How to Get a BC Services Card and Enroll in MSP (Medical Services Plan)
By WelcomeAide Team
Quick Summary
- The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is British Columbia's public health insurance. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and medically necessary services at no cost.
- There is a three-month wait period before your MSP coverage begins. Apply as soon as you arrive in BC.
- You can apply online through the Health Insurance BC website or by mailing form HLTH 102.
- Once enrolled, you will receive a BC Services Card, which also serves as your provincial photo ID.
- MSP premiums were eliminated in 2020. There is no monthly cost for MSP coverage.
What Is MSP and What Does It Cover?
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the public health insurance program for residents of British Columbia. It is administered by Health Insurance BC. MSP covers medically necessary services provided by doctors and surgeons, maternity care, eye exams for children and seniors, diagnostic services like X-rays and blood tests, and hospital stays in a standard ward.
MSP does not cover dental care, prescription drugs (these may be covered under BC PharmaCare), ambulance services, physiotherapy, glasses or contact lenses, or cosmetic surgery. For these services, you may want to look into private health insurance through your employer or a private plan.
Who Is Eligible for MSP?
You are eligible for MSP if you meet all three of the following conditions:
- You are a resident of British Columbia (you make your home in BC).
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold certain temporary permits (work permits of 6 months or longer, study permits of 6 months or longer).
- You are physically present in BC for at least 6 months in a calendar year.
Dependents on your application can include your spouse or common-law partner and your children under 19 (or under 25 if they are full-time students). Convention refugees and refugee claimants may also be eligible. If you are unsure about your eligibility, call Health Insurance BC at 1-604-683-7151 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-7100 (elsewhere in BC).
Warning
There is a three-month wait period before your MSP coverage starts. The wait period begins on the first day of the third month after you establish residency in BC. For example, if you arrive on February 15, your coverage starts on May 1. During the wait period, you are responsible for all medical costs. Purchase private travel or health insurance to cover the gap.
How to Apply for MSP
Option 1: Apply Online
The fastest way to enroll is online through the Health Insurance BC enrollment page. You will need to upload copies of your identity documents (such as your permanent resident card or work permit) and a recent photo for your BC Services Card. The online application takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Option 2: Apply by Mail
Download and complete form HLTH 102 (Application for Enrolment). Include copies (not originals) of your identity documents. Mail the completed form to:
Health Insurance BC
PO Box 9035 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E3
Paper applications take 6 to 8 weeks to process. Online applications are typically processed within 2 to 3 weeks.
Tip
Apply for MSP on the same day you arrive in BC. Even though coverage does not start for three months, applying early ensures there is no gap between the end of the wait period and when your coverage actually starts. You need your SIN number to complete the MSP application.
The BC Services Card
When your MSP enrollment is approved, you will receive a BC Services Card. This card is your proof of MSP coverage and also serves as a provincial photo identification card. If you have a BC driver's licence, your Services Card will be combined with it into a single card.
If you do not have a BC driver's licence, you will receive a standalone BC Services Card with your photo. You will be asked to visit an ICBC driver licensing office to have your photo taken. Bring your MSP enrollment confirmation letter, your identity documents, and one piece of mail showing your BC address.
What to Do During the Three-Month Wait Period
During the three-month wait period, you should purchase private health insurance. Many newcomer-focused insurance plans are available from companies like Manulife, Blue Cross, and Guard.me. Coverage typically costs between $2 and $5 per day depending on your age and the plan you choose.
If you have a medical emergency during the wait period and do not have private insurance, you will be billed directly by the hospital. Emergency room visits in BC can cost $1,000 or more, and a hospital stay can cost several thousand dollars per day.
Exceptions to the Wait Period
Certain groups are exempt from the three-month wait period, including newborns born in BC to MSP-enrolled parents, and individuals moving from another Canadian province who had continuous health coverage with no gap.
Renewing and Updating Your MSP
If you are a permanent resident or citizen, your MSP coverage does not need to be renewed. If you are a temporary resident (work or study permit holder), your MSP coverage is tied to your permit dates. When you renew your permit, contact Health Insurance BC to update your coverage end date.
If you move within BC or change your name or marital status, update your MSP information by calling Health Insurance BC or by updating through your BC Services Card account.
Using Your MSP Coverage
Once your coverage is active, present your BC Services Card every time you visit a doctor, walk-in clinic, or hospital. You will not be charged for covered services. To find a family doctor accepting new patients, check the BC Health Connect Registry or call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) for health information and advice 24 hours a day.
Tip
If you cannot find a family doctor right away, you can use walk-in clinics for non-urgent care. Many communities also have Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) that accept walk-in patients for same-day issues. These are covered under MSP.
Related Settlement Steps
Getting your health insurance sorted is one of many settlement steps when you arrive in BC. You will also need to apply for a SIN, file your first tax return, and consider applying for the Canada Child Benefit if you have children. WelcomeAide can help you navigate these steps. Our AI Newcomer Navigator provides personalized guidance in your language. Explore our programs and browse our blog for more guides.