Healthcare in Vancouver
Canada offers its residents a universal, government funded health system that has long been the subject of much debate. The system is managed on a provincial level, and though it remains uniform for the most part, ultimately it is subject to the tweaks and turns of the thirteen separate regions.Expats will find that healthcare in Vancouver is implemented by the Ministry of Health Services in British Columbia. Under the Medicare Protection Act it is compulsory for all residents to enrol with the Medical Service Plan (MSP), the local designation for this public healthcare system.
Expats should note that they are certainly included in this if they:
- Are a citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada;
- Make her or his home in British Columbia; and
- Are physically present in British Columbia at least six months in a calendar year.
- Certain other persons, such as some holders of study and/or work permits
How to enrol?
In order to take advantage of public healthcare in Vancouver it is necessary for expats to enrol immediately upon arrival so that they can register for MSP and get a Personal Health Number (PHN) on a CareCard.
If you have negotiated health coverage as part of your expat package, your employer will register for MSP on your behalf.
Otherwise, it's necessary to complete an application online or by printing and mailing the necessary forms.
Documents required for MSP application:
Permanent Residents:
- Record of Landing
- Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence document
- Temporary Resident Permit
- Work Permit
- Study Permit
Public healthcare in Vancouver
Public healthcare in Canada is regarded as top notch, but is nonetheless the source of much frustration.
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The Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides medical and drug insurance and is available to anyone lawfully living in British Columbia. The coverage is global with MSP benefits covering all major health problems. The MSP even goes so far as to pay out a subsidy for treatments such as acupuncture. In Vancouver, residents must also pay a health premium of $54 monthly.On paper, Vancouver's healthcare system seems like it should solicit a shining star of excellence, but as expats will quickly find out for themselves - whether from their own experiences or the horror stories of others - the system can often make a sore point sorer.
As a result of staff shortages and budget shortfalls, healthcare in Vancouver is marred by fewer scheduled surgeries and long waits. In many cases, if a patient isn't the victim of a life-threatening illness, it could take up to a year to schedule a surgery and many months to even receive an appointment with a specialist.
Expats should also note that the MSP does not cover dental, eye care, prescription medicines or extended health services (i.e. ambulances). It is necessary to obtain private coverage plans for this, in many cases, which is offered by an employer.
Private healthcare in Canada
Though largely outlawed for many years, private healthcare services are slowly starting to make their way into Vancouver. Now, simple surgeries and basic tests are provided by over 70 private facilities in BC, with waits that were normally taking months in the public sector reduced to a mere week or two.
Essential operations will still need to be scheduled with the public sector, or carried out across the border for an obscene amount of money in the United States.
Expats will need to take advantage of a private plan for extended medical and dental coverage. As mentioned previously, these plans are usually offered by employers; with the amount of coverage varying depending on the level your company chooses. Most companies pay half of monthly premiums.
