Travel Supports Increase Access To Health Care

The province, in partnership with private transportation companies, is adding seven more ferry routes to its Travel Assistance Program.

The program offers free rides to coastal residents who need to travel to specialist medical appointments that aren’t available in their communities.

“The Travel Assistance Program lessens the financial burden for people who have to travel away from home for health-care services, meaning they can focus on their health instead of their wallet,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.

“Although travel on BC Ferries has long been covered for people through TAP, expanding coverage to privately managed ferry routes means more people living in rural, remote and First Nations communities will benefit from much-needed help with their travel costs.”

Many of the new ferry routes travel to and from Vancouver Island and are in addition to the BC Ferries routes that were already included in the Travel Assistance Program.

Last year, the province said it approved over 98,000 round-trip rides, which provide ground, ferry and air transportation as required.

More information on the Travel Assistance Program and how to apply, can be found at Government of British Columbia.