Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with a Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) will benefit from a more affordable process for the federally mandated medical examination.

As of Oct. 1, 2022, the Ministry of Health began managing payment for the medical diagnostic testing, including chest X-ray and blood tests, that Ukrainians under CUAET may need to complete within 90 days of arrival in British Columbia.

“Our government continues to assist Ukrainians arriving in B.C. to make sure they have the supports they need, especially around health-care services,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This new benefit means one less thing to worry about when they start their new lives in our province.”

To be eligible, individuals must be enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) and have approved CUAET documentation. This means that people will not be billed for completing the required testing.

“Ukrainians arriving in British Columbia have been incredibly courageous as they’ve endured unimaginable uncertainty in their pursuit of health and safety,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Immigration. “The mandated medical examination tests can be costly, and this coverage relieves one additional pressure point for Ukrainians as they focus on rebuilding their lives here in British Columbia.”

Those who have already paid for testing can be reimbursed by sending the appropriate information to Health Insurance BC:

Health Insurance BC
Patient Benefits
PO Box 9480 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9E7

More information, including the form required for reimbursement, is available online at: www.gov.bc.ca/MSP/eligibility

This announcement builds on recently announced full coverage of eligible prescription for one year as well as changes to the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation, which extended MSP coverage to all people arriving in B.C. with approved CUAET documentation. The three-month waiting period for MSP coverage has also been waived to help ensure immediate access to health services.

Learn More:

To learn more about enrolling for MSP, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/MSP/applyforhealthcare; or call: 1 800 663-7100.

To learn more about supports available to Ukrainians, or how to support Ukrainians arriving to B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/ukraine/welcome; or call the Service BC toll-free phone line: 1 800 663-7867.