Now that you know how the education system is working in BC, let’s focus on another key topic for you and your family: Health care.
British Columbia’s health care system is ensuring that BC residents have access to health care information and services. The BC health care system can be more or less different from the one you had in your home country so have a look at the different services that you can have access to below.
- HealthLink BC
HealthLink BC provides access to free non-emergency health information and advice in B.C. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, website, and on mobile app. All of HealthLink BC’s 8-1-1 telephone services are free.
When calling HealthLink BC you can get help from:
- Health service navigators to help you find health information and services
- Nurses to help you with non-emergency health concerns
- Dietitians to answer your nutrition questions (available Monday to Friday - 9 am to 5 pm)
- Exercise professionals to answer your physical activity questions (available Monday to Friday - 9 am to 5 pm)
- Pharmacists to answer your medication questions (available Monday to Friday - 9 am to 5 pm)
- Doctors
There are two types of doctors in British Columbia: family doctors (general practitioners or GPs) and specialists.
- Family doctors
Finding a family doctor is an important part of settling into a new area. Your family doctor is often your first point of contact with the healthcare system when you need primary medical care or advice about your health. They perform routine physicals and health care services, such as checkups, immunizations, screening for disease, and preventative medicine. You can also talk to your family doctor about emotional problems, nutrition, and family planning.
Family doctors also play an important role in BC’s health care system, acting as the central hub for managing health or illness for patients and families, and providing referrals to specialists when needed.
If you are looking for a family doctor, you can contact HealthLink BC at 8-1-1
- Specialists
Specialists treat special health problems, such as dermatology, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, rheumatology… You can find the whole list of specialty areas here.
Your family doctor may refer you to a specialist. If you think you need to see a specialist, you must talk to your family doctor first and ask for a referral.
- Medical emergencies
If you have a serious accident, suffer an injury, or suddenly get very sick, you should call 9-1-1 or the emergency phone number in your area. You can also go directly to the emergency department of a hospital with a friend or family member.
- Walk-in clinics
Most cities in British Columbia have walk-in clinics. If you have any medical problem but it is not an emergency, you may have to go to one of them. These clinics have doctors. You do not need an appointment or a family doctor to go to a walk-in clinic. Many are open seven days a week but be careful the wait times can be long - up to an hour.
To find a clinic near have a look on the HealthLink BC website.
*Virtual Doctors
Virtual doctors in Canada have become an increasingly popular option for accessing healthcare, providing convenient and efficient medical consultations from the comfort of your home. These services offer the ability to connect with licensed healthcare professionals via video calls, phone calls, or online chats, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Some of the most well-known virtual healthcare providers in Canada include Maple and TELUS Health. These platforms offer a range of services such as diagnosing common illnesses, prescribing medications, and providing medical advice, making healthcare more accessible and adaptable to the needs of modern patients.
Note 📝
If you are waiting to receive your BC Services Car, you can still go to a walk-in clinic. Bring two pieces of identification, including one with a picture. You will have to pay for the visit. Keep your receipt. When you get a BC Services Card, you may be able to ask for a refund and get some of the money back.
Suggested Prompts
How might the availability of virtual doctors change access to healthcare for people living in remote or rural areas in BC?
In what ways does the BC healthcare system encourage preventative care and early diagnosis through services like family doctors and walk-in clinics?
How can understanding the different types of healthcare providers in BC help new residents better navigate the system and obtain appropriate care?
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