In Canada, there are a few ways to see a doctor. We have a school nurse practitioner who is able to order labs, diagnose, and prescribe, as well as send referrals to specialists as needed. Students can speak to the health centre to arrange an appointment with our school doctor. We also work with two other clinics in Victoria where students can see a doctor either by phone or in person for other health matters. Depending on the health concern our team might be able to book a time either the next day or in a few weeks. This might be a set appointment time, or this may involve waiting in a line for the doctor.
If we think the student’s health concern cannot be resolved at the Health Centre or by seeing a medical doctor in one of our preferred clinics, or if the student needs special testing, like an x-ray or ultrasound, then we may recommend a trip to the emergency department at the local hospital. There, the student will be seen, including all the testing they might need, but this usually takes 5 to 9 hours. This is a good option if there is a potentially serious problem, but not the best choice if the issue can wait a few days to be seen by a doctor.
In Canada, everyone must see a general doctor or an emergency room doctor first, before they can see a specialist. So even if a student would like to see a specialist, or they are the best person to assess the issue, we must still book a regular doctor’s appointment for the student first.
The majority of time that students are at Pearson they are covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, this medical coverage has a three month waiting period. Therefore students will not be on MSP for the first three months of year 1 (they will be covered by private medical insurance during this waiting period). MSP covers all visits to the doctor, the hospital and all specialist medical visits.
Read more in this brochure about MSP.
While MSP covers most medical services, there are some important things that MSP does NOT cover, including:
Medications – MSP does not pay for any medications. Students and their families or guardians will have to pay for any medication related expenses. Medications range in price from very little such as antibiotics which are usually about $20 for a course of treatment, to very expensive, with some specialized medications costing $100 to $200 per month.
Dentist – MSP does not cover trips to the dentist for routine dental work or for emergencies. If a student needs to see the dentist, they will receive a cost estimate for the treatment, and the student can decide then if they would like this treatment.
Orthodontist – same as for the dentist, orthodontists are also not covered by MSP.
Optometrist – MSP covers one eye exam per year under the age of 18. Anyone over 18 must pay for their own eye exams. There is no coverage for buying glasses or contacts.
Physiotherapy or sports therapy – Physiotherapy can be arranged but is not covered by MSP. The initial appointment is usually about $85, and the follow-up appointments are usually about $70 each.
Other allied health care such as massage, acupuncture, chiro practices or nutritionists are not covered by MSP. They range in price but usually cost about $100 per session.
Here is more detailed information about what MSP does NOT cover.
