Medical Insurance (MSP)

The British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the province's public health insurance. Enrolment is required by law for everyone who lives in BC for six months or longer — it is not optional.

Apply as soon as you arrive

Apply for MSP online or by mail immediately after arriving in BC. Applications typically take three months to process, and you must carry other coverage during that gap.

What MSP covers

• Basic medical care within Canada, including most physician and hospital services
• Present your BC Services Card at the point of care — in most cases nothing is paid on the spot

What MSP does not cover

• Dental care
• Prescription drugs
• Routine vision care (eye examinations, corrective lenses)
• Travel

Private insurance is needed for these.

International students

International students must be covered by MSP or hold equivalent coverage. Without it, no claim can be made for health plan benefits.

Because MSP takes about three months to process, the school automatically enrols newly arrived international students who are not yet covered by MSP in a primary medical insurance plan, so there is no gap in coverage while the application is pending. A copy of your policy or BC Services Card should be included with your application if you already have one.

How to apply

MSP is administered by the provincial government and students apply directly — the school does not apply on your behalf. Current requirements and the application portal are on the provincial website. If you need a letter of enrolment or similar documentation for your application, contact the school office.

[email protected] · 604.971.6888