In British Columbia, international students studying for more than six months are required to apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP), which provides public health insurance coverage for essential medical services.
In addition, students may consider purchasing private health insurance to cover costs not included under MSP, such as prescription medications or vision care during the initial waiting period.
How to apply for MSP?
1. Students must apply for MSP as soon as they arrive in British Columbia.
2. MSP coverage begins after a waiting period of approximately three months (the month of arrival plus two additional months).
3. During the waiting period, students are responsible for arranging private health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Apply for MSP online:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol
What MSP covers and does not cover?
1. Visits to family doctors and walk-in clinics
2. Hospital emergency services and inpatient care
3. Laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays)
Important:
MSP does not cover prescription medications, dental car, ambulance services, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, and optometry (eye exams and glasses).
MSP payment?
1. International students enrolled in MSP must pay a monthly premium.
2. As of 2025, the monthly premium is CAD $75.
3. Payment can be made online, by phone, or by mail directly to Health Insurance BC (HIBC).
More information about MSP payment:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/premiums/payment-options
MSP Cancellation?
– Students must cancel their MSP coverage when:
1. Completing their studies
2. Leaving British Columbia
3. Transferring to another province
– Cancellation must be done by submitting a cancellation form to Health Insurance BC to avoid unnecessary premium charges.
More information about MSP cancellation:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/changes/cancellation
Dental Care:?
Basic dental care is now publicly funded in British Columbia for eligible tax residents.
However, newly arrived international students typically do not qualify as tax residents.
Therefore, purchasing private dental insurance is not necessary for most international students.
Private Health Insurance Options?
Students may choose to purchase private health insurance to cover:
– Prescription medications
– Vision care (eye exams and glasses)
– Specialist consultations not covered under MSP
– Medical expenses during the MSP waiting period
Private insurance can be obtained from providers such as Guard.Me, Manulife, or Sun Life.