Compensation, Benefits and Perks

We are committed to building a strong healthy workforce by supporting the health and wellness of our employees.

At Island Health, we know that it’s not just about your wage, it’s about all the perks and benefits that make up your total compensation. Please note that this list is not a complete list of benefits and perks, and it is subject to your specific collective agreement and employment status.

Pension and Benefits

Municipal Pension Plan

Island Health offers a pension plan called the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP) administered by the BC Pension Corporation which provides secure retirement income to plan members. Island Health matches and exceeds your contributions.

Extended health benefits (health, dental, insurance)

What’s Included

BC medical services plan: BC Medical Services Plan provides for the payment of the medically required services of family practitioners, specialists, supplementary health care practitioners, and laboratory and diagnostic service providers.
Extended health: Extended health care, including out-of-country coverage, helps employees pay for specialized services and supplies not provided under the Provincial Medical Services Plan. Prescription drugs, paramedical services, vision care, and hospital accommodation differential costs are examples of the services covered under this plan. Subject to some maximums.
Dental: Dental coverage provides payment of costs for basic, restorative, and orthodontic services and is subject to some maximums.
Long-term disability: Long-Term Disability provides continuing income in the event of total disability.
Group life insurance & accidental death & dismemberment insurance: Benefit amount of $50,000, including advance payment program for terminally ill employees. The death benefit is equal to the Group Life benefit amount (scheduled amount paid for dismemberment or loss of use).

*Benefits and compensation may vary by role, employment status, and/or collective agreement.

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Competitive Signing Bonus

Up to March 31, 2026, Registered nurses with Emergency Department training may qualify for a signing bonus of up to $20,000.

To attract and support skilled healthcare professionals, Island Health participates in provincial incentive programs. These incentives are available for select positions that meet specific eligibility criteria. Candidates will be notified of their eligibility as they move through the recruitment process.

Relocation Assistance

Relocating to Vancouver Island? We’re here to help!

We provide relocation support of up to $5,000 to employees hired for various permanent, hard-to-fill nursing and allied health positions across the Island Health region. Expenses may include travel, temporary accommodation and the moving of personal belongings. Specific eligibility and claimable expenses depend on relocation distance, position, union and/or employee agreement.

Leaves & Flexible Work Options

Leaves

Sick: For employees who have accrued sufficient paid sick leave credits, short-term sick leave benefits are provided if unable to work due to injury or illness.
Vacation: Most vacation entitlement starts at four weeks with additional time accrued based on years of service.
Maternal/parental: Leave is provided in accordance with the Collective Agreement and legislation. A supplemental employment benefit/top-up (SEB) may be payable to eligible employees. In addition, paid time off may be available in the event of a family crisis.
Statutory holidays: Thirteen statutory holidays are observed annually.
Special leave: Unpaid Compassionate Care Leave may be available to care for a terminally ill family member (in accordance with the Employment Standards Act).

Flexible work options

Island Health offers five flexible work options that employees can discuss with their leaders: flex days, working from home, alternate start and stop times, job sharing, and self-scheduling for nursing units. Most flexible work options are available to both unionized and non-contract employees with leader approval. The suitability of flexible work options depends on various factors, including the nature of the position, individual employee considerations, and specific operational requirements.

EFAP & Mental Health

Employee & family assistance program (counselling, professional consultations)

Employee and Family Assistance (EFAP) is available to all Island Health employees (regular full-/part-time; temporary full-/part-time; and casual) and their eligible dependants, through our contracted provider, TELUS Health. This plan includes short-term, solution-focused counseling, professional consultations on legal, financial, dietary and family issues, and other supports.

Health, safety and psychological well-being

We are committed to supporting the health, safety, and psychological well-being of our staff. Our comprehensive programs include staff and leadership safety training, mental health resources, wellness webinars, yoga and self-care events, provincially-recognized violence and musculoskeletal injury prevention training and injury prevention support.

Employee Discounts

Employee discount program

Perkopolis is an employee discount program that connects Island Health employees, medical staff, volunteers and auxiliary members to discounts and special offers. Employees and volunteers enjoy perks from numerous national, international and local brands and businesses.

Scholarships & Education Programs

Scholarships

Multiple scholarship opportunities are available to Island Health staff. In 2024 Island Health administered $1.3 million in scholarships for staff who are pursuing further education.

Island Health employees can earn up to $2,000 each quarter across all roles by working in a rural location, including the Southern Gulf Islands, Port Alberni, the West Coast and North Vancouver Island. These bonuses reward your dedication to maintaining healthcare excellence in our areas of highest need.