Medicare and Universal Coverage in British Columbia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The federal Canada Health Act (CHA) sets five principles that every province and territory must follow to receive federal health funding: public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility. The provinces and territories actually deliver healthcare services.
The CHA covers medically necessary hospital and physician services at no cost to patients. About 70% of total health spending in Canada is public.
However, several things are not covered under the CHA, including:
- Prescription drugs dispensed outside a hospital
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Cosmetic procedures
- Ambulance services (coverage varies by province)
If you move to a new province, your old province covers you for up to 3 months while you wait for your new coverage to start.
When does it apply?
- All residents of a province or territory who are lawfully in Canada.
- Coverage begins after a waiting period of up to 3 months (varies by province).
- Your health card confirms your enrollment in your province's plan.
What to Do If You're Charged for Medically Necessary Care in Canada
- Register for provincial health insurance as soon as you become a resident. Don't wait.
- Carry your health card whenever you visit a doctor, hospital, or clinic.
- When moving provinces, register immediately in your new province and consider buying gap insurance for the waiting period.
- Bring your health card when travelling within Canada — you're covered for emergency care in other provinces.
- Contact your provincial health ministry if you are charged for an insured service. You should not have to pay out of pocket for medically necessary care.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't let your health card expire — renew it before the expiry date to avoid gaps in coverage.
- Don't assume everything is covered — dental, vision, and prescription drugs outside hospital are generally not included.
- Don't skip gap insurance when moving provinces — you could be uninsured for up to 3 months.
- Don't assume you have adequate out-of-country coverage — provincial plans pay very little for care abroad. Buy travel insurance before leaving Canada.
How British Columbia differs from federal law
BC's public health insurance is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP), administered by Health Insurance BC. MSP premiums were eliminated on January 1, 2020, making BC's medicare fully tax-funded.
- MSP covers medically necessary physician services, diagnostic tests, and hospital care at no cost to residents. You must be a resident of BC (physically present in BC at least 6 months a year) and enrolled in MSP to be covered.
- New residents (including new immigrants and Canadians moving from other provinces) face a wait period of up to 3 months before MSP coverage begins. Private insurance is recommended to cover this gap.
- MSP does not cover prescription drugs (covered separately by PharmaCare), dental care, vision care, physiotherapy, or ambulance services — these require supplementary insurance or out-of-pocket payment.
- BC charges for ambulance services: $80 for a medically necessary ground ambulance trip within BC, $530 for air ambulance. These fees are reduced for people on income assistance.
Additional Steps in British Columbia
Register for MSP through Health Insurance BC online, by mail, or in person at a Service BC location. Keep your BC Services Card (which replaces the old CareCard) up to date — you need it to access medical services. If you are denied coverage or facing a gap period, contact Health Insurance BC at 1-800-663-7100.
Relevant Law: Medicare Protection Act, RSBC 1996, c. 286; Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, BC Reg. 426/97
Common Questions
When does medicare and universal coverage apply?
All residents of a province or territory who are lawfully in Canada.Coverage begins after a waiting period of up to 3 months (varies by province).Your health card confirms your enrollment in your province's plan.
What should I do if a Canadian hospital or doctor is charging me for care that should be covered by medicare?
Register for provincial health insurance as soon as you become a resident. Don't wait.Carry your health card whenever you visit a doctor, hospital, or clinic.When moving provinces, register immediately in your new province and consider buying gap insurance for the waiting period.Bring your health card when travelling within Canada — you're covered for emergency care in other provinces.Contact your provincial health ministry if you are charged for an insured service. You should not have to pay out of pocket for medically necessary care.
What mistakes should I avoid with medicare and universal coverage?
Don't let your health card expire — renew it before the expiry date to avoid gaps in coverage.Don't assume everything is covered — dental, vision, and prescription drugs outside hospital are generally not included.Don't skip gap insurance when moving provinces — you could be uninsured for up to 3 months.Don't assume you have adequate out-of-country coverage — provincial plans pay very little for care abroad. Buy travel insurance before leaving Canada.
Medicare and Universal Coverage in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.