Coverage check
Will my eye exam be covered?
Between MSP, First Nations Health Benefits, the Interim Federal Health Program, and private extended health plans, figuring out who covers what for an eye exam in BC isn’t always straightforward — and it depends on your age, your health history, and what kind of coverage you already have.
Interactive tool
Not Sure If Your Exam Is Covered?
Answer a few quick questions to see which BC coverage programs likely apply to you. Takes about 60 seconds.
The coverage check needs JavaScript, which is turned off in your browser. The rules it uses are listed under “Coverage at a glance” below, or call us at (604) 553-3900.
Step 1 of 4
This sounds urgent — and it’s likely covered.
Based on your symptoms, please don’t wait to book. Medically necessary exams for sudden eye problems are typically covered by MSP regardless of age.
Good news — your exam is likely covered by MSP.
Based on your answers, you fall into a group BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically covers for eye exams.
Let’s check your other coverage options.
You may not fall into a standard MSP category, but you could still have coverage through one of these programs.
Urgent Book an urgent assessment
Sudden vision changes, double vision, pain, injury, a chemical splash, flashes, or a red painful eye should be checked promptly. Call us and let the team know it’s urgent — we’ll get you seen quickly.
MSP Covered under BC MSP
MSP covers annual eye exams for children under 19 and adults 65+, and regular exams for people of any age with a diagnosed condition like diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, keratoconus, or retinal disease (every 6, 12 or 24 months, depending on the condition).
Other coverage that can help with the balance:
FNHA First Nations Health Benefits
With a valid Status Card, you may have vision coverage through the First Nations Health Authority. Coverage amounts and frequency can vary, so we’ll confirm your specific benefits with your card details.
IFHP Interim Federal Health Program
With a UCI number, IFHP can contribute toward part of your exam cost. Since May 1, 2026, IFHP vision care has a 30% co-payment, so there may be a remaining balance — we’ll walk you through it before your visit.
Ministry Income or disability assistance
Supplementary vision benefits are sometimes available through the Ministry of Social Development. Because eligibility is tied to your PHN, our team is the only way to confirm this ahead of your visit — just give us a call.
Private plan Extended health insurance
Many workplace and personal health plans cover part or all of a routine eye exam, often every one to two years. Check your plan details, or our front desk can help you look into it.
Self-pay Out-of-pocket exam options
It looks like your exam likely won’t be covered by MSP or another program right now. We’re happy to walk you through our exam pricing, and a receipt can often be submitted to an HSA or FSA if you have one.
Please note: this tool gives general guidance based on typical BC coverage rules — it isn’t a guarantee of benefits or cost. Whether coverage has already been used, and exact eligibility for IFHP or Ministry programs, can only be confirmed by our team before your visit.
Coverage at a glance
BC Coverage Programs
- Covered under BC MSP
MSP covers annual eye exams for children under 19 and adults 65+, and regular exams for people of any age with a diagnosed condition like diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, keratoconus, or retinal disease (every 6, 12 or 24 months, depending on the condition).
- Book an urgent assessment
Medically necessary exams for sudden eye problems are typically covered by MSP regardless of age. Sudden vision changes, double vision, pain, injury, a chemical splash, flashes, or a red painful eye should be checked promptly. Call us and let the team know it’s urgent — we’ll get you seen quickly.
- First Nations Health Benefits
With a valid Status Card, you may have vision coverage through the First Nations Health Authority. Coverage amounts and frequency can vary, so we’ll confirm your specific benefits with your card details.
- Interim Federal Health Program
With a UCI number, IFHP can contribute toward part of your exam cost. Since May 1, 2026, IFHP vision care has a 30% co-payment, so there may be a remaining balance — we’ll walk you through it before your visit.
- Income or disability assistance
Supplementary vision benefits are sometimes available through the Ministry of Social Development. Because eligibility is tied to your PHN, our team is the only way to confirm this ahead of your visit — just give us a call.
- Extended health insurance
Many workplace and personal health plans cover part or all of a routine eye exam, often every one to two years. Check your plan details, or our front desk can help you look into it.
- Out-of-pocket exam options
We’re happy to walk you through our exam pricing, and a receipt can often be submitted to an HSA or FSA if you have one.
Please note: this tool gives general guidance based on typical BC coverage rules — it isn’t a guarantee of benefits or cost. Whether coverage has already been used, and exact eligibility for IFHP or Ministry programs, can only be confirmed by our team before your visit.
We can help
Confirm Your Coverage
Coverage rules can be full of exceptions, so think of this as a starting point rather than a final answer. Our team checks MSP, FNHA, IFHP, and Ministry eligibility every day, and we’re always happy to confirm your exact coverage before you come in — just give us a call at (604) 553-3900 or request an appointment online.
We are fully set up to directly bill under IFHP and FNHA for your eye exams and glasses.
Book a visit
Request an Appointment
We will respond by phone or e-mail within 24 hours. If you’re looking to book urgently, give us a call during operating hours at (604) 553-3900.
