If you’re an organization in Vancouver considering launching a mobile clinic, you’ve probably asked yourself: How much does a mobile clinic cost in Vancouver, and is it within our budget? It’s a big question—and not having clarity can be frustrating. If you’re planning to serve communities in Vancouver like Kitsilano, the Downtown Eastside, or remote areas like Bowen Island, uncertainty about pricing can slow things down.
Delaying decisions could leave gaps in healthcare access, such as for the 2,400+ homeless people in Vancouver. This could mean individuals go untreated, and community needs remain unmet. That’s a heavy burden when every missed opportunity could impact someone’s health.
With over 20 years of experience and over 700 units built in only the last three years, our team at MoveMobility, gives organizations the tools they need to improve care access and save lives. Our solutions are built to fit the unique needs of Canadian communities—whether urban or remote. While we know we’re not the only manufacturer, we take pride in being trusted experts in the field, focused on breaking down healthcare barriers.
In this article, you’ll learn the cost of a mobile clinic in Vancouver and what factors affect it. We’ll help you understand what’s involved so you can feel confident planning your next steps and finding the right solution for your community.
Keep in mind that for the purposes of this article, we’ll be using the Mobile Clinic Van to base our prices on. All prices highlighted vary, are subject to change, and are for informational purposes only.
Why should Vancouver have more mobile clinics?
Did you know there are over 2,400 homeless people in Vancouver, and that number is growing by 7.7% every year? Many of these people don’t have access to the healthcare they need. This is where mobile clinics can make a huge difference, bringing medical care right to the people who need it—whether it’s in the Downtown Eastside or smaller communities nearby.
Here’s why mobile clinics matter in Vancouver:
More people need care: With Vancouver’s population growing, it’s harder for hospitals and clinics to keep up. Mobile clinics go to places where healthcare isn’t always easy to access.
Helping remote areas: Communities like Bowen Island or areas along the Sea-to-Sky corridor often don’t have nearby doctors. A mobile clinic can bring care right to them.
Less pressure on ERs: Mobile clinics offer things like check-ups and treatments on the spot, which can help keep people out of crowded emergency rooms.
Starting a mobile clinic in Vancouver is a great way to fill gaps in healthcare and make a real impact in people’s lives.
What does a mobile clinic cost in Vancouver?
The cost of a mobile clinic van in Vancouver ranges between $160,000 and $270,000. Why is there such a big range? It all depends on the customization options you choose. If you’re looking for a standard, base model, you’ll pay closer to the lower end of that range. But if you want a van with all of the optional extras, you can expect the price to climb toward the higher end.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common Mobile Clinic Van customization options and how they affect your overall budget.
Security grid bars for windows – $2,000
In Vancouver, safety is important—especially in busy areas like Gastown or Commercial Drive. With over 6,000 break-ins reported in 2023, adding security grid bars to your mobile clinic windows can help keep things safe.
Here’s why security bars are a smart choice:
Stop break-ins: They protect equipment, medication, and patient records from theft.
Keep people safe: Staff and patients will feel more comfortable knowing the clinic is secure.
Worry less: If the clinic is parked for a while, you don’t have to stress about someone breaking in.
This small upgrade makes a big difference in keeping your mobile clinic safe and secure.
Awning – $5,000
The weather can change instantly in Vancouver—from rain showers to bright sunshine. Adding an awning for $5,000 to your mobile clinic is a smart way to keep things running smoothly, no matter the forecast.
Here’s how an awning can help:
Rain protection: Vancouver is known for its rainy days. An awning keeps staff and patients dry while they wait or receive care outside.
Sun shelter: On sunny days, it creates shade, making outdoor activities like screenings or check-ins more comfortable.
Flexible service: Whether it’s at a pop-up clinic or a health fair, an awning gives you more space to work outdoors without worrying about the weather.
Tinted windows and locks for medicine cabinets – $2,700
Keeping things private and safe is really important—especially if your mobile clinic is parked in busy spots like Kitsilano or Granville Island. Adding tinted windows and locks to your medicine cabinets helps with both privacy and security.
Here’s why this upgrade makes sense:
Keeps patient records private: Tinted windows stop people from seeing inside during appointments.
Prevents theft: Locked cabinets keep your medicine safe and secure.
Builds trust: Patients who feel their privacy is protected are more comfortable getting care.
This simple upgrade helps your clinic run smoothly while keeping everything safe and private.
Extra window – $2,700
In Vancouver, where you might often work in urban spaces like Yaletown or West End, adding an extra window to your mobile clinic can make a big difference. It will provide more natural light inside the clinic, making it feel brighter and more welcoming for everyone.
Why is adding an extra window a good idea?
Better visibility: More light helps staff work comfortably and stay alert.
Improves experiences: Happy patients are more likely to leave positive reviews, helping your clinic build trust in the community.
Equipment – $3,400 to $101,000
Healthcare needs in Vancouver can look different depending on where you’re working—whether it’s helping people in the Downtown Eastside or at a community event in Richmond. Customizing the equipment inside your mobile clinic makes sure you’re ready to handle the challenges that come your way.
Here’s how specific equipment can help:
Mini diagnostics: Tools like blood pressure monitors or glucose testers let you do quick check-ups on the spot.
Portable X-ray machines: These are super helpful for patients with mobility issues or in remote areas.
An investment that pays off: Having the right equipment means you’ll offer high-quality care anywhere, helping you better serve Vancouver’s diverse communities.
More lighting – $2,000
Life doesn’t stop when the sun goes down in Vancouver. If your mobile clinic is parked on Granville Street or you’re running a late-night outreach in the Downtown Eastside, extra lighting helps you keep things running smoothly.
Extra lights allow you to:
Work at night: If you offer services in the evening, good lighting helps staff do their jobs safely.
Help patients feel safe: A well-lit clinic makes people more comfortable, even at night.
Handle cloudy days: Vancouver’s rainy weather can make things darker, but extra lights keep the clinic bright and easy to work in.
With extra lighting, your clinic will be ready no matter the time or weather.
Individual seating options – $2,000
Serving a diverse community means comfort is key. Individual seating options help meet the needs of different patients, from seniors in West End to families at health events in Burnaby.
Here’s why flexible seating is important:
Comfort for all: Some patients, like seniors or those with mobility issues, need extra support.
Better experience: Comfortable seating helps patients feel at ease during their visit.
Flexible layout: Individual seats make it easier to rearrange the space to fit different services or events.
This upgrade helps create a welcoming and comfortable space for every patient who steps inside your clinic.
What other mobile clinic costs can you expect?
Aside from mobile clinic customization costs, you can expect a couple of other miscellaneous costs.
Administration fee – $1,400
Getting your mobile clinic up and running takes more than just picking the right van and equipment. There’s also paperwork involved, and the administration fee covers all the behind-the-scenes work to make things run smoothly.
Delivery fee – $5,000
Getting a custom mobile clinic to your location takes planning and coordination. The delivery fee covers everything needed to get your van where it needs to go, so it’s ready to roll. Your clinic will be delivered safely, no matter if you’re in Vancouver, Burnaby, or further out in Squamish.
Sales tax – 12%
The current sales tax in Vancouver is 12%. Let’s break down the cost of a $180,000 Mobile Clinic Van as an example, with Vancouver’s tax rates to give you a better idea:
Mobile Clinic Van cost: $180,000
- GST (Goods and Services Tax): 5%
GST = $180,000 × 5% = $9,000 - PST (Provincial Sales Tax): 7%
PST = $180,000 × 7% = $12,600
Total taxes: GST + PST = $9,000 + $12,600 = $21,600
For a mobile clinic van costing $180,000, the total cost, including taxes, would be $201,600. Keep in mind this is just an estimate to give you a better idea of the overall price with Vancouver’s current tax rates.
Medical van deposit – $50,000
A $50,000 deposit is required to secure your mobile clinic van. This upfront payment makes sure your van is reserved and guarantees it’s in line for production.
Here’s how the deposit works:
Locks in your order: Once paid, the van is officially reserved for your organization.
Goes toward the final price: The deposit isn’t extra—it’s applied to the total cost of your clinic.
Keeps things moving: With your van reserved, production can start without delays, helping you get your clinic on the road sooner.
Learn more about the mobile clinic cost in Vancouver
You likely landed on this article because your organization is interested in starting up a mobile health clinic in Vancouver.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re now aware of the costs involved and a range of what you can expect to be paying.
One of our goals at MoveMobility is to be transparent and upfront about what we do and how much our products cost. No one likes unexpected surprises when they go to buy something, and we hope this article helped answer some of your questions.
If you have any other questions about the cost of a mobile clinic in Vancouver or are wondering about how to get started, don’t hesitate to click the button below to talk to an expert.
