Comprehensive reference for international students at UBC.
Health Care in Canada
Student Health Service
All UBC students can take advantage of the UBC Student Health Service or the Urgent Care Centre in cases of emergency.
Located in the UBC Hospital, the Student Health Service offers health care for registered UBC students year-round. Students can make an appointment by phone, in person, or by registering online. Same-day appointments are available for ill students. All services are confidential and most are covered by iMED and MSP. For more information, call 604.822.7011.
The UBC Urgent Care Centre is open 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week, to treat any medical concern that cannot wait until the Student Health Service is open. Those with iMED insurance will be asked to pay a fee, which can be reimbursed later. In an emergency, call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
- To find other doctors in Vancouver, visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website.
- To find a dentist in Vancouver, visit the BC Dental Association website.
Seeing a doctor
In Canada, a family doctor or general practitioner (GP) will take you on as a regular patient. You are under no obligation to commit to the first doctor you visit. You visit your family doctor for particular health concerns or for regular check-ups. If you need to see a specialist (such as an allergist), your GP will recommend one and make an appointment for you.
Walk-in clinics
Visit Google Maps for a list of walk-in clinics around the city or consult the Yellow Pages under "Clinics" or "Physicians."
If you do not have a family doctor, you can go to a walk-in clinic. You don’t need to make an appointment. Walk-in clinics are usually open longer hours than a doctor’s office.
Emergencies
If you experience a health emergency, go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Be aware that waiting times at hospitals can be several hours. A nurse will determine, in priority sequence, which patients require the most urgent care.
Some things to keep in mind
- Your doctor needs all the facts. Describe all of your health concerns at the beginning of your visit.
- You are entitled to ask questions. It is acceptable and common to ask your doctor questions and to seek a second opinion from another doctor, if you wish.
- Your health records are confidential. No one can see your medical documents without your permission. This includes your family, your professors, other students, and UBC administration.
- Take a copy of your study permit when you go to the doctor. When you see a doctor or go to the lab, radiology, or emergency departments in the hospital, it is a good idea to take a copy of your study permit with you to ensure you will be charged the "Uninsured Resident" rate rather than the higher "Visitor" rate.
Medication
Mild medications are available without prescription at a pharmacy. If you require stronger or more specialized medication, your doctor will write you a prescription, which you can fill at a pharmacy. Be sure to take medications exactly as directed by your doctor. If the medicine does not seem to help or if it makes you more ill, go back to your doctor.
Alternative medicine
Alternative medical practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic medicine, and homeopathy are not covered by the MSP, but they may be covered by some extended health plans.
