MSP Enrolment for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Families

Last updated on January 29, 2024

CAF Member Identification Statement

Wait Period Exceptions

How to Enrol in MSP

Other MSP Account Changes

Discharged Members

CAF Member Identification Statement

Health Insurance BC (HIBC) requires CAF members to self-identify by providing a statement that indicates the names of any applicants that are active CAF members. This statement should also include the military ID number(s).

Wait Period Exceptions

When an active CAF member moves to B.C., their spouse and/or child(ren) may be eligible for immediate MSP coverage, upon arrival to the province.

CAF members who are discharged in B.C. do not have to fulfill the wait period. They are eligible for coverage on the date of release provided they are in B.C. on that date. Their spouse and/or child(ren) returning from a posting outside B.C. are eligible for coverage on their date of arrival in B.C.

How to Enrol in MSP

CAF members should submit an application for MSP enrolment when they arrive in B.C.

  • Using one form, the BC Application for Health and Drug Coverage your family can apply for:
    • Medical Services Plan (MSP)
    • Fair PharmaCare
    • Supplementary Benefits
  • The active CAF member should be the “main applicant” and add their spouse and/or child(ren) in the dependent section. Make sure to include a CAF member identification statement for only the active CAF member(s) on the application.
  • CAF members will NOT see CAF member identification statement listed in the online or paper form as required documents – but must upload it/attach it in addition to their personal documentation.

Please also write “CAF” on the copy of all submitted foundation documents for the active member(s).

Other MSP Account Changes

CAF member(s) and family members on their MSP account must update their MSP account if they:

  • Change/Correct a Name, Birthdate or Gender
  • Add/Remove a Spouse (including Common-law) or Child(ren)
  • Update their Status in Canada
  • Move within BC
  • Leave BC Temporarily
  • Leave BC Permanently

Request MSP account changes online at gov.bc.ca/managingyourmspaccount

Active CAF members must also contact HIBC to report absences or if being discharged from the CAF.

Discharged Members

CAF members who are discharged in B.C. do not have to fulfill the wait period. They are eligible for coverage on the date of release provided they are in B.C. on that date. Their spouse and/or child(ren) returning from a posting outside B.C. are eligible for coverage on their date of arrival in B.C.