What surgeries does MSP cover?
In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the public health insurance program that helps residents access essential medical care. MSP will only cover medically necessary surgeries performed by physicians, surgeons and other health professionals that are enrolled with the program. Learning what services are covered will help you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected cost. This way, you have time to consider private insurance plans like our Freedom to Choose™ health and dental insurance. Services that are covered by MSP include:
- Emergency surgeries like an appendectomy, for example.
- Cancer-related procedures like tumor removal, biopsies and other cancer treatments.
- Heart surgeries like cardiac bypass, valve repair and other essential heart operations.
- Medically required dental/oral surgeries performed in hospitals.
You may want to check with your physician to see if your surgery qualifies for coverage.
What surgeries are not covered by MSP?
MSP doesn’t cover elective and cosmetic surgeries, which are procedures done for appearance rather than for medical reasons. These include:
- Facelifts, liposuction, and rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons.
- Breast augmentation for cosmetic purposes.
- Surgeries performed outside of hospital settings.
MSP also doesn’t cover any associated costs, such as:
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms.
- Travel and accommodation for surgery.
- Supportive clothing or medical supplies after the surgery.
- Hearing aids, eyeglasses and other equipment needed.
Does MSP cover out-of-province surgery?
You may find that you require specialized surgeries that aren’t locally available. MSP may provide some coverage for medically necessary surgeries performed outside British Columbia, but it’s not guaranteed. Financial reimbursement depends on a few things:
- MSP may provide coverage, but only up to the amount that it would’ve cost in British Columbia.
- Travel, accommodation and other surgery related costs will not be covered.
- You may need prior approval for certain procedures.
If you’re considering surgery outside of the province, you may want to confirm your coverage with Health Insurance BC.
How can you confirm coverage?
If you’re unsure whether your surgery is covered, then you can:
- Talk to your doctor. They can confirm if the procedure is medically necessary.
- Contact Health Insurance BC for details on MSP benefits.
- Check for pre-authorization requirements. Some elective, but medically necessary, surgeries need prior approval.
When can private health insurance help?
MSP may cover a large portion of medically necessary surgery, but there may also be gaps. If your surgery isn’t covered or you want faster access to specialists, then a private health insurance plan may help by covering:
- Paramedical services like physiotherapy for post-surgery recovery.
- Prescription drugs not included under MSP.
- Travel and accommodation costs for out-of-town surgeries.
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms for added comfort.
Plans like our Freedom to Choose health and dental insurance offer flexible options to help fill financial gaps.