies usually need a physician referral and can involve a wait.

Takeaway 2

B.C.’s Medical Services Plan covers home sleep apnea testing at qualifying facilities.

Takeaway 3

Private home sleep testing is available across most provinces; confirm what the price includes and whether a referral is needed.

Ontario

In-lab polysomnography ordered by a physician is insured by OHIP at licensed sleep facilities. Home sleep apnea tests in Ontario are generally paid privately, so ask the provider for the full price in writing. Research on Ontario sleep care has found long waits: a population study of adults starting CPAP reported a median of 203 to 260 days from primary care to a sleep study (ICES). Important if you may need CPAP funding: Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program only funds CPAP after a Level 1 polysomnography (in-lab sleep study) at an ADP-registered sleep laboratory, so a private home test on its own does not qualify you for ADP funding (ADP respiratory policy manual). See CPAP funding by province.

Because in-lab studies can involve long waits, many Ontarians choose a private home sleep test and then buy CPAP through workplace or private insurance instead of ADP. Check your plan’s requirements first.

British Columbia

Since January 2022, qualifying standalone facilities in B.C. have been able to bill the Medical Services Plan for Level III home sleep apnea testing (the professional fee), with a requisition from a physician or nurse practitioner. B.C. also sets wait-time benchmarks for in-lab studies: two to four weeks for urgent cases, two months for people with major daytime sleepiness and six months for others.

Alberta

Publicly funded sleep studies are available through Alberta Health Services with a referral. Many Albertans use private home sleep testing providers; some accept self-referral, so ask about referral requirements, interpretation and follow-up before you book.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Both provinces offer publicly funded sleep assessment through provincial sleep programs with a physician referral. If you are diagnosed and need CPAP, see the provincial CPAP programs on our CPAP funding page.

Atlantic provinces

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador provide publicly funded sleep studies through their health authorities with a referral. Private home testing is also available; confirm the provider’s credentials and who interprets the results.

Questions to ask any provider

Do I need a referral, or can I book directly?
Who interprets the results, and are they qualified in sleep medicine?
What does the price include: device, interpretation, a results discussion and follow-up?
What happens if the test is inconclusive?
Is the device licensed by Health Canada?

See testing without a referral, home sleep test costs and insurance coverage.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a sleep study done in Ontario?

Your family doctor or nurse practitioner can refer you to an OHIP-insured sleep facility for an in-lab study. Private home sleep testing is also available; confirm the full cost and who interprets the results.

Is a home sleep test covered in B.C.?

Qualifying B.C. facilities can bill the Medical Services Plan for Level III home sleep apnea testing when a physician or nurse practitioner requisitions it. Ask the facility whether your test qualifies.

Do I need a referral for a sleep apnea test in Alberta?

Publicly funded testing requires a referral. Some private home testing providers accept self-referral.

How long is the wait for a sleep study?

It varies widely. B.C. benchmarks range from two weeks for urgent cases to six months for routine cases, and Ontario research has reported median waits of several months. See our page on sleep study wait times.

Does Virtual Sleep Care serve my province?

We serve all provinces except Quebec. We do not currently serve Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut.

Sources

Province of British Columbia. Home sleep apnea testing. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/diagnostic-services/polysomnography/home-sleep-apnea-testing
Government of Ontario. ADP policy and administration manual: respiratory equipment (November 2024). https://www.ontario.ca/files/2024-11/moh-adp-policy-and-administration-manual-respiratory-equipment-2024-11-08.pdf
Province of British Columbia. Patient priority and wait time benchmarks (polysomnography). https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/diagnostic-services/polysomnography/patient-priority-and-wait-time-benchmarks
ICES. Clinical pathways and wait times for OSA care in Ontario, Canada. https://www.ices.on.ca/publications/journal-articles/clinical-pathways-and-wait-times-for-osa-care-in-ontario-canada-a-population-cohort-study/
Public Health Agency of Canada. Sleep apnea. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/sleep-apnea.html

Medical and financial disclaimer

This page is general information, not medical, legal or tax advice. Program rules, prices and eligibility change; confirm current details with the program, your insurer or a qualified professional. Virtual Sleep Care does not currently serve Quebec, Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut.

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