MSP Enrolment for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Families

This page is for Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. It explains how to enrol in Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage in B.C.

On this page

• Immediate MSP coverage for spouses and children
• Coverage after release from the Canadian Armed Forces
• What to include with your application
• How to apply for MSP
• How to update your MSP account

Immediate MSP coverage for spouses and children

When an active Canadian Armed Forces member moves to B.C., their spouse or children may get MSP coverage right away.

Coverage can start on the date the spouse or children arrive in B.C.

This exception does not apply to the active Canadian Armed Forces member. Active members are covered by the Canadian Armed Forces.

Coverage after release from the CAF

A Canadian Armed Forces member released in B.C. does not need to complete the MSP wait period.

Coverage can start on the release date if the member is in B.C. that day, or as soon as they return to B.C. 

A spouse or child may also get coverage right away if they return to B.C. from a posting outside the province. Their coverage can start on the date they arrive in B.C.

What to include with your application

Health Insurance BC needs to know who is an active Canadian Armed Forces member.

Include a Canadian Armed Forces member identification statement with the application.

The statement must include:

• The name of each active Canadian Armed Forces member applying
• Each active member’s military identification number

Only include active Canadian Armed Forces members in the statement.

The statement is not listed as a required document on the online or paper form. You still need to upload or attach it.

Also write “CAF” on copies of all foundation documents for each active member.

How to apply for MSP

Submit the MSP application when the Canadian Armed Forces member arrives in B.C.

A family can use one form to apply for:

• Medical Services Plan
• Fair PharmaCare
• Supplementary benefits

The active Canadian Armed Forces member should be the main applicant. Add a spouse or children in the dependent section.

Include the identification statement for active Canadian Armed Forces members only.

• Apply for health and drug coverage

How to update an MSP account

Canadian Armed Forces members and family members must update their MSP account when their information changes.

Update the account to:

• Change or correct a name
• Change or correct a birthdate
• Change or correct a gender marker
• Add or remove a spouse or common-law partner
• Add or remove a child
• Update status in Canada
• Report a move within B.C
• Report a temporary absence from B.C
• Report a permanent move from B.C

Request MSP account changes online

Absences from B.C. and discharges

Active Canadian Armed Forces members must also contact Health Insurance BC if they:

• Will be absent from B.C
• Are being released from the Canadian Armed Forces