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Help for people who have to travel for medical appointments?

But what about those who aren’t able to drive?
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Help for people who have to travel for medical appointments?

A few weeks ago my MRI appointment at Cowichan District Hospital was cancelled due to the renovations of the Imaging department. An appointment was available to me at Victoria General Hospital sometime in January. Unfortunately this was not an option to me at this time, as a specialist appointment was scheduled for a week after the MRI.

A few days later I received an appointment at the hospital in Port Alberni to accommodate my schedule.

Since our daughter lives in Port Alberni I didn’t think twice about accepting the date. The weather was not favourable, but I was still able to drive to Port Alberni the day before and stay overnight. But what about those who aren’t able to drive? Does MSP provide for such need? Are travel expenses covered?

I googled and unfortunately one cannot claim travel expenses and only in urgent cases will MSP suggest to use medi van as mode of transportation at your expense. There is however TAP, a travel assistance plan, which requires the patient and GP to fill out a request prior to travel. Not sure how well known this option is. It certainly was news to me!

But all is well, and we were able to celebrate our 55th anniversary as planned after the medical procedures were done! Thankful for the medical services that are available in B.C., unlike many countries where one has to travel for hours or days by foot to access even basic health care.

Judy van der Boom

Mill Bay