How to Apply for BC MSP Online

If you are moving to British Columbia, one of the first things you should do is enroll in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). MSP is BC's provincial health insurance program, and it covers medically necessary services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and certain other healthcare services. Since January 2020, MSP premiums have been eliminated, so enrollment is completely free. This guide explains how to apply for MSP online, what documents you need, and what to expect during the wait period before your coverage starts.

Who Is Eligible for MSP?

To qualify for MSP, you must be a resident of British Columbia. This means you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You are physically present in BC.
• You make your home in BC.
• You are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a valid study or work permit that authorizes you to be in Canada for at least six months.
• You are not claiming residency in another province or territory of Canada.

Refugees, Convention refugees, and certain other protected persons are also eligible. Visitors and tourists are generally not eligible for MSP. If you are unsure about your eligibility, the Health Insurance BC website provides detailed eligibility criteria. For an overview of the BC Services Card, which is linked to your MSP enrollment, see our guide on how to get a BC Services Card and MSP.

The Wait Period

New residents of BC are subject to a wait period before MSP coverage begins. The wait period starts on the date you establish residency in BC (typically the date you arrive) and lasts until the first day of the third month following your arrival. For example, if you arrive in BC on February 15, your MSP coverage would begin on May 1.

During the wait period, you are responsible for your own medical expenses. It is strongly recommended that you purchase private health insurance to cover this gap. Many insurance companies offer short-term health plans specifically designed for new arrivals to Canada. Some employers also provide interim health benefits, so check with your employer if applicable.

There are some exceptions to the wait period. If you are moving from another Canadian province and had continuous health coverage there, you may be covered under your previous province's plan until BC coverage kicks in. Contact your previous province's health ministry to confirm.

How to Apply Online

The easiest way to enroll in MSP is through the online application. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you start the online application, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Your immigration document (permanent resident card, work permit, study permit, or Canadian citizenship document)
• Your passport
• Your BC address
• The date you arrived in BC
• If applicable, documents for your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children

Step 2: Visit the Online Enrollment Portal

Navigate to the MSP enrollment page on the Government of BC website. Click on the link to begin a new enrollment. You do not need to create an account; the form is a one-time submission. However, you can save your progress and return later if needed.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The online form will ask for the following information:

• Personal Information: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, and contact details.
• Residency Information: Your BC address, the date you arrived in the province, and your previous province or country of residence.
• Immigration Status: The type of immigration document you hold and its details (document number, expiry date, etc.).
• Previous Health Coverage: Whether you had health insurance in your previous province or country.
• Group Members: If you are applying for your spouse/partner and/or dependent children, you will need to provide their information as well. Each person on the application must have their own immigration documents.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

The online system allows you to upload scanned copies or photos of your supporting documents. Make sure the images are clear and all information is legible. Accepted file formats typically include PDF, JPG, and PNG. Keep file sizes reasonable to avoid upload errors.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Review all the information you have entered carefully. Once you are satisfied that everything is accurate, submit the application. You will receive a confirmation number. Save this number for your records, as you will need it if you contact Health Insurance BC with questions about your application.

Applying by Mail

If you prefer not to apply online, you can download the MSP enrollment form from the Health Insurance BC forms page and mail it along with photocopies of your supporting documents. The mailing address is provided on the form. Note that processing times for mailed applications are longer than for online submissions.

What Happens After You Apply

After submitting your MSP enrollment, Health Insurance BC will process your application. Processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for online applications and up to 6 weeks for mailed applications. If there are any issues with your application, such as missing documents or unclear information, Health Insurance BC will contact you.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter confirming your MSP coverage start date. You will also receive your BC Services Card in the mail, which serves as both your health card and your provincial identification. To get your photo-ID version of the card, you will need to visit an ICBC driver licensing office in person.

What MSP Covers

MSP covers a wide range of medically necessary services, including:

• Visits to general practitioners and specialists
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Diagnostic services, including blood tests and X-rays
• Maternity care
• Mental health services provided by physicians
• Some orthodontic surgery and oral surgery performed in hospitals

MSP does not cover dental care (except hospital-based oral surgery), prescription medications, vision care (except for certain medical conditions), physiotherapy, chiropractic services, or ambulance services. For prescription drug coverage, you may be eligible for BC PharmaCare, a separate program that provides financial assistance for eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies.

Supplementary Health Coverage

Given the limitations of MSP, many BC residents obtain supplementary health insurance through their employer or purchase private plans. Supplementary coverage can include dental, vision, prescription drugs, paramedical services (massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic), and extended hospital benefits. If your employer offers a benefits plan, review the coverage carefully to understand what is included.

For newcomers who are in the process of settling, understanding your healthcare coverage is just one of many important steps. Our guide on applying for rental housing in BC covers another critical area of settlement. If you are working and have questions about your workplace rights, including health-related benefits, our resource on tenant rights for newcomers in BC provides valuable context on navigating life in the province.

Updating Your MSP Information

If your personal information changes after enrollment, you must update your MSP account. Common changes include:

• Change of address within BC
• Change of name (due to marriage or legal name change)
• Change in immigration status (for example, transitioning from a work permit to permanent residency)
• Adding or removing dependents
• Leaving BC temporarily or permanently

You can update most information online through the Health Insurance BC website or by calling their phone line. If you are leaving BC for more than 6 months, you may lose your MSP eligibility and will need to re-enroll when you return.

Temporary Absences from BC

If you leave BC temporarily (for vacation, business, or family reasons), your MSP coverage continues as long as you are absent for fewer than 6 months in a calendar year. If you plan to be away for longer, you must contact Health Insurance BC to discuss your options. Extended absences without proper notification can result in cancellation of your MSP coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see any doctor with MSP?

Yes, MSP allows you to visit any doctor who accepts MSP billing. You do not need a referral to see a general practitioner, but you typically need a referral to see a specialist. Finding a family doctor in BC can be challenging due to shortages, so consider registering with the Health Connect Registry to be matched with a family doctor in your area.

What if I need medical care during the wait period?

During the wait period, you are responsible for paying for any medical services out of pocket unless you have private insurance. Walk-in clinics and hospitals will still treat you, but you will receive a bill. Purchasing private bridge insurance is strongly recommended.

Is MSP the same as a BC Services Card?

They are related but not the same. MSP is the insurance program; the BC Services Card is the physical card that proves your enrollment and allows you to access services. For full details on the card itself, visit our BC Services Card and MSP guide.

Do I need MSP if I have private insurance?

If you are eligible for MSP, you are required to enroll. MSP is your primary health coverage. Private insurance supplements MSP but does not replace it.

Getting Help

If you have questions about MSP enrollment or need assistance with the online application, you can contact Health Insurance BC by phone at 604-683-7151 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-7100 (rest of BC). Phone lines are open Monday to Friday. You can also visit a Service BC Centre in person for help with your enrollment. For those exploring the BC PNP as part of their immigration process, our BC PNP guide and our guide to starting a business in Canada provide additional resources for your settlement journey.

Enrolling in MSP is one of the most important steps you can take as a new resident of British Columbia. The process is straightforward, especially through the online portal, and the coverage ensures that you and your family have access to essential medical services. Apply as soon as you arrive in BC to minimize the time you spend without coverage.