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MSP enrolment for adopted children

Last updated on June 4, 2026

Children who are adopted, or are being adopted, by B.C. residents may be enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). They can be enrolled under their adoptive parent’s MSP account.

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Who can enrol

You can add your child to your MSP account if:

  • You live in B.C.
  • Your child is adopted or placed with you for adoption
  • Your child is in B.C. when you apply

How to apply

Add your child using the online MSP application form

Apply as soon as possible. This helps make sure your child has an active Personal Health Number (PHN).

Documents you need

The documents you need depend on where the adoption started.

If the adoption is from within Canada

Provide one of these documents:

  • A letter from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)
  • A letter from an adoption agency
  • Confirmation that the adoption is final
  • A copy of the child’s long-form birth certificate showing the adoptive parent’s name or parents’ names

If the adoption is from outside Canada

Provide confirmation of the child’s legal status in Canada from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

You must also provide one of these documents:

  • A letter from an adoption agency
  • A Hague Convention Notification of Agreement Letter, if it applies
  • A Non-Hague Letter of No Object, if it applies
  • Confirmation that the adoption is final

Temporary MSP coverage

Your child may qualify for temporary MSP coverage if:

  • The adoption is from outside Canada
  • Your child is in B.C.
  • You are waiting for confirmation of the child’s legal status from IRCC
  • There is a delay in getting IRCC confirmation

To request temporary enrolment, include both of these with your application:

  • A note that the adoption is from outside Canada
  • IRCC documents showing the legal status application is in process, such as a letter or receipt

When coverage starts

Requests are processed retroactively.

Coverage starts on the:

  • Placement date
  • Adoption finalization date

If you provide both dates, coverage starts on the earlier date.

If you need more time to apply

You may have a delay before you can enrol your child. For example, you may still be choosing a name.

Your child may still get temporary MSP coverage.

Contact the Ministry of Health at hlth.bsb@gov.bc.ca.