Awareness around Stem Cell Therapy is on the rise in Canada. But you might be asking yourself is it legal and can I get treatment here?

That’s where we step in. Our team is here to help you understand what treatments you can actually get in Canada, compare Canada against other countries & go through which clinics globally you can trust.

Is Stem Cell Therapy Legal in Canada in 2025

1.  Prochymal: an allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell product approved for treating acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in children.
2. Kymriah and Yescarta: CAR-T cell therapies for specific cancers (though technically not stem cells, they’re cited as cell-based therapy precedents).
3. Minimally manipulated hematopoietic stem cell transplants for blood disorders & immune deficiencies.

However, most other forms of stem cell therapy, including those for orthopedic injuries, arthritis, cosmetic use, or neurological disorders are not legally permitted. Canada’s health policy paper on Stem Cell Treatments covers this topic.

How does Health Canada Regulate Stem Cell Therapy

Health Canada takes stem cell therapy very seriously and very cautiously. Unlike some countries where clinics can offer these treatments freely, Canada has clear rules to protect patients from unproven or unsafe therapies.

Here’s the simple version:

“Most stem cell treatments, whether they use your own cells or someone else’s are considered “drugs” under Canadian law. And drugs can’t be sold, marketed, or used without going through the full approval process from Health Canada”

According to the Food and Drugs Act, if a stem cell treatment is:

• Processed or manipulated in any way (even slightly),
• Intended to treat or prevent a disease,
• Used for something other than its original function in the body.

It’s a drug. That includes common offerings like bone marrow or fat cell injections for joint pain, aging, or cosmetic purposes. Even if it’s your own cells being put back into your body, Health Canada still sees it as a drug that needs regulation. Health Canada talks about it here on their Consolidated Policy Statements.

Where can I get Stem Cell Therapy in Canada?

Legally, nowhere. Unless it’s for one of the 3 approved cases mentioned above. Some clinics try to argue that using a patient’s own cells means they’re exempt from regulation. But Health Canada has made it clear: that’s not true. Whether it’s your cells or donor cells, once they’re processed and used to treat a condition, they’re regulated like any drug.

Do Clinics in Canada still offer treatment? Yes, but they shouldn’t.

Best Stem Cell Therapy clinics in Central & South America

We don’t let any clinic just sign up or pay to be listed.

We speak to every clinic directly and review their medical team, the treatments they offer, how their stem cells are sourced and how they follow up with patients after treatment.

We also review licensing documents to confirm they meet the legal and medical standards of the country they operate in. For example, whether cells are processed in a GMP-certified facility or if they provide documentation on stem cell quality.

Clinics must also agree to let us collect and publish independent patient reviews. Both positive and negative.

Why Use Alt Treatment?

We don’t just list clinics, we help you choose the right one, get the best pricing and support you through the entire journey. For free.

Compare with Confidence: Get clinic matches based on your condition, location, and budget.

Ask the Right Questions: Know what to ask before committing

Save on Treatment: Unlock exclusive discounts on vetted clinics and follow-up care.

We’re With You After Treatment: We check in post-treatment and help resolve any issues.

Travel & Visa Help: Need to travel for care? We can help with logistics, documents, and local tips.

Found a Clinic Elsewhere? We’ll check their licensing and track record for you, free of charge.

No Strings Attached: Even if you choose a clinic we don’t partner with, we’re still here to help you make the best decision.

How much does Stem Cell Therapy in Canada cost?

Even though clinics shouldn’t be offering Stem Cell Therapy for most cases, we’ve seen costs start at around $6,000 CAD for autologous Stem Cell Injections.

To compare treatment costs globally, check out our Guide on Costs for Stem Cell Treatment Globally.

2025 Knee Stem Cell Treatment Prices Canada

But remember, in Canada you will most likely be getting minimally manipulated autologous stem cell treatments.
This means:

• No cultured stem cells or higher doses
  
• No umbilical cord derived stem cells
  

Because of these regulations, the effectiveness and dosing options are different from countries like Japan, Korea, Colombia & the US.

If you want to understand how stem cells work for knee arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries and cartilage damage, see our full Knee Stem Cell Treatment Guide.

Stem Cell Treatment Options in Countries outside of Canada

There’s a number of other countries you can visit to get Stem Cell Therapy, but you have to be careful.

Regulations & stem cell quality aren’t all the same.

Our article on Best Countries for Stem Cell Therapy might help & we’ve broken it down for you in this table:

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Want to know if Stem Cells can actually help your condition?

Our Treatment guides break down the latest research & success rates for each condition. Along with verified clinics who specialise in treating each condition.

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Stem Cells for Back Pain

Stem Cells for Diabetes

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Stem Cells for Tendon Injuries

Stem Cell Treatment Prices in South & Central America

If you’re living in Canada, the closest countries for stem cell treatment you’re probably thinking about are Panama, Colombia & Mexico. Depending on what condition you’re getting treated, Florida in the US might also be an option.

Mexico is definitely the cheapest, with Colombia coming second and Panama most often being the most expensive. But Panama & Mexico don’t have the best reputations when it comes to quality & service.

Here’s a breakdown on prices. The country guides have more information on the legal status of treatments.

Stem Cell Treatment Options in Asia

Do Canadians Need Visas for: Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Dubai

Colombia: No. Able to enter the country for 90 Days without a Visa.

Japan: No. Able to enter the country for 90 Days without a Visa.

South Korea: No. Able to enter the country for 6 Months without. Visa.

Dubai:No. Able to enter the country for 30 Days without a Visa.

Read these before booking any consultations

Top Questions to Ask Clinics

Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects

How We Vet Clinics

Can Stem Cells Cause Tumors

Stem Cell Technology Advancements in Canada

Canada’s $33M Boost for Stem Cell Research (June 2025)

• In June 2025, Canada’s Stem Cell Network (SCN) announced a major $33 million investment to accelerate regenerative medicine research across the country. 
• The funding includes $13.5 million in direct support from SCN and an additional $19.5 million from partner organizations. 
• In total, 36 new research projects and clinical trials are being launched, targeting 14 different disease areas. 
• These include rare conditions like Rett syndrome and cystic fibrosis, as well as more common illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 
• Many of the projects aim to move beyond basic research and into real-world clinical trials, bringing next-generation stem cell treatments closer to patients in Canada. You can read more about it in this article from Stem Cell Network.

$49.9Million Investment into BioManufacturing Facilities

• In March 2025, the federal government provided $49.9 million to StemCell Technologies Canada in Burnaby to build two state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facilities. 
• These will produce critical components: reagents and media, used in cell and gene therapies, helping Canada scale up clinical and commercial manufacturing . It was announced in StemCell Technologies Canada’s press release here.

Should I get Stem Cell Treatment in Canada?

If you’re living in Canada other options close to home are Florida/Utah in America, or countries like Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica.

If you’re willing to go further abroad to countries that have higher regulations, Japan & South Korea are options

We know it’s confusing. Our team is here to help you understand regulations in different countries, costs & which clinics globally you can trust. Fill in our form below & your personal concierge will reach out in 24 hours.