Moving to Victoria with young kids? From the healthcare landscape to Sprout’s proactive, family-friendly approach, here’s what families need to know (and how preventative care can help you and your little ones thrive).
You're thinking about making the move to Victoria, BC. The ocean views, the walkable neighborhoods, the fresh air (and let’s not forget the flowers almost year-round). We understand the appeal. It's a beautiful place to raise a family. But if you're a parent with little ones, you’re probably asking the same question every parent does before a big move: What about healthcare?
Let’s talk about it.
Victoria is part of British Columbia’s public healthcare system, which means medically necessary services are covered by MSP (that’s Medical Services Plan, if you’re new to the region!). You’ll want to register for MSP as soon as you arrive—there’s a waiting period of three months from the date you establish residency (usually the date of arrival), so timing matters. Many families also opt for extended private health insurance to cover things like dental, eye care, registered counselling, psychology, massage, physiotherapy, etc.
There are also many fantastic pediatricians, walk-in clinics, and hospitals, including BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, if specialized care is needed. In short, you're in good hands here.
British Columbia has a strong public healthcare system, and many families in Victoria are well-served by their family physicians. That said, many parents of young kiddos also find themselves wishing for more time during appointments, more guidance on developmental milestones, and a deeper focus on proactive support, especially when it comes to ensuring their children are reaching their full potential and nothing is missed along the way.
And that's where Sprout comes in. We believe that being free from illness isn't enough. Health is more than just the absence of sickness—it's about optimizing well-being and preventing illness altogether for every member of your family. You deserve a proactive healthcare team that knows your story, anticipates your needs, and helps you and your kids thrive in every aspect of health, not just treat symptoms when you're sick.
Raising little humans is joyful, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming. And when you're juggling nap schedules, screen time limits, and yet another mystery rash, you need to know you’re in good hands when it comes to your health.
That’s where timely, preventative healthcare makes a difference.
At Sprout, we work with families to stay ahead of the curve. That means regular check-ins to review your healthcare goals, tracking developmental milestones for growing kiddos, body composition scans for parents, and providing guidance through those tricky “Is this normal?” moments. It’s about being informed before there’s a problem, not just reacting when there is one.
And when you’re new to town, it helps to know who to turn to. At Sprout, we’ve built a vetted network of trusted professionals and local resources across Victoria. So whether you need a specialist, a support group, or a community program, we know who to call and how to get you there.
Sprout believes in the magic of specialized teams who collaborate and go the extra mile to deliver wonderful care. We provide access to a team of healthcare experts led by a Nurse Practitioner. They can prescribe medications, order laboratory and diagnostic tests, and initiate referrals to specialists. At Sprout, our NPs take a proactive approach with comprehensive annual checkups, counselling on longevity, and preventative health. All with a special focus on paediatrics and adolescence.
Our Health Navigator is your guide. When you have a quick health question or need immediate support, you have a registered nurse on speed dial available. Our Clinical Counsellor, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech and Language Pathologist are here for you, too. They are ready to assess, diagnose, advise, and triage to support your family to thrive. They will guide you down the best path to support your particular concern and may suggest further investigation (such as X-rays or imaging), offer individualized progressions and resources, or connect you with an external specialist in case more support, such as ongoing therapy or rehabilitation, is needed.
This team approach means fewer gaps, better communication, and care that optimizes health for the long term instead of just treating symptoms.
We know that healthcare can sometimes feel… complex. Or rushed. Or impersonal, like you're just a chart in a folder.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. At Sprout, we’re reimagining what family care looks like. We believe in longer appointments, collaborative conversations, and building genuine relationships focused on prevention and longevity with the families we serve.
Thinking About a Move?
If Victoria is calling your name, we’d love to meet you. Whether you're expecting your first or juggling a growing crew, Sprout is here to help you settle in, feel confident, and know that your family’s health is in good hands—from day one. Give us a call or email, we’d love to connect.
