Your guide to applying for a health card in British Columbia

A key advantage for newcomers to Canada is access to high-quality, publicly funded healthcare. Each province and territory in Canada offers healthcare services, and in British Columbia, it is provided through the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Here’s everything you need to know about the MSP and how to apply.

Health card in British Columbia, and what’s covered 

Healthcare coverage in British Columbia (B.C.) is provided through the Medical Services Plan (MSP), which covers the cost of medically necessary services for residents. Once enrolled in MSP, individuals will receive a Personal Health Number (PHN), which is used for identification in the healthcare system.

What is covered under MSP?

B.C.’s MSP plan covers a variety of essential medical services, including:

• Visits to family doctors or physicians who are registered with MSP
• Diagnostic services and tests, such as x-rays, at approved medical facilities
• Maternal care provided by a midwife or physician
• One annual eye exam for children aged 0-18 and adults aged 65 or older
• Medically necessary eye exams for adults aged 19-64 performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist
• Medically necessary dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting
• Orthodontic services related to severe facial abnormalities
• Additional services, such as chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, naturopathy, or physical therapy, may be covered for eligible individuals (e.g., residents receiving income assistance)

What is not cover by MSP?

While MSP covers medically necessary services, there are several health services not included under the plan:

• Cosmetic surgery or medically unnecessary treatments
• General dental care
• Routine eye exams for adults between the ages of 19-64
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, or other medical devices
• Complementary or alternative treatments such as chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, or non-surgical podiatry services
• Psychotherapy or counseling services
• Preventive screening tests or non-essential medical services
• Medical exams for purposes such as immigration applications, life insurance policies, or employment screenings

Eligibility for MSP

To qualify for health care coverage in British Columbia, you must be a resident of the province. A resident is defined as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or someone legally permitted to stay in Canada who has made B.C. their primary place of residence and is physically present in the province for at least six months in a given calendar year. If you meet these criteria, your dependents—such as your spouse, children, and dependent students aged 19-25 enrolled in post-secondary education—are also eligible for MSP coverage.

When does MSP coverage begin?

New and returning residents to British Columbia must complete a waiting period before their MSP coverage begins. The waiting period is calculated based on the remaining days of the month you arrive, plus an additional two full months after that. For instance, if you arrive in B.C. on January 15, your coverage would start after the end of January, plus the full months of February and March, meaning your MSP would start on April 1. It’s also important to note that if you and your spouse move to the province at different times, each of you will have a separate waiting period based on your individual arrival dates.

Cost of MSP

There are no premiums or extra fees associated with enrolling in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia. As of January 1, 2020, the provincial government removed any MSP premium charges, making it completely free to register.

Documents required to apply for MSP

If you’ve recently moved to Canada, it’s important to apply for MSP as soon as possible, as your coverage will begin once the waiting period is complete. During this waiting period, it’s recommended to secure private health insurance.

To apply for MSP, you will need the following documents:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g., passport), immigration status (e.g., Permanent Resident Card or Record of Landing), or a valid work or study permit
• Completed Application for Enrollment form
• BC Services Card

How to apply for a BC services card

Before you can apply for health care coverage in British Columbia, you must obtain a valid BC Services Card. This government-issued identification card serves as proof of your identity and age, and it can be used to access healthcare, government services, or even open a bank account.

To apply for a BC Services Card, you will need to provide two pieces of identification. Accepted forms of ID include a B.C. driver’s license, permanent resident card, work permit, student permit, or temporary resident permit. A secondary piece of ID can be a certified copy or the original of any of the above-listed documents. If you have non-English language documents, such as a driver’s license or driving record, they must be accompanied by a translation from an ICBC-approved translator. Newcomers to Canada, particularly those not born in the country, can contact ICBC (the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) for additional guidance on acceptable forms of ID.

To complete the application, visit an ICBC licensing office. Some locations allow you to make an appointment in advance, while others accept walk-ins—check with your local office for availability. At the office, an ICBC representative will verify that you are a B.C. resident and take your photo. Your BC Services Card will then be mailed to you. There are no fees for applying for a BC Services Card.

Additional considerations before getting started:

How much does a BC Services Card cost?

There is no charge for applying for a BC Services Card. However, if you’re combining your application with a B.C. driver’s license, you’ll be required to pay the applicable fees for the license.

How long does it take to receive your BC Services Card?

After applying, your BC Services Card will be sent to you by mail, typically within four to six weeks.

How to apply for MSP

Once you have your BC Services Card, there are two methods to apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP):

Apply online

The online application is quick and should take around 15 minutes to complete. The data you enter is stored locally on your device until you submit it. During the process, you’ll be asked to identify whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a temporary permit (such as a work permit). As part of the application, you’ll need to upload a digital copy of your ID document confirming your eligibility for MSP. If you’ve legally changed your name, you must also provide a document supporting the change (e.g., marriage certificate).

Apply by mail

Alternatively, you can print the Application for Enrolment Form and mail it, along with photocopies of documents proving your name, immigration status, or Canadian citizenship, to the following address:

Health Insurance BC
Medical Services Plan
PO Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9P7

Once you’re enrolled in MSP, you can use your BC Services Card to access a range of insured medical and healthcare services.

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