Health insurance for international students

1. Check your student fees
   After you register for classes, check your fees by logging in to your Student Services Centre (SSC) and selecting “Financial Summary” under Finances. Confirm you are charged for iMED coverage (see section below) and AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan fees. If you are charged, you are covered.

2. Download and print your iMED card
   After you register for your first course, your iMED card will automatically be sent to you via email. Print it and keep it with you.
3. Check your iMED coverage dates
   Depending on when you arrive in Canada, you might need to buy additional insurance if you arrive before your coverage starts, or apply to change your iMED coverage dates if you arrive the month after your coverage starts.
4. Apply for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP)
   As soon as you arrive in British Columbia, apply for MSP online for yourself and any family members who came with you.
5. Download and print your AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan Pay Direct Card
   Your Pay Direct Card allows your claim to be processed immediately when you fill a prescription.
6. Extend your MSP, if required
   Each time you extend your study permit or get the Post-Graduation Work Permit, you will need to extend your MSP to maintain coverage in British Columbia.

iMED coverage period

iMED covers your first 3 months in Canada. iMED coverage should start from the month you arrive in BC plus 2 months to cover the 3-month BC MSP waiting period, or cover the full duration of your program of studies if you are a one-term exchange student or VIRS student.

Your coverage dates depends on when you start your program:

• Winter Term 1 (September to December): your coverage will start on August 1.
• Winter Term 2 (January to April): your coverage will start on December 1.
• Summer Term 1 (May to June): your coverage will start on April 1.
• Summer Term 2 (July to August): your coverage will start on June 1.

If you are a one-term exchange student or a VIRS student, you will have iMED for the duration of your studies. Check your coverage dates.

If you will arrive the month before or after your coverage starts, you can request to change your coverage dates.

Eligibility and how to enroll

You are automatically enrolled in iMED as a new-to-UBC international student when you register for classes. Check the “Financial Summary” in your Student Services Centre (SSC) account to make sure you were charged for the fee and will be enrolled. If you think you should be covered for iMED but do not see the fees on your account, contact International Student Advising. 

If you are a returning UBC student, you are not eligible for iMED and can purchase private insurance, such as the Global Campus Health Plan.

Your iMED card will be automatically emailed to you after you register for your first course. Be sure to download and print a copy. If you do not receive your card, contact David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS).

If you have family members, you are responsible for adding them to iMED.

If you already have MSP or another Canadian provincial or territorial health plan, or your studies are being funded by a third- party organization, you may be eligible to opt out of iMED.

More about iMED

Coverage period

There is a 3-month waiting period to be eligible for MSP, starting with the balance of your month of arrival, plus 2 months. 

As long as you apply as soon as you arrive in BC, you should be covered from your 4th month in BC until the expiry of your study permit, unless you leave BC for an extended period.  

When you get a new study or work permit, you must extend your MSP to maintain coverage. If you applied for a new study or work permit but you haven’t received it yet, ensure you have coverage while on maintained status.

Eligibility and how to enroll

You must apply for MSP for yourself and any family members who come with you as soon as you arrive in BC.Processing your MSP application could take several months. Once processed, you will receive your BC Services Card (formerly known as "BC CareCard") by mail and receive an invoice each month. You must pay the government directly.

If you will be in BC for 6 months or less, you are not eligible to apply.

More about MSP

Coverage period

• If you start your studies at UBC in Winter Term 1, you’re covered by the plan for 1 year from September 1 to August 31
• If you start your studies at UBC in Winter Term 2, you’re covered by the plan for 8 months from January 1 to August 31
• If you start your studies at UBC in the Summer Session: you are not automatically enrolled, but you may be eligible to self-enrol during the change of coverage period.

Eligibility and how to enroll

All AMS and GSS members are automatically enrolled, including full-time and part-time students, international students, and those auditing a course. Certain exceptions exist so make sure you check your Student Services Centre (SSC) account to ensure you’ve been charged for the fees and will be enrolled.

If you think you should be covered but you are missing the fee, or to confirm your coverage, contact the Care Centre.

If you have questions about coverage outside of Canada or documentation to opt out, contact Studentcare.

If you have family members, you are responsible for adding them to AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan.

Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC's Vancouver campus.

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