pip_is_fab

Could anyone shed any light on to healthcare in bc, how it works, how much it costs, how soon can i register after landing? There seems to be alot of infor about alberta on the wiki but nothing specific to bc. Only thing i did discover is that i cant donate blood, bit of a cheek to incinuate all brits have BSE.

Steve_P

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/insurance/about_hi.html

As for the blood donations issue we've already had a major tainted blood scandal in Canada no offence but we don't want to take the chance on another no matter how remote the chances.

pamplemousse

It's not anti-British. Canadians, Americans, Indians, etc... anyone who has spent a certain period of time (the actual time is something I can't remember at the moment) in Britain, can not donate blood in Canada either.

pip_is_fab

i understand safety and all that, it's just i loved the fact i could donate blood in england, i couldnt wait to be old enough!! My mum had alway been when i was younger so it just feels such a shame to be not able to help, when i am so used to being able to donate in england. Oh well i suppose i can always do the honours every time i holiday back here.

Surrey Expat

Since the tainted blood scandal, things tightened up. Guess covering their backs.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew..._name=&no_ads=

pamplemousse

You could always donate time or money if you're feeling charitable. A private bloodletting ritual could give you that lighted-headed, nauseous feeling (or is that just me? ).

Personally, I'm glad to be absolved of the guilt for not rolling up my sleeve!

babycart

When you first arrive as a PR you have to wait approx 3 months before you can use healthcare services - Medical Services Plan (MSP). Most people advise you take insurance to cover you for the iterum period.

Once on MSP you get GP & Hospital care like the UK- Prescriptions you pay actual price of medication rather than discount rate in the NHS.

Ambulance is approx $500 per journey.

Healthcare varies across BC, but by all accounts healthcare is better than UK when you get it.

Iain Mc

Yeah, I do that if I can. It's such a shame to hear on the radio adverts imploring people of my blood type to donate and not being able to

Surrey Expat

Balance of the month you arrive and the two following months. Arrive last day of the month and you only wait just over 2.

Depends on your income level. Fair Pharmacare sets a family deductible and limit, thereafter the government picks up the tab. As a for GP, depends on whether you can find one taking new patients. There are also walk in clinics.

Nearer $50 and also depends on your circumstances. If you are on premium assistance you don't pay.

babycart

I wish members on BE didn't feel the need their information should be right and constantly go out their way to contradict other members who also want to contribute.

Approx 3 months- versus 2 months and expiry of 1st month- come on get a life whats the difference.

Wife is a GP in BC so $500 for an ambulance is right unless you qualify for assistance. Most expats will be working therefore you will end up paying. I have also spoken to the the advisor for MSP who confirmed this.

Prescription cost is a significant cost so be prepared.

Surrey Expat

Up to 30 days, which I would say is quite significant if you happen to not have any other coverage and are taken ill. Timing your arrival can save a wait of several weeks for MSP coverage.

We got a bill for $54 when my daughter had a bike accident and was carted off in an ambulance. It is now around $80 http://www.canada.com/theprovince/ne...9-b6d32c83b0a2 This is for all residents covered under MSP, those on premium assistance pay nothing.

Depending on your income it can be high or low. So to say significant is a bit broad. Low income, pay nothing if drug is covered by Fair Pharmacare, high income pay more. If one is earning $40,000 a year the family maximum is around $1600, after which MSP pick up the tab for drugs covered under the scheme. Any medicinal drugs not covered are at full price to the patient. Some drugs that are approved and not generally covered the patient can ask their doctor to apply for a special authority for them to be covered.

If you are not covered under MSP then rates are considerably more. Up to several thousand for air ambulance!

Suggest confirming your facts before posting and scaring the bejeebers out of new immigrants. It is not a case of being more right than another poster, rather for accuracy.

fuschiagirl

A month's private insurance is quite a lot of money - I suppose if money is no problem to you then it is irrelevant It's these kind of useful tips that help newcomers. By flying on the last day of the month instead of the following day can save a family money

Surrey Expat didn't "contradict" you - he corrected you! He has been offering advice for a long time.

It is very annoying when newcomers post as though they know everything about everything

babycart

2nd Post from Surrey Expat a lot more informative & helpful- $500 still the price for an ambulance if you have no MSP- Yes Income is the factor- I make no excuses for having a higher family income- we end up paying more for our healthcare.

The costs that a new comer will have to deal with is a lot higher than most anticipate- and it is not about scaring new comers.

Fuschiagirl just an example of irrelevant post that fills up these threads- I am sure Surrey Expat can defend his own statements.

BE is for new and "established" member- its not a private forum for a select few members & it is an opportunity for all to learn- just expressing my view or do BE senior members have a right to dictate who can post.

Surrey Expat

Don't be so childish.

babycart

?????? another example of an irrelevant post.

My advise to any newcomer- go to your GP & stock up as much as you can get, particularly if you have a chronic condition. Certain medicines that you can buy over the counter in the UK will be prescription only here. Even over the counter medicines I have found is more expensive than the UK-