Leaving B.C. Permanently

If you plan to move permanently outside British Columbia (B.C.), you must notify Health Insurance BC (HIBC) as soon as possible of the date of your departure and your new address. This will ensure that your Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage is cancelled after the appropriate amount of time:

• If you are moving within Canada, MSP coverage will be provided for the rest of the month in which you leave the province plus two consecutive months. Coverage may be extended for up to three extra months while you are in transit. You should apply immediately to the health plan of your new province or territory when you arrive.
• If you are moving outside Canada, MSP coverage will be provided for the rest of the month in which you leave the province.

Notify HIBC Online

The quickest and easiest way to notify HIBC of a permanent move outside B.C. is to submit the details online using the “MSP Permanent Move Outside of B.C.” form. The form takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Before you start, make sure that you have the Personal Health Number for anyone on your account who is moving

REPORT A MOVE OUTSIDE B.C. ONLINE

Notify HIBC by Phone

You can also notify HIBC of a permanent move by phone. For HIBC contact details, see B.C. Residents – Contact Us.

Combined driver’s license and BC Services Card

When you apply for a driver’s licence in your new province or territory you will need to surrender your B.C. driver’s licence. If your licence is a combined driver’s licence and BC Services Card you will be left without a health card. To avoid being left without a health card, you can wait to apply until required by law (typically between 60 and 90 days after you arrive). If you choose not to wait you can make a photocopy of your current licence (front and back) before you surrender it; or you can request an MSP Confirmation of Coverage letter from HIBC. Some health care providers might not accept a photocopied licence or confirmation of MSP coverage letter as proof and may bill you for health care services. If this happens while you are still covered by MSP, contact HIBC to discuss options for reimbursement.