Does My Medical Service Plan (Care Card) Cover My Dentist in Vancouver?
Everyone in British Columbia is eligible for Medical Service Plan coverage (BC Care Card) as long as they meet certain criteria outlined by the government of British Columbia. I have compiled all the information you will need to know to better understand:
Who is Eligible, How to Enrol and What is Covered under the Medical Service Plan of British Columbia (Care Card).
Who is Eligible for Medical Service Plan (Care Card) Coverage?
Everyone living in British Columbia is eligible for Medical Service Plan (Care Card) coverage as long as they meet the criteria for one of the four categories: Residents, Dependants, First Nations Residents, or Other.
Residents- Individuals who live in British Columbia and meet the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of Canada or be lawfully admitted to Canada for permanent residence;
- Must make his or her home in B.C.; and
- Must be physically present in B.C. at least six months in a calendar year, or a shorter prescribed period.
Dependents- someone who depend on another individual for financial support. The individual supporting the other must also meet the criteria as a British Columbia resident to qualify for Medical Service Plan coverage. Dependants may be a Spouse, or a Child who meet the following criteria:
- Spouse Coverage: a resident of B.C. who is married to or is living and cohabiting in a marriage-like relationship with the applicant, and may be of the same gender as the applicant.
- “Child” Coverage: a resident of BC who is the legal child of the beneficiary or the person in respect of whom a beneficiary stands in place of the parent, is supported by the beneficiary, is neither married nor living and cohabitating in a marriage like-relationship, and is either age 18 or younger or age 19-24 and attending school or university full-time.
Find out more about a spouse or child who has applied for permeant resident status in Canada: http://goo.gl/NBxXOE
First Nations Residents: Individuals who hold Indian Status are eligible for Medical Service Plan coverage. Individuals who receive health benefits from another First Nations organization are excluded from this coverage. First Nations individuals who have their Medical Service Plan premiums paid by their employer are encouraged to contact the Regional Office (1 800 317-7878) to confirm their on the eligibility list.
Individuals with non-status family members should contact Health Insurance BC directly:
- Health Insurance BC:
Lower Mainland: 604 683-7151
Elsewhere in B.C.: Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100
Other: Some individuals who are not residents of British Columbia can be eligible for Medical Service Plan coverage. In order to be covered an individual must obtain one of the following permits issued under the federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Study Permit
- Work Permit
- Working Holiday Program
Find out more about the Working Holiday Program: http://goo.gl/YNb9ts
What Dental Services Are Covered?
Many dental services are covered under the Medical Service Plan and it is important to know what is covered in order to prevent any unwanted fees.
- Diagnostic Services- including x-rays and laboratory services, provided at approved diagnostic facilities, when ordered by a registered physician, midwife, podiatrist, dental surgeon or oral surgeon;
- Dental and Oral Surgery- when medically required to be performed in hospital (excluding restorative services, i.e.: fillings, caps, crowns, root canals, etc);
- Orthodontic Services related to severe congenital facial abnormalities.
Find out what other services are covered under the Medical Service Plan: http://goo.gl/gkSc6j
How can I Enrol in Medical Service Plan Coverage?
If you are applying for a self-administered account you must fill out an application form that can be found here: http://goo.gl/gkSc6j
Individuals who are eligible for MSP coverage under the First Nations Health Authority or the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation should contact them directly:
- First Nations Health Authority:
Phone: (604) 693-6500
Toll-Free: 1 866 913-0033
Health Benefits (toll-free): 1 855 550-5454
- Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
Toll Free: 1 866 866-0800
