Services Not Covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP)

MSP does not provide coverage for the following:

• services that are deemed to be not medically required, such as cosmetic surgery;
• dental services, except as outlined under benefits;
• routine eye examinations for persons 19 to 64 years of age;
• eyeglasses, hearing aids, and other equipment or appliances;
• prescription drugs (see PharmaCare);
• acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, physical therapy and non-surgical podiatry services (except for MSP beneficiaries receiving supplementary benefits);
• preventive services and screening tests not supported by evidence of medical effectiveness (for example, routine annual "complete" physical examinations, whole body CT scans, prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests);
• services of counsellors or psychologists;
• medical examinations, certificates or tests required for:
  • driving a motor vehicle
  • employment
  • life insurance
  • school or university
  • recreational and sporting activities
  • immigration purposes

Note: The Ministry of Health provides funding through regional Health Authorities for hospital programs, mental health and addictions services, and residential/assisted living. For information about ambulance services, see B.C. Ambulance Service. For information about assistance with prescription drug costs, go to PharmaCare.

Extra Billing

Extra billing involves charging an MSP beneficiary or their representative for a benefit covered by MSP, or for any matter related to the rendering of a medical necessary benefit, unless otherwise permitted by the Medicare Protection Act or by the Medical Services Commission. Benefits covered by MSP are charged directly to MSP. More information can be found on “Additional Fees and Charges” page:

• Additional Fees and Charges