British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) is mandatory public health insurance that provides basic coverage for residents of BC and their dependents.
MSP stands for Medical Services Plan, and it is BC’s public health insurance plan. Canada offers high-quality healthcare. The medical services are clean, safe and easy to access. In most cases, you will not have to pay when you seek medical care when you show your BC Services Card.
For a full list of your medical and health care benefits, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/benefits.
All international students in Canada must have health insurance, which isn’t optional. Health insurance could save your finances (and your life) in the event of a medical emergency.
If you live in BC for 6 months or more, you must apply for MSP cover.
You must apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC. You cannot apply for MSP before you arrive. There is a 90-day waiting period for newcomers to British Columbia to begin MSP coverage (MSP coverage becomes effective 90 days after arrival in BC); therefore, it is advisable to purchase temporary private medical insurance for the interim, in case of emergency.
MSP does not cover dental care, prescription drugs, routine vision care (such as eye examinations or corrective lenses), or travel.
$75.00 per month, per student, effective Jan. 1, 2020
For more information on MSP: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents.
To start your MSP application at https://my.gov.bc.ca/msp/enrolment/check-eligibility.
