Effective April 25, 2023, patients using the Ministry of Health’s Travel Assistance Program (TAP) to attend medical appointments can book a complimentary BC Ferries reservation online.
- A completed TAP form with a confirmation number is required to book a reservation on BC Ferries and needs to be presented at the terminal to claim the booking. TAP forms are sequentially numbered and are only provided to physicians, nurse practitioners and medical specialty services, including hospitals.
- If a medical appointment is rescheduled, customers can cancel or change their TAP booking at no cost up until 11:59 pm the day before sailing. Changes to the reservation can still be made on the day of travel up until two hours prior to sailing for $5.00.
- The complimentary online booking service does not replace the Medical Assured Loading (MAL) program which secures a spot on the next available ferry.
- TAP patients using non-reservable routes may be eligible for MAL. The online booking is simply another option for customers looking for certainty when travelling to medical appointments.
For more information about the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) and Medical Assured Loading (MAL), visit BC Ferries.
Learn more about how you, as a physician, can facilitate patient access to TAP, including how to order and complete TAP forms for your patients through the BC Government website. You can also contact 1-866-456-6950 and select Provider Services to speak to a client service representative about the TAP progam.