BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

MSP is BC’s provincial health insurance plan. Anyone living in BC for six months or longer (including international students) is required by law to enrol in MSP and pay the plan’s premiums.

Apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC. Application forms are available:

What does MSP cover?

MSP covers: MSP does not cover:
  • Basic medical care within Canada
  • Most doctor visits
  • Most hospital visits
  • Dental care
  • Prescription drugs
  • Eye examinations or corrective lenses

Simply show your CareCard when you seek medical care. In most cases, you will not have to pay.

Visit the MSP website for a full list of the medical and health care benefits available.

When am I eligible for MSP coverage?

You are eligible for MSP coverage after a short waiting period. The waiting period includes the rest of the month in which you arrive in BC, plus two full calendar months.

So, if you arrive in BC on August 25, you will be eligible for MSP on November 1.

How do I apply for MSP coverage?

You may download the I. House tutorial for step-by-step instructions on completing the MSP Application Form (1,75 MB PDF).

How much does MSP cost?

MSP's monthly costs are $64.00 for one person, $116 for a family of two, and $128 for a family of three or more. Check the Revenue Services of BC website on how to pay your premiums.

Will I get an MSP card? 

Yes. The MSP membership card is called a CareCard, and the MSP number is called a Personal Health Number. You will be sent a CareCard once your application has been processed.

You can contact MSP within one month after submitting your application to confirm that they received it.

What should I do if I need to see a doctor but don’t have my CareCard yet?

If you have already submitted your application, you will be covered immediately after the waiting period – even if your CareCard has not arrived. You might have to pay at the time you receive health care, keep your receipt, and request reimbursement from MSP once your card arrives. During the waiting period for MSP, when you visit the Urgent Care, Emergency Department in a hospital or have inpatient services (lab, radiology and other procedures), you may show a copy of your study permit to receive a reduced rate.

How can I extend my MSP?

If you have MSP coverage but your CareCard is about to expire (or has recently expired), and if you have recently renewed your study permit, fax or send a photocopy of your new study permit as soon as you receive it to MSP (address below), along with a cover letter that includes the following about you:

  • full name
  • address
  • date of birth
  • CareCard number
  • request for extension

BC Medical Services Plan
PO box 9035 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E3

How can I contact the MSP? 

You can speak with an MSP customer service representative between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday

Vancouver: 604.683.7151
Other areas of BC (toll-free): 1.800.663.7100

Fax: 250.405.3595

Visit the MSP website for information about rates and how to pay your premiums.

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BC Medical Services Plan
PO Box 9035 Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC V8W 9E3


Tel

Toll-free (in BC)

Fax: 250.405.3595

Hours: 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

a place of mind, The Univeristy of British Columbia

Enrolment Services
Student Development & Services
2016-1874 East Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z1