British Columbia (BC) Medical Services Plan
Information for International Students

Eligibility
Any resident, regardless of health, age or financial status, who is a Canadian citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence, makes a home in BC and is physically present at least 6 months per year is eligible for benefits. Landed immigrants and persons on student or employment authorization are covered on the first day or the third month after entry in BC. Tourists, transients, and visitors are not eligible.
Date Coverage Begins
Students are eligible to become subscribers on the last day of the second month following the month of arrival in the province. In other words, if you arrive on July 15, you would be eligible for coverage on October 1. Please remember to apply as soon as you arrive though.
You should have private insurance for the first three months.
Premiums
British Columbia regular monthly premiums are as follows:
  • $54 - Single
  • $96 - Individual plus one dependent
  • $104 - Families

Although some permanent residents are eligible for reduced rates, these benefits do not apply to international students. All international students pay the regular rate.
Coverage Exclusions
The following services are not covered by the provincial plan:
  • acupuncture
  • annual or periodic medical checkup where no disease or symptoms are present
  • completion of forms, e.g. Time Loss Benefits, other insurance purposes, ICBC, government agencies
  • examination unrelated to treatment of an illness or medical symptom, e.g. privately arranged adoptions, employment, insurance, motor vehicle or pilot license, physical fitness activity, school or university purposes, sports, summer camp
  • medical advice by telephone, letter
  • medical-legal services
  • non-medically required services, e.g. cosmetic surgery, routine circumcision of newborn, treatment of varicose veins for cosmetic purposes
  • preventive medicine counseling e.g. smoking withdrawal programs, weight control or dietary clinics, stress management techniques

REGISTRATION AND PREMIUM BILLING
Assists MSP beneficiaries with enrollment and premium payments, premium assistance, changes in coverage, and enquiries about benefits. A toll-free automated telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide general information and answer frequently asked questions. Try calling during evenings and on weekends when access is most readily available.
Telephone:
Vancouver and Lower Mainland - (604) 683-7151

Client service representatives are available to take calls between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. As of March 4, 2002, the number to call to speak with a representative is (250) 386-7171 (long distance).
Fax: (250) 952-3427
E-mail: the address for questions about your MSP premium account is rpb.ltrs@moh.hnet.bc.ca - be sure to include your account number (shown on your MSP premium bill) or Personal Health Number (shown on your CareCard).


Click here for our International Student Insurance Form