The healthcare system in Canada is well known for offering medical services without charging patients directly for them. Within British Columbia (BC) the Medical Services Plan (MSP) is crucial for granting access, to healthcare services. It’s important to note that not all services are covered by the plan; knowing what is covered by provincial health insurance in British Columbia and what isn’t is essential.
This blog will take a look into the services offered by MSP and those that are not covered to assist you in making choices about your healthcare in British Columbia (BC). Furthermore we will discuss facts about healthcare in Canada.
What is MSP?
In British Columbia (BC) the Medical Services Plan (also known as MSP) which is supported by tax dollars and provides coverage for a range of vital healthcare services for residents in the province. In BC having an MSP card means you can receive treatment without having to pay upfront fees for most services.
MSP is meant to offer healthcare services; however it does not include certain aspects that prompt individuals to opt for family health insurance plans to fill those voids.
What is Covered by Provincial Health Insurance in British Columbia?
The Medical Services Plan ( MSP) provides coverage for a variety of medical services including the following main services:
- Doctor’s Visits: You don’t have to pay when you visit your family doctor or a specialist with MSP coverage—its all taken care of! This covers check ups as well as discussions about your health concerns and treatment for any illnesses or injuries you may have.
- Hospital Services: If you find yourself in a hospital in British Columbia and need care the Medical Services Plan (MSP) will take care of your expenses for staying in a shared room (ward), meals, and essential treatments. It also includes coverage for tests like X rays and blood work that may be necessary, during your hospitalization.
- Surgeries and Procedures: MSP includes surgeries and operations that are considered essential by your doctor for your health needs. These can vary from surgical procedures to crucial life saving surgeries such, as heart operations or appendectomies. Nonetheless only treatments classified as vital by an expert are included in the coverage.
- Maternity and Prenatal Care: Services for pregnancy care such as check ups and ultrasounds are part of MSP coverage; even home births are included but not private room costs unless you have extra insurance.
- Eye Exams for Specific Groups: Children under 19 and seniors over 65 are eligible for MSP coverage for eye exams along with individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes; however routine eye exams, for adults aged 19 to 64 are not included unless deemed medically essential in their case.
What Isn’t Covered?
While MSP includes crucial services in its coverage scope; there are also significant services not encompassed by MSP’s offerings. Here’s an overview of services not covered by MSP:
- Dental Care: Regular dental services like cleanings and fillings are not included in MSP coverage; you’ll have to pay for them yourself or use insurance unless its an emergency dental treatment at a hospital.
- Prescription Drugs: Most residents under MSP do not receive coverage for prescription drugs; nevertheless BC provides the Fair PharmaCare program to aid residents in handling prescription expenses with a focus on supporting low income families and seniors in particular.
- Vision Care: Regular eye check ups for individuals between the ages of 20 and 60 are not included in MSP coverage – whether it’s for glasses or contact lenses or even procedures, like laser eye surgery; you’ll have to rely either upon insurance or your own finances to take care of these expenses.
- Cosmetic Surgery: Cosmetic procedures like Botox and plastic surgeries for beauty enhancements are not included in the coverage provided by MSP; however MSP will cover surgery needed after an accident or for medical reasons.
- Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care: Most physiotherapy and chiropractic services are no longer covered by MSP unless you meet criteria like having a low income status in place for eligibility requirements prompting individuals to opt for private insurance.
When You Might Need Family Health Insurance
Having family health insurance can also assist in covering requirements such as:
- Dental care
- Prescription medications
- Vision benefits
- Physiotherapy
Private insurance may also offer perks such as private hospital accommodations or coverage for health needs while traveling abroad. Some companies provide group health insurance options for their employees. You can opt for family plans independently.
Contact Us for Information on What is Covered by Provincial Health Insurance in British Columbia and What Isn’t
Knowing what is covered by provincial health insurance in British Columbia and what isn’t is crucial when navigating BC’s healthcare system. MSP offers coverage for essential medical treatments but extra insurance may be needed for services such as dental care prescriptions and vision care.
To make sure that you and your loved ones have the healthcare protection in place for your well being and peace of mind it’s crucial to assess the private insurance choices available to you. Get in touch with an agent. Contact us to explore the different plans that could support your health and give you peace of mind. 1-866-497-6231