A Newcomer's Guide to Healthcare in British Columbia

Understanding Healthcare in British Columbia

One of the most important things you need to do when you arrive in British Columbia is understand how the healthcare system works. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, which means that most essential medical services are covered by the government. For newcomers to Canada, the system works differently from what you may be used to in your home country, and there are specific steps you need to take to access care.

This newcomer guide walks you through everything Canadian newcomers need to know about healthcare in BC, from enrolling in the provincial health plan to finding a family doctor, understanding what is covered and what is not, and knowing where to go when you need immigration help. Whether you are a permanent resident, refugee, or temporary worker, this guide to BC settlement healthcare resources will help you navigate the system with confidence.

The Medical Services Plan (MSP)

What Is MSP?

The Medical Services Plan, commonly known as MSP, is British Columbia's provincial health insurance program. MSP covers medically necessary services provided by physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare practitioners. It also covers diagnostic services such as X-rays, blood tests, and certain eye examinations.

MSP is administered by Health Insurance BC, which operates under the provincial Ministry of Health. As of January 1, 2020, MSP premiums have been eliminated, so there is no monthly cost for MSP coverage.

Who Is Eligible?

You are eligible for MSP if you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person (Convention refugee or person in need of protection) who is a resident of British Columbia. Temporary residents, including many work permit and study permit holders, may also be eligible depending on the terms of their permit. If your work permit or study permit is valid for six months or longer, you are generally eligible for MSP.

How to Enroll

You can enroll in MSP online through the Health Insurance BC website at www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp, or by submitting a paper application. You will need the following documents:

• Your immigration documents (permanent resident card, confirmation of permanent residence, work permit, study permit, or refugee protection documents)
• Your passport or travel document
• A completed MSP enrollment application form

If you are enrolling a family, you can include your spouse and dependent children on the same application.

Contact: Health Insurance BC can be reached at 604-683-7151 (Metro Vancouver) or 1-800-663-7100 (toll-free elsewhere in BC).

The Three-Month Wait Period

There is an important detail that many newcomers are not aware of: MSP coverage does not begin immediately. There is a waiting period that starts on the date you establish residency in BC. Your MSP coverage begins on the first day of the third month after the month you arrive. For example, if you arrive in BC on March 15, your MSP coverage begins on June 1.

During this waiting period, you are responsible for paying for any medical services you receive. This can be very expensive. A single visit to an emergency room can cost several hundred dollars, and a hospital stay can cost thousands.

What to Do During the Wait Period

It is strongly recommended that you purchase temporary private health insurance to cover the waiting period. Several insurance companies in Canada offer plans specifically designed for newcomers during the MSP wait period. Some options include:

• Manulife CoverMe: Offers emergency medical insurance plans for newcomers
• Blue Cross: Provides temporary health coverage plans
• Guard.me: Popular with international students and temporary residents

Settlement agencies such as ISSofBC, MOSAIC, and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. can help you understand your options for temporary coverage. These settlement services are free for eligible newcomers to Canada. Ask about this during your first appointment with a settlement worker.

Finding a Family Doctor

Why You Need a Family Doctor

In BC's healthcare system, your family doctor (also called a general practitioner or GP) is your primary point of contact for medical care. Your family doctor provides ongoing care, manages chronic conditions, orders tests, makes referrals to specialists, and maintains your complete medical history. Having a regular family doctor leads to significantly better health outcomes than relying on walk-in clinics.

The Current Situation

It is important to be honest about the current reality: finding a family doctor in British Columbia is very difficult. Hundreds of thousands of BC residents, including many long-term Canadians, do not currently have a regular family doctor. This is a province-wide issue, not just a challenge for newcomers.

How to Find a Family Doctor

Despite the shortage, there are steps you can take to find a family doctor:

1. Register with the BC Health Connect Registry

The Health Connect Registry is a provincial system that matches patients who need a family doctor or nurse practitioner with available primary care providers. You can register online at www.healthconnectregistry.ca or by calling 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC). Registration is free and does not require MSP coverage.

When you register, your information is shared with primary care networks in your area. When a family doctor or nurse practitioner has availability, they will contact patients from the registry.

2. Contact Primary Care Networks

BC has established primary care networks (PCNs) across the province to improve access to primary care. Contact the PCN in your area to ask about doctor availability. You can find your local PCN through the BC Ministry of Health website.

3. Check Online Directories

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC maintains a directory of physicians at www.cpsbc.ca. You can search for family doctors who are accepting new patients in your area.

4. Ask Your Settlement Agency

Settlement agencies sometimes have relationships with healthcare providers who are welcoming of newcomer patients. This is worth asking about. You can learn more about available settlement services on the WelcomeAide programs page.

Walk-In Clinics and Urgent Primary Care Centres

Walk-In Clinics

While you search for a family doctor, walk-in clinics can provide non-emergency medical care. Walk-in clinics do not require an appointment and accept patients with valid MSP coverage (or a valid BC Services Card). Wait times can be long, especially during flu season and on weekends.

Walk-in clinics can handle common health concerns such as infections, minor injuries, prescription refills, sick notes, and basic health assessments. They are not equipped for emergencies or complex conditions.

How to find a walk-in clinic: You can search for walk-in clinics near you on Medimap (medimap.ca), which shows real-time wait times for clinics across BC. You can also call 8-1-1 for help finding a clinic.

Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs)

BC has been opening Urgent and Primary Care Centres across the province. UPCCs bridge the gap between walk-in clinics and emergency rooms. They can handle more serious conditions than walk-in clinics, such as sprains, cuts requiring stitches, severe infections, and mental health crises. UPCCs are staffed by teams of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other health professionals. Some UPCCs are open evenings and weekends.

You can find UPCC locations and hours through the BC government website or by calling 8-1-1.

HealthLink BC: Your 24/7 Health Information Line

Calling 8-1-1

HealthLink BC is one of the most valuable health resources available to you in British Columbia, and it is completely free. By dialing 8-1-1 from any phone in BC, you can:

• Speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Get advice on whether you need to see a doctor or go to the emergency room
• Get health information and guidance on symptoms
• Find healthcare services near you
• Get information about medications by speaking with a pharmacist (available during specific hours)

Translation services: HealthLink BC provides interpretation services in over 130 languages. When you call 8-1-1, you can request an interpreter in your language. This service is free. Simply tell the operator what language you need when you call.

HealthLink BC Website

You can also access health information online at HealthLink BC. The website has a section specifically for immigrants and refugees, with translated health resources in many languages. This multilingual support is a vital newcomer resource for those still developing their English skills.

PharmaCare: Prescription Drug Coverage

What Is PharmaCare?

MSP covers doctor visits and hospital care, but it does not cover the full cost of prescription medications. PharmaCare is BC's provincial drug insurance program that helps residents pay for eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies.

Fair PharmaCare

Most BC residents access drug coverage through the Fair PharmaCare plan. Under Fair PharmaCare, you pay the full cost of your eligible prescriptions until you reach your annual deductible. After that, PharmaCare covers a percentage of the cost. Once your out-of-pocket costs reach your family maximum, PharmaCare covers 100% of eligible costs for the rest of the year.

Your deductible and family maximum are based on your net household income as reported on your tax return. Lower-income families pay lower deductibles.

How to register: You must register for Fair PharmaCare separately from MSP. You can register online at www.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare, by phone at 1-800-663-7100, or at a pharmacy. You will need your BC Services Card, your personal health number, and your Social Insurance Number.

Important for Newcomers

If you have not yet filed a Canadian tax return, your deductible will be set at a default level. Once you file your first tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), your deductible will be adjusted based on your actual income. If your income is low, your deductible may be significantly reduced. It is important to file your tax return even if you had no income, as this affects your PharmaCare coverage and access to other newcomer resources and government benefits.

Dental Coverage

What Is Covered?

Unlike doctor visits and hospital care, dental care in Canada is generally not covered by MSP. Most Canadians access dental care through employer-provided insurance plans or by paying out of pocket.

However, there are some important programs that may help:

1. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The federal government has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which provides dental coverage for Canadian residents who do not have access to dental insurance. The program is being rolled out in phases. Eligible residents include those with an adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have access to dental coverage through an employer or other plan. You can check your eligibility and apply at www.canada.ca/dental.

2. Healthy Kids Program

Children in families receiving MSP premium assistance (now replaced by income-based programs) may be eligible for basic dental coverage through the Healthy Kids Program. This covers basic dental care for children up to age 18.

3. Community Dental Clinics

Some community health centres and dental schools in BC offer dental services at reduced fees. The UBC Faculty of Dentistry operates a dental clinic that provides services at lower costs. Some settlement agencies can help connect you with affordable dental care options.

4. BC Dental Fee Guide

If you are paying for dental care out of pocket, be aware that dentists in BC set their own fees. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before any treatment, and ask if they follow the BC Dental Fee Guide, which provides suggested fee ranges.

Mental Health Resources

The Importance of Mental Health Support

Moving to a new country is one of the most significant life transitions a person can experience. Many newcomers experience stress, anxiety, loneliness, grief for what they left behind, and difficulty adjusting to a new culture and environment. These feelings are normal, but if they persist or become severe, it is important to seek help.

Some newcomers may also be dealing with trauma from experiences in their home country or during migration. This is particularly common among refugees and those who have fled conflict or persecution. If you are struggling, know that settlement support for mental health is available through multiple channels in BC.

Free Mental Health Resources in BC

1. Crisis Lines

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, these services are available 24/7:

• Crisis Centre BC: Call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) for crisis support
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 686868
• 310 Mental Health Support Line: Call 310-6789 (no area code needed) for emotional support and information about mental health services in BC

2. BounceBack Program

BounceBack is a free skill-building program offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) for adults and youth 15 and older who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry. The program is available in multiple languages. You can self-refer or be referred by your doctor. Call 1-866-639-0522 or visit bouncebackbc.ca.

3. Foundry

For newcomers aged 12 to 24, Foundry centres across BC offer free mental health and substance use services. Walk-in counselling, group programs, and online support are available. Visit foundrybc.ca for locations and services.

4. Settlement Agency Counselling

Many settlement agencies offer counselling services specifically for newcomers. These counsellors understand the unique challenges of migration and cultural adjustment. Ask your settlement agency about mental health support services.

5. Multilingual Crisis Services

If you need mental health crisis support in a language other than English, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 and request interpretation services. The crisis line at 1-800-784-2433 also has access to interpretation services.

Emergency Services

When to Call 9-1-1

Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies. This includes:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke
• Severe bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe allergic reactions
• Serious injuries from accidents or falls
• Poisoning or overdose
• Fire or situations requiring police response

When you call 9-1-1, the operator will ask whether you need police, fire, or ambulance. Try to stay calm and provide your location. If you do not speak English, the 9-1-1 operator can connect you with an interpreter.

Important: In BC, ambulance services are not fully covered by MSP. A ground ambulance trip can cost $80 for BC residents with MSP coverage, but the cost can be significantly higher without MSP. Air ambulance services cost more. Despite the cost, never hesitate to call 9-1-1 in a genuine emergency.

Emergency Rooms

Emergency rooms (also called emergency departments) at hospitals are open 24/7 and handle serious medical conditions. If your condition is serious but not immediately life-threatening, you may wait several hours to be seen. Emergency rooms prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition, not the order of arrival.

Major hospitals with emergency departments in Metro Vancouver include:

• Vancouver General Hospital: 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
• St. Paul's Hospital: 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
• Royal Columbian Hospital: 330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster
• Surrey Memorial Hospital: 13750 96th Avenue, Surrey
• Burnaby Hospital: 3935 Kincaid Street, Burnaby
• Richmond Hospital: 7000 Westminster Highway, Richmond

Poison Control

If someone has been exposed to a potentially poisonous substance, call the BC Poison Control Centre at 1-800-567-8911. This line is available 24/7.

Additional Health-Related Tips for Newcomers

Immunizations

BC has a publicly funded immunization program. Your children will need to be up to date on required immunizations to attend school. Contact your local public health unit for immunization schedules and to book appointments. You can find your nearest public health unit by calling 8-1-1.

Getting Your Prescriptions Filled

If you take prescription medications, bring your current prescriptions and a letter from your doctor at home explaining your medications. A doctor in BC will need to issue a new prescription for you to continue your medications in Canada. Some pharmacists can provide emergency supplies of certain medications to bridge the gap, but this is limited.

Health Information in Your Language

HealthLink BC has translated health information files in multiple languages covering common health topics. These are available at www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics and can be downloaded for free.

Key Phone Numbers and Resources

Here is a summary of the most important health-related phone numbers and resources for newcomers in BC:

• HealthLink BC: 8-1-1 (24/7, translation in 130+ languages)
• Emergency Services: 9-1-1
• Health Insurance BC (MSP): 604-683-7151 (Metro Vancouver) or 1-800-663-7100
• PharmaCare: 1-800-663-7100
• BC Poison Control: 1-800-567-8911
• Crisis Line BC: 1-800-784-2433
• Mental Health Support: 310-6789
• BounceBack Program: 1-866-639-0522
• Health Connect Registry: www.healthconnectregistry.ca
• HealthLink BC Website: www.healthlinkbc.ca

You Deserve Good Healthcare

As a newcomer to British Columbia, you have the right to access quality healthcare. The system can feel complex and unfamiliar, but settlement support is available in many languages and from many sources. Do not hesitate to ask for immigration help. Call 8-1-1 if you are unsure about anything health-related, and reach out to your local settlement agency for guidance on navigating the system.

WelcomeAide is here to help you understand and access the newcomer resources you need. If you have questions about healthcare or any other aspect of settling in BC, our AI Newcomer Navigator can provide multilingual support and guidance in your language, 24 hours a day. Learn more about our mission or explore our blog for more newcomer guides on Canadian immigration topics.