Understanding MSP, PharmaNet
& Your Drug Coverage
A clear, practical guide to how healthcare coverage works in British Columbia — from doctor visits to prescription drugs — and how Border Pharmacy can help you save.
What is MSP?
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is British Columbia’s public health insurance program. Every BC resident is enrolled, and since January 1, 2020, there are no monthly premiums — it’s fully funded by the provincial government.
Key Fact: MSP premiums were eliminated on January 1, 2020. All BC residents with valid MSP enrolment receive coverage at no monthly cost.
Covered by MSP
- Medically required services by physicians
- Diagnostic services (lab tests, X-rays)
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Maternity care and newborn services
- Eye exams for children and seniors
- Mental health services (limited)
Not Covered
- Prescription drugs (for most residents)
- Dental and vision care
- Physiotherapy and chiropractic
- Cosmetic procedures
- Ambulance services (partial fee applies)
- Medical equipment and supplies
What is PharmaNet?
PharmaNet is a province-wide computer network that links all BC pharmacies to a central database. Every time you fill a prescription in BC, the record is stored in PharmaNet.
Drug Interaction Checks
Automatically flags potentially harmful combinations between your medications, even if prescribed by different doctors.
Duplicate Therapy Prevention
Prevents you from accidentally receiving the same medication from multiple pharmacies.
Dosage Verification
Ensures the prescribed dosage is appropriate based on your medication history.
Complete Drug Profile
Your pharmacist can see your full prescription history across all BC pharmacies to provide better care.
BC PharmaCare & Fair PharmaCare
PharmaCare is BC’s provincial drug insurance program. The most common plan — Fair PharmaCare — helps families with the cost of eligible prescription drugs and medical supplies based on household income.
Register
Sign up through Health Insurance BC or at any pharmacy. You’ll need your BC Services Card and your household’s tax information.
Your Deductible
Based on your household net income, you’ll pay 100% of eligible drug costs until you reach your annual deductible (typically around 2–3% of income).
Co-insurance Phase
After reaching your deductible, PharmaCare pays 70% of eligible costs and you pay 30%, until you reach your family maximum.
Full Coverage
Once you hit your family maximum (typically around 3–4% of net income), PharmaCare covers 100% of eligible drug costs for the rest of the year.
Fair PharmaCare Thresholds (Approximate)
| Net Income | Deductible | Family Max | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $15,000 | $0 | $0 | No cost — full coverage from day one |
| $15,000 – $30,000 | 2% of income | 3% of income | Low-income families pay very little |
| $30,000 – $50,000 | ~2–3% of income | ~3–4% of income | Moderate cost-sharing |
| $50,000+ | ~3% of income | ~4% of income | Higher income, higher threshold — but still capped |
Amounts are approximate and based on CRA-assessed net income. Visit gov.bc.ca for exact figures.
What About Private Insurance?
Many Canadians have private or employer-sponsored insurance that covers prescription drugs, dental, vision, and paramedical services. These plans work alongside — not instead of — MSP.
How It Works with MSP
MSP covers doctors and hospitals. Private insurance picks up what MSP doesn’t — prescriptions, dental, glasses, physiotherapy, and more.
Direct Billing at Border Pharmacy
We accept most major insurance providers and can bill your plan directly so you only pay your co-pay at the counter.
Coordination of Benefits
If you have coverage through both a spouse’s plan and your own, we help coordinate claims so you maximize your combined benefits.
No Insurance? We Can Help
If you don’t have private insurance, PharmaCare and our generic medication options can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
What’s Covered at a Glance
MSP Covers
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Diagnostic tests
- Maternity services
- Surgical procedures
PharmaCare Covers
- Eligible prescription drugs
- Insulin & diabetic supplies
- Ostomy supplies
- Prosthetics
- Selected medical equipment
Private Insurance Covers
- Prescription drugs (broader list)
- Dental & vision
- Physiotherapy & massage
- Mental health counselling
- Travel medical insurance
Not Sure What’s Covered?
Our pharmacists can review your coverage, help you register for PharmaCare, and find the most affordable options for your medications.