In some emergency situations, we may accept patients who are visiting B.C. but live in another province or territory in Canada. An emergency is a serious, urgent cancer-related health issue that happens suddenly while a person is visiting B.C. 

We may also accept patients who recently moved to B.C. from another part of Canada but have not lived in B.C. long enough to be eligible for Medical Service Plan (MSP) coverage.

If you have active health insurance in your home province or territory, some assessments and treatments are covered through the Interprovincial Reciprocal Agreement. Some treatments need pre-approval from your home province or territory. You may have to pay the cost of treatments that are not covered.

If you receive assessment or treatment at BC Cancer and you do not have active health insurance from your home province or territory, you need to pay the full cost of all care you receive. You may have to pay a $5,000 deposit before your treatment starts. 

We do not accept referrals from doctors, dentists or nurse practitioners who practice in other countries. All referrals must come from doctors, dentists or nurse practitioners who are licensed in Canada. You cannot refer yourself to BC Cancer.

If you are visiting B.C. and are having cancer-related health issues, please go to the nearest emergency room, hospital or urgent care centre. Please do not contact us for treatment.