How much does the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus cost in Canada? How is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus different from Freestyle Libre 2?
- Lucy Zhang, RD, CDE
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
While many people are familiar with the FreeStyle Libre 2, which has been available in Canada since 2021, the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus is the newest addition to the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) line up.
With coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus having expanded significantly late last year, it’s time we chat about the differences between the Libre 3 Plus and the older Libre 2.
What is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus?
The FreeStyle Libre 3 is a CGM that uses a sensor worn on the back of the upper arm to measure your body’s glucose levels (by measuring glucose in the interstitial fluid). The glucose readings can be viewed either through the FreeStyle Libre 3 app on a mobile phone or by using a FreeStyle Libre 3 Reader.
How is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus different from Freestyle Libre 2?
The biggest difference you’ll notice between the Libre 3 Plus and Libre 2 is the sensor size. The Libre 3 Plus is noticeably smaller and thinner—Abbott describes it as “smaller than two stacked pennies.”
Each Libre 3 Plus sensor lasts 15 days, one day more than the Libre 2.
Accuracy is also slightly improved. The Libre 3 Plus has a MARD of 7.9% compared to 9.3% with Libre 2, though most people won’t feel a major change day to day. For reference, all glucometers are approved up to a MARD of 15%.
Data storage has also improved substantially. Libre 2 stores eight hours of readings, while the Libre 3 Plus stores up to 15 days of data, helping to prevent any missing glucose data.
The applicator has been redesigned into a smaller, one-piece system, resulting in a reduced sensor box size and eliminates the assembly step required for Libre 2.
In the mobile app, manual scanning is no longer needed beyond activating a new sensor. To log a glucose reading into your logbook, you’ll now tap “Add Note” instead of scanning.
Lastly, the Libre 3 Plus no longer includes alcohol wipes in the box, so you’ll need to purchase them separately if you prefer using them before insertion.
Who is the Freestyle Libre 3 Plus for?
The FreeStyle Libre 3 is designed for people living with diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2) aged 2 and older.
Can you shower or swim with the Libre 3 Plus sensor on?
Yes, you can wear the Libre sensor while bathing, showering, or swimming. Similar to previous generations of the Libre system, the sensor should not be kept underwater for more than 30 minutes at a time.
As always, a friendly reminder that if you enjoy soaking in a hot bath or hot tub, you may find that when the sensor is submerged for too long in the hot water, the adhesive can loosen and cause the sensor to fall off.
Do you still need to do fingersticks with the Libre 3 Plus?
Similar to with prior generations of the Libre systems, confirming blood glucose via fingerpricking is still recommended under the following conditions:
Your app or reader displays the “Check Blood Glucose” symbol.
You see a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) reading (<3.9 mmol/L) but do not feel symptoms of a low. Confirm with a finger-prick blood sugar test.
You are experiencing symptoms that do not match sensor readings.
You need to check blood sugar during the 60 minutes warm-up period for new sensors.
How much does the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus cost in Canada?
The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus is priced slightly higher than the Libre 2. However, as the Libre 3 Plus works for 15 days versus the 14 days of the Libre 2, you should find that the cost per day ends up being about the same.
Walmart and Costco pharmacies offered the best price I came across. Walmart Canada sells the Libre 3 Plus sensors for $101, and Libre 3 readers for $62. While Costco Canada sells the Libre 3 Plus Sensors for $113, and readers for $71.
Is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus covered by insurance?
In Ontario, the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus system has been covered, as of November 28, 2025, by Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) for people managing diabetes with insulin. ODB is available for individuals who are:
Age 24 or younger
Age 65 or older
Enrolled in the Trillium Drug Program
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Ontario Works (OW)
Live in a long term care home
Receive home care services
I have not yet seen public coverage for the Libre 3 Plus outside of Ontario.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus may be covered by your private insurance provider. If your insurance coverage included the FreeStyle Libre 2, chances are it will also cover the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus.
What happens if your FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor falls off early?
Historically, Abbott (the company behind the FreeStyle Libre systems) has had a great replacement policy for Libre sensors.
I always encourage clients to hold on to their sensor packaging until the sensor is finished. If the sensor falls off early, you can contact the customer service number on the box. Customer service will usually ask for the serial number on the box before sending you a replacement sensor.
References
FreeStyle Libre systems vs. Dexcom G7 system. Abbott. https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/compare-cgms.html. Accessed Jan 18, 2026.
Regulatory Decision Summary - FREESTYLE LIBRE 3 FLASH GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEM - Health Canada. Abbott. https://hpr-rps.hres.ca/reg-content/regulatory-decision-summary-medical-device-detail.php?linkID=RDS14660. Accessed Jan 18, 2026.
Sensor FAQs - FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. Abbott. https://www.support.freestyle.abbott/hc/en-us/categories/14820033679511-Sensor?section_id=27193986548753. Accessed Jan 18, 2026.
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