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Psychiatric Medications (Plan G)

Last updated on January 5, 2026

The Psychiatric Medications Plan (Plan G) covers the entire the cost of many psychiatric and opioid use disorder medications, when cost is a serious barrier to getting treatment.

Prescribers apply for Plan G coverage. Regular Plan G coverage is for 1 year.

Exceptional coverage is available for 6 months for people not yet enrolled in MSP. Bridge coverage is for 3 months and available in urgent, after-hours circumstances. People with exceptional or bridge coverage should apply for regular coverage as soon as possible.

On this page: How to apply for Plan G coverage | Exceptional Plan G coverage | Plan G bridge coverage | Plan G and Special Authority benefits

How to apply for Plan G coverage

  1. Prescribers complete the HLTH 3497 – Application for PharmaCare Plan G (PDF, 896KB)
  2. They fax to one of:

Mental health and substance use centres are asked to monitor the 1-year renewal date for regular coverage and contact patients to re-apply for another year of coverage if needed. 

Exceptional Plan G coverage

Plan G coverage is vailable exceptionally to new residents of B.C. not yet fully enrolled in MSP.

  • Exceptional coverage is for a single 6-month term (not renewable)
  • The patient should enrol in MSP and get regular Plan G coverage in place while they have exceptional coverage

To apply:

  • Practitioner completes sections A, B and E of the Plan G application form
  • Prescriber certifies that:
    • Patient has enrolled in MSP, or understands they must enrol in MSP as soon as possible (at www.gov.bc.ca/ahdc)
    • Patient has been advised exceptional Plan G coverage is for 6 months only, and to get regular coverage in place during that time

Plan G bridge coverage

Plan G bridge coverage is available in urgent after-hours circumstances. It is provided for up to 3 months. Prescribers should encourage clients to get regular Plan G coverage in place before the 3-month period is up.

Plan G bridge coverage can be applied for by practitioners in:

  • Emergency departments (EDs)
  • Rapid Access Addiction Clinics (RAACs)
  • Urgent primary care centres (UPCCs)
  • Correctional centres (provincial and federal)
  • Public facilities in B.C. offering substance use withdrawal management (WDM) services through health authorities

To apply for bridge coverage:

  1. Fill out sections A, B and D of the Plan G application form.
  2. Fax directly to HIBC at 250-405-3896 and not to a mental health or substance use centre.

A practitioner may apply for exceptional coverage and bridge coverage for the same patient at the same time, with one form, sent directly to HIBC.

Plan G and Special Authority benefits

In the PharmaCare Formulary Search, click on "Psychiatric Medications" under Select PharmaCare Plan to view covered formulations and strengths Click DIN/PIN/NPN number to find out which plans cover the drug.

Some Plan G drugs are limited coverage benefits and require Special Authority approval. Enter “Plan G” into the table search box on the Special Authority drug list to view them.

If PharmaCare covers a generic version of a drug, PharmaCare generally covers only part of the cost of the brand product. Learn more about the Low Cost Alternative Program