Health care in Canada or British Columbia might be quite different from where you previously resided. Here are some resources to get you started for both health check-ups and in cases of emergency.
- Video explaining the difference between MSP coverage and private insurance (this talks about drug coverage, but the same applies to other practitioner services): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcvY7kdj77w
- Students at post-secondary institutions must have both provincial and extensive coverage, your institution will register you for a fee
- Trans Care BC (Gender affirming services for transgender individuals, must be under MSP to access most services)
- Free HVP vaccine for some individuals, please check eligibility criteria
- Gender affirming apparel through Island Sexual Health
- Gender Empowerment Services (UVic) – Free sexual health products and menstrual supplies
- The Foundry mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support and social services for young people aged 12-24
- Register for a family doctor or nurse practitioner (waitlists are very long)
- Free health service navigator, including access to registered nurses, registered dietitian, qualified exercise professionals, pharmacists, and translation services (tel: 8-1-1)
- Pacific Centre Family Services Association (various health and counselling services in the Westshore area)
- AVI Health and Community Services (HIV services and safer injection resources)
- Substance Drug Checking (service to check composition of drugs for safer drug consumption)
- ORCCA Dental Clinic Society (dental Care for youth)
- Camosun’s Dental Clinic (discounted dental services)