Finding Healthcare in British Columbia
Watch this short video to learn how to access healthcare services, find a healthcare provider, and choose the right place to receive care.
Prefer reading? The key information from this video is summarized below.
Where to Go for Care
Learn where to seek medical care depending on your symptoms, including family doctors, walk-in clinics, urgent care centres, and emergency departments.
View full infographic âNewcomers' Guide to British Columbia
Multilingual information about healthcare, MSP, finding a family doctor, emergency care, and other essential newcomer services.
Visit resource âHealth Care in British Columbia
Official information about Medical Services Plan (MSP), finding healthcare providers, immunizations, and health services.
Visit resource âHealthLink BC (8-1-1)
Speak with a registered nurse, pharmacist, dietitian, or health service navigator 24/7. Interpretation is available in over 130 languages.
Visit resource âSouth Asian & Newcomer Resources
Find multilingual healthcare navigation guides, primary care directories, interpreter information, and newcomer health resources.
Visit resource âFamily doctors and nurse practitioners
A family doctor or nurse practitioner is usually your first point of contact for non-emergency healthcare. They provide routine checkups, manage chronic conditions, order tests, prescribe medications, and refer patients to specialists when needed.
Walk-in clinics and Urgent & Primary Care Centres
If you do not have a regular healthcare provider or need care the same day for a non-life-threatening problem, a walk-in clinic or Urgent & Primary Care Centre (UPCC) may be appropriate. They treat illnesses and injuries that cannot wait for a routine appointment but are not medical emergencies.
Virtual care
Some medical concerns can be assessed by telephone or video appointment. Virtual care is convenient for many health concerns but may not be suitable if a physical examination or emergency treatment is required.
HealthLink BC (8-1-1)
HealthLink BC is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By calling 8-1-1, you can speak with a registered nurse, pharmacist, dietitian, or health service navigator. Interpretation is available in more than 130 languages to help you receive information in your preferred language.
Community organizations
Settlement organizations such as ISSofBC, MOSAIC, and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. can help newcomers understand the healthcare system, register for MSP, connect with healthcare providers, and access interpreter services and other community supports.