THE REALITY OF LIVING WITH LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE IN CANADA

By Annelise Petlock

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM), an occasion to raise awareness of the reality of living with an amputation or a limb difference from birth, also known as a congenital amputation.

While this month of recognition has provided a welcome opportunity to celebrate the resilience and accomplishments of amputees – including those who contributed to Canada’s recent 15-medal finish at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics – it is also a time to reflect on the gaps in support that still exist and how we can build a better future for those living with limb loss and limb difference in this country.

As the national voice for amputees in Canada, The War Amps advocates for the rights and interests of those living with limb loss and limb difference in addition to providing funding for artificial limbs to amputees of all ages, including children. We step in to fill the gaps in funding across the provinces and territories where we can, but as a charity that relies solely on public donations, our funds can only go so far.

It helps to think of the full picture of support that an amputee needs during their lifetime – bodies change and grow, needs evolve with daily activities or hobbies, and typical wear and tear occurs; it is not as simple as getting the necessary artificial limb(s) and being set for life. Not to mention the other costs associated with prosthetic care, such as appointments with specialists (e.g., prosthetists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists) and prosthetic supplies like liners and socks that amputees may need for their artificial limb to fit comfortably and securely on their residual limb.

Breaking down the cost of artificial limbs

Prosthetic costs vary considerably depending on amputation level and the amputee’s body and functional needs. Each person’s medical needs related to their amputation are unique, so no “off the shelf” artificial limbs exist. On average, above the knee, above the elbow and below the elbow prostheses can cost up to $100,000 or more. Below the knee prostheses can cost up to $80,000.

These costs are being paid upfront for a number of years of care, and the average replacement frequency of an artificial limb is once every three years. It is also worth noting that a lot of the microprocessor-controlled prosthetic components (e.g., knee components that use sensors to provide a more stable, natural gait) have warranties for six years.

Canada’s insurance landscape

Canadians would be shocked to learn that those who suffer the loss of a limb are not adequately covered by private health insurance or public health care, and that several provinces provide no funding for prosthetic limbs.

You might be inclined to think that since provinces and territories make coverage available for Canadians needing an internal knee or hip replacement that artificial limbs must be treated the same. But the reality is that if the prosthesis is external, little to no coverage is available.

Some public and private insurance policies will only cover what they define as the “usual and customary” cost of prosthetic care. This is based on the majority of claims received by the funding agency, which is currently for below the knee prostheses since the majority of people with limb loss are missing their leg below the knee. Fittings for an arm or a leg above the knee are rarer and more costly.

We see tax dollars and private funding wasted as agencies balk at the upfront costs of prosthetic care and refuse coverage without realizing they will be paying more later due to comorbidities resulting from a compromise in care.

The War Amps often submits appeals to insurers on behalf of our members explaining the medical necessity of the artificial limbs that have been prescribed to them. However, insurers will frequently deny prosthesis claims without understanding how they are a necessity for a person’s everyday life and not a high-tech luxury.

A better future for amputees

The War Amps continues to call on the provinces and territories, as well as private funding agencies, to re-evaluate their policies and how they define usual and customary pricing for prosthetic limbs, considering amputation level and the amputee’s specific medical needs.

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month should not just be a banner on the calendar – it should be a time for decision-makers to consider how their funding guidelines can be brought up to date to cover essential artificial limbs and specialized devices, and ensure that amputees have affordable access to the prosthetic care prescribed by their medical team.

Annelise Petlock is Director, General Counsel and Member Programs at The War Amps. She was born without part of her left arm.

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