Editor:
I’m writing in response to the letter titled “Lighten the load for medical travellers” published on Dec. 13, to offer our customers some clarity around travelling on BC Ferries for medical appointments.
The provincial government helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for B.C. residents who must travel for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their community. This program is called the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) and is administered by the Ministry of Health.
BC Ferries offers Medical Assured Loading (MAL) to those patients travelling to critical care appointments who may experience extreme discomfort waiting at the terminal. We recognize travel can be difficult for ill patients and we want to make their journey as smooth as possible. This program works in conjunction with the Provincial Travel Assistance Program, but is not available for general doctor, dentist or specialist appointments.
A patient’s doctor can apply for Medical Assured Loading through us at BC Ferries. Those who meet the criteria will be given a Medical Assured Loading letter to be presented to the ticket agent at time of check-in, along with their completed TAP form.
More details about this program are on our website at www.bcferries.com/files/AboutBCF/180911-medical-assured-loading-program.pdf or contact our Customer Service Centre at 1-888-223-3779.
Janet Carson, Vice President, Marketing & Customer Experience, BC Ferries
