GSP BC (Vancouver)

Transportation

Book your mode of transportation (bus, air, rail, or ferry). You will need someone else to drive you from the hospital to your accommodations and later on, back home.

If you qualify for the First National Health Authority’s Health Benefits Program, you may be able to access Medical Transportation Benefits.

If travel costs are a barrier, you might qualify for the Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC). To access the program:

  1. Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner to fill out a Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC) form.
  2. Two weeks before surgery, call TAP BC to get your confirmation number. Write it on your form.
  3. Show your form at the time you make air, rail, or ferry reservations.

If you are approved for TAP BC, you may also qualify for Non-Local Medical Transportation Assistance to help with food and accommodation costs. Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner to fill out a Request for Non-Local Medical Transportation Assistance form.

If you are flying, find out if you qualify for Hope Air, a Canadian charity that arranges free flights for low-income Canadians who must fly to get healthcare. 

Otherwise, book your flight early to get the best deal.

Accommodations

Find out how long your surgeon requires you to stay nearby. This will differ based on which procedure you had. Book your accommodations early to get the best deal. Some hotels provide lower rates for people travelling for medical reasons. You can contact hotels directly or search the Government of BC’s Medical Travel Accommodation Listings. 

If you qualify for Hope Air, you may also qualify for their Hope Air Accommodations Program- details are available on the Hope Air Frequently Asked Questions page, in the Accommodations section.

You can also check out this page from Vancouver Coastal Health that has information on places to stay.

Frequently Asked Questions (GSP BC)

I don’t have a ride from the hospital in Vancouver – are there any patient transportation services available?

You are expected to arrange a ride when you are discharged from the hospital. If you do not have someone who is able to drive you, speak with GSP BC’s Health Navigator before your surgery and they can help you organize your hospital discharge transportation. There are usually a few options to consider:

  • If you qualify for the First Nations Health Authority’s Health Benefits Program,you may be able to access Medical Transportation Benefits.
  • Hospitals often contract local patient transfer services. There is usually a fee (about$50-$100) for this service. This fee is waived for people on Income Assistance or MSP Premium Assistance.
  • If you have private insurance, you can call your insurer to see if your plan covers the cost of this service.