You can apply for MSP online, in person or by mail. Use the option that works best for you.
Last updated: January 29, 2024
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All people residing in B.C. must enrol in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). This makes sure you can access provincial health care benefits like visits to a doctor.
New residents or persons re-establishing residence in B.C. may be eligible for coverage after completing a wait period that consists of the balance of the month in which residence is established, plus two months.
Apply as soon as you arrive. Your coverage may start three months after your arrival date in British Columbia. You should get private health care insurance while you wait.
Moving to B.C. from another province
You should arrange for coverage with your former medical plan during the wait period. If your family is not here yet, they need to keep their existing provincial health care. Once they arrive, you can apply to add them to your plan. The wait period for each family member will begin on their individual arrival date.
Arriving from Ukraine
The 3-month wait period for MSP coverage is waived for returning Canadians, permanent residents and people arriving in Canada through CUEAT.
My coverage will be under a employer, pension plan or union group plan
Contact your group administrator for more information on applying.
If you leave B.C. within 6 months of enrolling for MSP, you may have to repay your medical expenses.
Applying online is the easiest and fastest way to enrol. Before you start, make sure:
Apply by mail using a paper application form.
Mail the completed application form to:
Health Insurance BC
Medical Services Plan
PO Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9P7
You can apply in person at any Service BC location.
You are required to upload a digital scan or photograph of documents supporting the name, date of birth and Canadian citizenship or immigration status for all persons applying. Make sure that it is:
Canadian birth certificate
Canadian citizenship card or certificate
Record of landing
Permanent resident card
Visitor Permit requirements for account holder/main applicant:
Note: A spouse or child of the main applicant with work/study/religious worker status does not need to have a special designation on their Visitor Permit.
Valid passport with entry stamps and acceptance foils
Legal name change certificate
After you apply for enrolment, you get a Personal Health Number (PHN) and BC Services Card. Your BC Services Card is used when accessing provincial health care benefits. Your PHN will be printed on the card.
To complete MSP enrolment, all adults who applied as Canadian citizens or permanent residents must get a Photo BC Services Card.
To do this, visit an Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) driver licensing office. At the office, you will:
The BC Services Card is free. If you choose to combine it with your driver’s licence, fees that apply to the regular driver’s licence application process will apply.
You can book an appointment to visit an ICBC driver licensing office at a location and time that works best for you. If you are unable to make an appointment, walk-in services are available at all ICBC driver licensing locations. Check the ICBC website for office hours at your desired location.
People under 18 years and six months of age will automatically receive a Non-Photo BC Services Card in the mail. No action is required.
If you've applied as an arrival from Ukraine, we'll mail you a Non-Photo BC Services Card at the mailing address you provided on the application form. No action is required.
If you have questions about how to apply for MSP, contact Health Insurance BC.
Call: 1-800-663-7100 Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
