Telehealth BC

Telehealth BC: Convenient Virtual Care

Book online and speak with a licensed healthcare provider by phone from anywhere in British Columbia. Covered by MSP for eligible residents.

Covered by MSP

for eligible residents

Same-Day or Next-Day

appointments

Licensed BC Providers

phone consultations

Available Across BC

from anywhere

Telehealth BC — a patient speaking with a licensed British Columbia healthcare provider by phone
What is telehealth

What Is Telehealth in British Columbia?

Telehealth lets patients access healthcare remotely through secure phone consultations with licensed BC healthcare providers — no clinic visit required.

Rather than travelling to a walk-in clinic, many non-emergency concerns can be assessed and managed from home. Telehealth improves access to care across British Columbia while reducing travel time and wait times.

It may be appropriate for a wide range of needs, including prescription renewals, referrals, medical advice, follow-up appointments, and management of common health concerns.

How Telehealth Works in BC

  1. 1

    Book an Appointment

    Schedule online in just a few minutes.

  2. 2

    Connect by Phone

    At your appointment time, your provider calls you.

  3. 3

    Discuss Your Health

    Talk about your symptoms, medications, or concerns.

  4. 4

    Receive Care & Follow-Up

    Get prescriptions, referrals, notes, or follow-up care as needed.

Benefits of Telehealth BC

  • No Waiting Rooms

    Skip crowded waiting rooms and get care from home.

  • Faster Access to Care

    Many patients can access same-day or next-day appointments.

  • Convenient from Anywhere

    Connect from home, work, or while travelling in BC.

  • Reduced Travel Time

    Especially helpful for those in rural or remote communities.

  • Continuity of Care

    Stay connected with providers and receive follow-up support.

When to Use Telehealth

Telehealth may be a good option for:

  • Prescription renewals
  • Minor illnesses and common conditions
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Referrals to specialists or diagnostic services
  • Doctor's notes and medical documentation
  • General medical advice and questions

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.

Who Can Use Telehealth

You may be eligible if you:

  • Have active MSP coverage
  • Need medical advice for a non-emergency concern
  • Require a prescription renewal
  • Need a specialist referral
  • Need a doctor's note or medical documentation
  • Require follow-up care for an ongoing health condition

Telehealth is not intended for emergency situations.

Virtual care services

Telehealth Services Available in BC

Avee Health provides a range of virtual care services to help you get the care you need.

Compare your options

Telehealth BC vs Walk-In Clinics: What's the Difference?

FeatureTelehealth BCRecommendedWalk-In Clinics
AccessPhone consultationIn-person visit
Wait TimesOften same-day or next-dayCan vary significantly
ConvenienceAccess from anywhere in BCTravel required
CostCovered by MSP for eligible residentsCovered by MSP in most cases
DocumentationElectronic prescriptions and notesPaper or electronic documentation
Best ForRoutine and non-emergency careCare needing a physical examination

For many common health needs, telehealth provides a faster and more convenient alternative to visiting a walk-in clinic.

MSP coverage

Is Telehealth Covered by MSP in BC?

Telehealth appointments through Avee are covered by British Columbia's Medical Services Plan (MSP) for eligible residents.

Covered services may include:

Medical consultationsPrescription renewalsHealthcare adviceReferralsDoctor's notes (when medically appropriate)

There are no hidden fees for MSP-covered appointments.

If your MSP coverage is inactive or unavailable, fees may apply. Make sure your MSP coverage is active to maintain uninterrupted access to healthcare services.

Questions, answered

Common Questions About Telehealth BC

What is telehealth in British Columbia?
Telehealth (also called telemedicine) lets you connect with a licensed BC healthcare provider remotely — usually by phone — instead of visiting a clinic in person. It covers many non-emergency needs such as prescriptions, referrals, medical advice, and follow-up care.
How does telehealth work in BC?
You book an appointment online and choose a time that works for you. At your scheduled time, a licensed provider calls you to discuss your concern and can issue prescriptions, referrals, lab requisitions, or notes when appropriate.
Is telehealth free in BC?
For residents with active MSP coverage, eligible telehealth visits are covered, so there is no out-of-pocket cost. If your MSP coverage is inactive, fees may apply.
Is telehealth covered by MSP in British Columbia?
Yes. Medically necessary telehealth services provided by licensed BC physicians are covered under MSP for eligible residents, just like in-person visits.
How do I access telehealth services in BC?
Simply book online, enter a phone number and a time that works for you, and a licensed provider will call you. There is no travel or app download required.
How quickly can I talk to a doctor through telehealth?
Many patients can get a same-day or next-day appointment, depending on availability.
What conditions can be treated with telehealth?
Telehealth is well suited to non-emergency concerns such as prescription renewals, minor illnesses, follow-ups, referrals, and general medical questions. It is not intended for medical emergencies.
Can I get a prescription through telehealth in BC?
Yes. If clinically appropriate, a licensed BC provider can issue or renew a prescription and send it to your preferred pharmacy. Prescribing is always at the provider's discretion.
Can I get a referral through telehealth?
Yes. A provider can refer you to a specialist or for diagnostic services when medically appropriate.
Is telehealth safe and reliable?
Yes. Telehealth uses secure, private channels and connects you with licensed BC providers who follow the same professional and privacy standards as in-person care.
What's the difference between telehealth and a walk-in clinic?
Telehealth lets you speak with a provider by phone from anywhere, often same-day, with no waiting room. Walk-in clinics require an in-person visit and can involve travel and longer waits, but are needed for physical examinations.
Do I need an appointment for telehealth in BC?
Yes. You book a time online and a provider calls you at that time, so there is no need to wait on hold.
Can I use telehealth from home?
Absolutely. You can connect from home, work, or while travelling anywhere in British Columbia.
Is telehealth available across all of British Columbia?
Yes. Telehealth is available to eligible residents across BC, including rural and remote communities.
Can telehealth replace in-person doctor visits?
For many routine and non-emergency needs, yes. Some situations still require an in-person exam, and your provider will let you know if that is the case.
Is telehealth suitable for urgent medical issues?
Telehealth is for non-emergency care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
What should I expect during a telehealth appointment?
At your scheduled time, your provider calls you, reviews your symptoms and history, and recommends next steps, which may include a prescription, referral, lab requisition, or note.
What are the benefits of telehealth services?
Convenience, faster access to care, no waiting rooms, reduced travel, and continuity of care, all from wherever you are in BC.
Telehealth BC

Ready to Access Convenient Virtual Care?

Book online today and speak with a licensed healthcare provider by phone from anywhere in British Columbia.

Free for BC residents with a valid health card
Sources: HealthLink BC • BC Ministry of Health • Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Last updated: May 2024