Dental, vision & imaging
Dental, eye exams and scans: the services MSP doesn't fully cover, and how to decide.
Dental emergencies in Greater Vancouver: what to doTooth knocked out, unbearable pain, facial swelling: where to go? ERs don't do dental work and MSP doesn't cover it. Here's the right path.Why dental care costs so much in Metro Vancouver: BC fee guide and what CDCP coversMSP does not cover routine dental care. The BCDA 2026 suggested fees, CDCP eligibility and co-payments by income, and the plan's limits. Plus a shortlist of 51 Chinese-speaking dentists in Greater Vancouver.Are eye exams covered by MSP in BC? It depends on age and medical needMSP pays for routine eye exams for people 18 and under and 65 and over; ages 19–64 need a medical reason. Also covers optometrist extra charges, eyeglass help and employer plans.Ultrasounds and X-rays in BC: do you need a referral, where to go, and how long you will waitGetting an ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI in BC: why you cannot just book one yourself, who can write the requisition, where exams happen, how the priority queues work, who reports your result, and what private clinics charge.MRI in BC: 3T vs 1.5T, public vs private, and whether you need a referralGetting an MRI in BC: what makes a 3T scanner different from 1.5T, how the public and private routes compare, whether you need a requisition, what private scans cost, and where to go in Greater Vancouver.Getting blood work in BC: requisitions, booking, fasting, costs and resultsBlood work in BC needs a signed requisition, then a visit to a LifeLabs or hospital outpatient lab. Covers booking, fasting, MSP coverage, paying yourself, viewing results and children's tests.