Apply for MSP
Last updated on February 28, 2024You can apply for MSP online, in person or by mail. Use the option that works best for you.
Last updated: January 29, 2024
On this page:
Why you need to enrol in MSP
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.
New to Canada
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.
Coverage is always dependent on residency
If you leave B.C. within 6 months of enrolling for MSP, you may have to repay your medical expenses.
How to apply
Apply online
Applying online is the easiest and fastest way to enrol. Before you start, make sure:
- Use the latest version of Firefox, Chrome or Safari.
- You have identification for everyone on your application. You will be asked to upload digital images of documents that support the name and Canadian citizenship or immigration status for all persons
- You have your marriage certificate, divorce decree or legal name change certificate if your current legal name doesn’t match the name on your ID
Apply for MSP It takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Apply by mail
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
Apply in person
You can apply in person at any Service BC location.
ID requirements
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:
- The entire document, from corner to corner
- At least 1000 pixels wide x 1500 pixels tall
- Rotated correctly (not upside down or sideways)
- In focus and easy to read
- A JPG or PNG file (not a PDF)
Canadian Citizens
Canadian birth certificate
- Include entire certificate, corner to corner
- Make sure it is in focus and all text is able to be read
Canadian passport
- To be included, the passport must use your full legal name
- Include entire page, corner to corner
- Make sure all text is able to be read and photo is in focus
Canadian citizenship card or certificate
- Include front and back, corner to corner
- Make sure all text is able to be read and photo is in focus
Permanent Residents
Record of landing
- Must include full legal document, including date and signature
- Must be signed by Canadian Immigration
Permanent resident card
- Include front and back of card, corner to corner
- Date on back of card must be able to be read
Temporary permit holders
Work permit
- Must be valid for six months or longer
Study permit
- Must be valid for six months or longer
Visitor permit
Visitor Permit requirements for account holder/main applicant:
- The case type must be 13
- If the case type is 10, the remarks must imply you are a religious worker
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.
Diplomats
Valid passport with entry stamps and acceptance foils
- Include entire page, corner to corner
- Make sure all text is able to be read and photo is in focus
Supporting documents
Marriage certificate
- Include entire certificate, corner to corner
- Make sure it is in focus and all text is able to be read
Legal name change certificate
- Include entire certificate, corner to corner
- Make sure it is in focus and all text is able to be read
What happens after you apply
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.
Complete enrolment and get your BC Services 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:
- Provide two pieces of ID, one must be a primary ID
- Declare that you are a B.C. resident
- Have your photo taken
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.
Children and youth
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.
People arriving from Ukraine
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.
I need help
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
Lower Mainland: 1-604-683-7151