What is an MSP, and How Does It Help Low-Income And Senior Clients?

Are you looking to save money on healthcare in British Columbia? MSP can be your savior in a physiotherapy clinic in Canada


The Medical Services Plan is your health insurance program that covers your medical expenses. MSP provides coverage to residents of BC.

Are you looking to save money on healthcare in British Columbia? MSP can be your savior in a physiotherapy clinic in Canada.

The Medical Services Plan is your health insurance program that covers your medical expenses. MSP provides coverage to residents of BC

MSP contributes $23 per visit to your treatment cost which includes – Massage Therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, naturopathy, and non-surgical podiatry. It includes 10 visits each calendar year.

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Services Covered Under MSP

- Services provided by physiotherapists and midwives.
- Oral and dental surgery performed by a dentist.
- Eye examination.
- Orthodontic services (teeth straightening using braces, aligners, and retainers).

Services Not Covered Under MSP

- Services that are not considered medical requirements such as cosmetic surgery.
- Routine eye inspection for individuals from 19 to 64 years of age.
- Medical certificate or tests required for obtaining life insurance policy, employment purposes, driving a motor vehicle, taking admission to school or university, recreational activities, and immigration purposes.
- Taking the services of a counselor.
- Preventive services and screening tests like whole-body CT scans, prostate-specific antigen tests, and complete physical examinations.
- Chiropractic, naturopathy, non-surgical podiatry services (except for MSP candidates receiving supplementary benefits).

Eligibility For Supplementary Benefits

For getting supplementary benefits:

  • The candidate should be enrolled in MSP.
  • Resident of British Columbia.
  • Holder of permanent resident status for the last 12 months before proceeding with the application.
  • Not exempted to pay the income tax liability by any other act of British Columbia.

As confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) eligibility for supplementary benefits is based on net income earned in the last year. It includes the following factors:

  •  Your and your spouse’s age
  •  Presence of any disability 
  •  Members included in the family
  •  Income from the registered disability savings plan and universal child care benefit.

If the “adjusted net income” is less than $42,000 an individual can qualify for supplementary benefits.

For physiotherapy for low-income BC individuals may need to apply it once only if they fulfill the following conditions; 

  • Tax filing every year  
  • Remain eligible for MSP coverage..

Does MSP Cover Physiotherapy For Seniors?

Health care is an important concern for all seniors, regardless of their financial status. With the rising cost of medical treatments and medications, it is becoming difficult for seniors to afford the necessary health care they need.

MSP health coverage provides seniors with the necessary financial assistance to cover their medical expenses, enabling them to receive the best possible care. They are eligible for every kind of MSP service that is tailored to their specific needs, such as long-term care and prescription drug coverage and senior citizens above 65 years of age are also eligible for an annual eye examination. Furthermore, MSP health coverage can provide peace of mind for those who are worried about covering their medical costs in the future.

Additionally, depending on their income level, senior citizens can check if they are eligible for additional programs such as 

  • Supplementary benefits 
  • Fair pharma care plan 

MSP Coverage For Low-Income Groups

Physiotherapy for low income BC is an important plan for them to access quality healthcare services. These plans provide access to a range of medical services, including preventive care, doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Additionally, if they have access to supplementary services it will cover their partial costs.

How Do I Apply For MSP?

All residents of British Columbia require to apply for a medical service plan and there are several ways to apply for it 

– Apply online through health insurance BC’s  MSP application process. It will take around 15 minutes to complete all the data and you just need to upload a few digital copies of the documents required in order to prove your identity and Canadian citizenship. 

– You can also apply through the mail by sending the application to health insurance BC, Medical service plan. 

After submitting an application, applicants are required to obtain a photo BC service card at an ICBC driver licensing office. 

The following documents are required to show there

1. Two pieces of identity
2. Photograph and declaring BC residency.

Note: Applicants above 6 months and under 18 years of age are automatically enrolled in MSP service and they will receive a card without their photograph. 

MSP Premiums in BC

As of January 1, 2020, MSP premiums have been eliminated in a Physiotherapy Clinic in Surrey, BC.

Under How Much Time Can You Get Your MSP Card?

Once a candidate submits their MSP application, it will take around 2 months to process your application. After that, it will arrive by mail at the address you have written on the application form. After submitting your application form if your address has been changed contact the MSP office for further updates.

Benefits of Medical Service Plan

Medical service plans are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage. With a medical service plan, individuals can get access to a variety of benefits.

Lower Out-of-pocket Costs

The plans are designed to help individuals and families to save money on medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and other services. By taking advantage of the MSP  discounts and benefits, people can reduce their out-of-pocket costs for medical care.

Preventive Care Services

These services help to identify and treat potential health problems before they become severe and costly. Preventive care services can include checkups, vaccinations, and screenings for certain diseases. These services can help people stay healthy and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions or illnesses requiring more expensive treatments later on.

Access to Specialists

Access to specialist care is an important part of any healthcare plan. With access to specialists, individuals can also be sure that they are receiving the highest quality of care from experienced professionals who understand their condition and know how to treat it.

Unexpected Medical Emergencies

Having a medical service plan can be a lifesaver when it comes to unexpected medical emergencies. It provides peace of mind knowing that you and your family are covered in the event of an accident or illness.