Health

There are two main health plans in B.C., both administered by the Government of British Columbia:

1. Medical Services Plan (MSP) for most health care services.
2. Pharmacare for prescription drugs.

You can fill out the Application for Enrolment with MSP as soon as you arrive in B.C. After you have enrolled in the MSP you will receive a CareCard which proves you are covered. You will be asked to show this card at the doctor’s office, hospital or clinic when you make a visit. Walk-in clinics are staffed by doctors and nurses, and many are open on weekends and in evenings, when doctors’ offices are closed. MSP covers visits to doctors, hospitals and most clinics.

A Settlement Agency or Service BC office in British Columbia can help you complete the forms.

In most cases you do not have to pay for hospitals, doctors or tests if you have MSP coverage. They will let you know if you need extra insurance. Make sure to have your Care Card with you when you go.

You may qualify for Premium Assistance if your income is low. Forms are available online, through MSP’s Forms-by-Fax service, at Service BC Centres or by contacting MSP.

Refugees may contact Health Insurance BC or WelcomeHouse for help with a place to live, and MSP coverage.

Here are some of the health programs and resources offered by both the Government of British Columbia, and Regional health authorities in British Columbia:

1. Government of British Columbia
2. Health Programs and Services
3. InterCultural Online Health Network
4. HealthLink BC

HealthLink BC gives non-emergency health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through its free 811 service. You can speak to a health expert by phone any time of day or night in your own language by dialing 811 in B.C. HealthLink BC is for general information only, or to find out where you should go next for any kind of health problem.

Emergency health problems are handled through the 911 emergency call system, or through the Emergency Departments of major hospitals or walk-in clinics.

Medical Services Plan (MSP)

The Medical Services Plan (MSP), administered by the Government of B.C., provides insurance for visits to doctors, hospitals and clinics in British Columbia. If you are a newcomer or immigrant to British Columbia you should apply for this insurance as soon as you arrive. Make sure to get private health insurance while you are waiting for your application to be approved.

You may qualify for Premium Assistance if your income is low. Forms are available online, through MSP’s Forms-by-Fax service, at Service BC Centres or by contacting MSP.

Refugees may contact Health Insurance BC or WelcomeHouse for help with MSP coverage and a place to live.

811

If you are not sure about what services you need, call the BC NurseLine at 8-1-1.

The 811 service is part of HealthLinkBC and includes the BC NurseLine and Dial-A-Dietitian. The 811 service is available in several languages, including Chinese and Punjabi. People who have hearing problems can access the telephone service from a TTY service or device by dialing 711.

911

You can call 911 right away if there is a serious medical emergency.

Hospital

The Emergency Department of a hospital can deal with emergency and non-emergency health problems. You can visit the Emergency Department without having an appointment.

Walk-in Clinic

Most cities and towns in B.C. have local walk-in clinics. You don’t need an appointment. Many are open in the evening and on weekends.

Ambulances

If you need an ambulance, you should call 911or the emergency number in your area. The ambulance will take you to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. You will get a bill later, since ambulances are not covered under MSP. Ambulances can be covered under private or other insurance. You also might qualify for assistance, depending on your income.

Doctors

There are two kinds of doctors in B.C.:

• General practitioners (family doctors)
• Specialists

Family doctors (general practitioners or "GP"s) take care of most medical problems. They can also refer you to a specialist, who is an expert about particular health problems. You should see your family doctor first, who will then refer you to a specialist if you need one.

For more information, visit B.C. Health Insurance online. You can also call 604 683-7151 in Metro Vancouver, or 1 800 663-7100 from anywhere else in BC.

For general information about health care services in British Columbia contact Health BC or visit Service BC. A Settlement Agency will also be able to help you.

The BC HealthGuide Handbook tells you how to recognize and cope with common health problems.

PharmaCare

The PharmaCare program helps eligible British Columbia residents pay for prescription drugs and some medical supplies.

ActNowBC

ActNowBC provides information and programs to help British Columbians live healthier lives.

The Healthy Living Campaign is a B.C. Government program for new immigrants. It provides guidance and information on how to live a healthier life.

B.C. Ministry of Health

The B.C. Ministry of Health:

• helps British Columbians live healthier lives
• promotes good health
• works toward preventing disease and injury and
• provides information and programs to help British Columbians build a healthier society and environment.

Regional - Health Care Delivery

Health Authorities

Health care in British Columbia is delivered by six regional health authorities: Northern Health, Interior Health, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority.