BC Virtual Visit

BC Virtual Visit is a secure video service that lets you have appointments with Island Health or affiliated healthcare providers from the comfort of your home. You can use your personal smartphone, tablet, or computer for these visits.

To find out if your healthcare provider offers virtual care, talk to your care team. Ask if a virtual visit is suitable for your needs.

Please note that BC Virtual Visit appointments must be arranged through your healthcare provider or Island Health team. The resources on this webpage are meant for patients who already have a BC Virtual Visit appointment scheduled.

Technical Support

Need help with the BC Virtual Visit application? Call the Virtual Care Patient Support Desk at 250-519-1944. They can assist you with downloading or using the BC Virtual Visit application. Please note, this number is for technical support only and is not for scheduling healthcare services or appointments.

Current hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pacific Time (excluding Statutory Holidays).

Find technical support for health care providers.

BC Virtual Visit and Your Device 

Depending on the device you plan to use for your BC Virtual Visit appointment, you may be required to download an application.  

If you are using a desktop computer (Mac or Windows), you can download the app or continue using a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari). Internet Explorer (IE) will not work.

iPhone and iPad users must download the app.

Android device users can continue using Chrome, or download the BC Virtual Visit Android mobile application from Google Play.

Expand to see details on all supported browsers and operating systems

Browser	Version	Operating System
Chrome	84.0 and later	Mac OS 10.14 and later Windows 7 and 10 Android 7.0 and later
Safari	12.1 and later	Mac OS 10.14 and later iOS 12.1 and later
Firefox	78.0 and later	Windows 7 and 10
Edge	88 and later	Windows 10
Safari (in-app)	13	13 and later
Android Webview (Chrome)	84	Android 7.0 and later
Internet Explorer (IE)	Not supported	N/A

Preparing for Your Visit

Prior to your visit, you will need:

• A personal email address you feel comfortable using to receive visit details.
• A personal computer, tablet, or mobile phone with a camera, microphone, and speaker. This will let you see, talk to, and hear your health care provider. Make sure you have access to a power source.
• A secure Internet or Wi-Fi connection (we recommend home Wi-Fi or internet connection). Be aware of your data plan to avoid unexpected charges.
• A private space to attend the visit.

Downloading and Installing the BC Virtual Visit App

Your virtual visit may require you to download a virtual care application. Before your visit, make sure you have the latest version of the patient application for your device. See Downloading the BC Virtual Visit App.

Attending Your Visit

Once you've prepared for your visit and downloaded any necessary applications, you're ready to attend your virtual visit. Join a few minutes early to test your audio and video, and to seek technical assistance if needed.

Privacy and Security 

To support the privacy and security of your visit, use a home Wi-Fi or wired network. Avoid using public Wi-Fi connections (e.g., guest Wi-Fi at a coffee shop).

If you must use public Wi-Fi, review the terms of use when connecting. Some networks may state that they can capture or record your information.

Privacy during your visit

• BC Virtual Visit is secure and encrypted.
• All transfer of data and video are safe from unauthorized access and kept confidential.
• BC Virtual Visit abides by national, provincial, and Island Health Privacy and Security Standards.
• BC Virtual Visit appointments will not be recorded.*

*If you plan to take or share photos, video or audio recordings, ensure you ask for and receive permission from everyone who may be captured by the recording. Thank you for respecting peoples' privacy rights.

Electronic Communications/Virtual Health Notification to clients: Potential Risks and How to Protect Your Information.

Benefits of BC Virtual Visit 

New to virtual care? Watch the video below to learn more about BC Virtual Visit and how it is transforming the way we provide care.