Are Naturopathic Doctors covered by MSP in BC in 2027?

Does BC Medical (MSP) cover visits with a Naturopathic Doctor?

The short answer? Mainly no, but with one exception.

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) in BC are licensed primary care physicians. However, for most people, visits with an ND are not covered under MSP. The exception to this is for people with a lower income through a program called MSP Supplementary Benefits. Below you’ll find out who qualifies, how much MSP pays, how extended health insurance works and other ways to
lower the cost of Naturopathic care in BC.

The Exception: MSP Supplementary Benefits.

If you have a lower income, you may qualify for a program called MSP Supplementary Benefits. It helps pay for visits to a naturopathic doctor (plus physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and podiatry!)

If you qualify, MSP pays $23 toward each visit, up to 10 visits a year in total across all of those services combined. You can apply through Health Insurance BC (HIBC). People on income assistance or disability assistance usually qualify automatically.

To qualify, you must:
 Be enrolled in MSP
 Live in BC

*Newcomers to Canada typically need to have lived in the country for 12 months as a citizen or permanent resident.

How do I apply?

Apply online or by mail with the BC Application for Health and Drug Coverage through Health Insurance BC (HIBC). This is the same form that covers PharmaCare. HIBC will check your income every year through your CRA tax information, so be sure to file your taxes each year (even if you have little or no income), so you don’t lose coverage

Your 10 visits will reset each calendar year!

Does Extended Health Insurance Cover Naturopathic Doctors?

In most cases, yes! For most folk, extended health is where most of the coverage comes from. Most extended health plans cover 80-100% of visits with Naturopathic Doctors, usually between a total of $200 to $700 per year.

How to check your coverage
1. Log in to your insurance app or website
2. Look for “Naturopathic Doctor” or “Naturopath” under paramedical services
3. Note the percentage covered per visit and the yearly maximum
4. If you’re not sure, you can call your insurance provider or ask your HR or benefits manager

Direct Billing
At Genuine Athletics & Rehabilitation, we offer direct billing which makes the process even easier for patients. We send the claim to your insurance company for you, so you only have to pay the portion your plan doesn’t cover. No paperwork, no waiting for reimbursement.
Schedule your initial appointment today

Other Ways to Cover the Cost
No benefits through work? Don’t worry, you still have options!

- Health Spending Account (HAS): Many employers and self-employed people use
a HAS which can be used for naturopathic visits.

- Personal Health Insurance: self-employed? In between jobs? Retired? You can
buy your own extended health plan.

- Student Health Plans: Many college/university student plans include naturopathic
coverage

- Tax Credit: Naturopathic fees in BC may count towards the medical expenses tax
credit on your tax return. Keep your receipts!