The Medical Services Plan (MSP) and PharmaCare are the provincial plans for all eligible B.C. residents. It provides coverage for most of your basic healthcare and prescription drug services. You must be enrolled in MSP before obtaining PharmaCare coverage.
To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and reside in B.C. for at least 6 months every year. Certain exceptions apply.
What’s covered with MSP and Pharmacare
| Benefit | Coverage details |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs |
The Fair PharmaCare Program covers you for eligible prescription drugs, insulin, syringes, needles, limited quantity of test strips, and certain ostomy. Your coverage is income-based which means the annual deductible and family maximum are calculated based on net family income. Members of the First Nations Health Authority are covered by the B.C. PharmaCare First Nations Health Benefits Plan (FNBC) and those previously covered with NIHB are automatically enrolled in this program. This covers all your eligible ingredient costs and dispense fees for covered drugs and is the first payer, with your private plan as the second payer. B.C. PharmaCare launched the Biosimilars Initiative which means PharmaCare will only cover the biosimilar versions of eligible drugs. |
| Ambulance |
You are not covered for ambulance fees unless you have a valid B.C. Care card covered through MSP, in which you pay a subsidized flat fee. To learn more about ambulance services, visit B.C. Emergency Health Services. |
| Dental benefits |
You are covered for medically required in-hospital dental surgeries and orthodontic services related to severe congenital face abnormalities. You are not covered for most dental procedures. |
| Vision care |
You are covered for routine eye exams if you are under 18 years old or 65 years and older. You are also covered for medically required eye exams regardless of age. |
| Hospital |
You are covered for standard ward rooms. Private or semi-private rooms may be available for an extra fee. |
| Paramedicals |
Essential extended services may be covered if you are eligible for general health supplements. A medical practitioner or nurse must confirm an acute need with no other resources available. |
| Hearing aids |
You are covered for the least expensive, appropriate hearing devices and associated repairs if you require financial aid to meet this need. |
| Nursing benefits and home care | Publicly subsidized care services provide a variety of services in your own home or supportive housing environment. Coverage and type of care varies by need. |
| Medical supplies |
PharmaCare covers insulin pumps for eligible individuals who meet the medical criteria and have Special Authority approval for coverage. Continuous Glucose Monitors are covered for some individuals through Special Authority.You are covered for certain protheses needed to maintain basic functionality, provided you meet the requirements. You may also be covered for some ostomy supplies and orthoses. |
| Accidental death and dismemberment | MSP does not provide any coverage for accidental death and dismemberment. |
| Out of country | MSP covers medically required emergency situations rendered by a licensed physician, with a maximum daily payment. You pay for any excess cost. MSP does not cover out-patient services. |
Personal health insurance can help supplement your coverage where you need it most.
Though you’re covered, you still pay for some of your provincial health coverage. Personal health insurance can help make sure you aren't paying out of pocket for unexpected expenses.
These highlights from the British Columbia Medical Services Plan are for general reference only and are subject to change, corrections and updates. Other government programs may also be available. For more information on the latest coverage details, contact:
Health Insurance BC
P.O. Box 9035 Stn Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC V8W 9E3
Lower Mainland: 604-683-7151
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-663-7100 (toll-free)
British Columbia
Last updated: April 2022