How to apply for your BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

The easiest way to apply is to submit an application online.

If you decide to submit a paper application by mail, consider using a secure mailing method such as Canada Post Xpresspost.

International students

If you are reapplying for MSP after no longer being covered by the plan, you will need to go through the approximately 3-month waiting period again. Be sure to get temporary private health insurance, such as the Global Campus Health Plan, to cover you until you can reinstate your MSP coverage. If you are a part-time student, UBC employee, visiting instructor, postdoctoral fellow, or other non-student affiliate and need temporary hospital and medical coverage, contact David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS) for information about "non-student" medical insurance plan options. Visit the MSP page for more details.

Temporary BC residents (such as international students and workers) will typically be issued a BC Services Card (formerly known as “BC CareCard”) without a photo. Carry your card with you as well as a digital or paper copy of your valid study permit or work permit.

You can also apply for a BC driver’s license and/or BC ID card (which includes your photo) by submitting a separate application to the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC).

Domestic students

As of 2018, to complete MSP enrolment, adult Canadian citizens and permanent residents will need to obtain a BC Services Card with a photo by visiting an Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) driver licensing office. 

Apply for MSP, wait for your letter of instruction, then bring the letter and primary and secondary photo ID document such as your driver’s license or your BC ID Card to an ICBC office near you.

It is recommended for most students to register for the BC Fair PharmaCare program, which may provide additional coverage for prescription drugs, medical devices, and pharmacy services. PharmaCare registration may be required for prescription coverage through the AMS/GSS Health and Dental plan. 

Since coverage is based on income, the application requires proof of your previous income based on taxes filed in Canada 2 years ago. If you are a new resident of Canada, recently turned 19, or were exempt from filing taxes in Canada 2 years ago, you might be able to submit a Fair PharmaCare Proof of Income Affidavit—contact MSP for assistance.

As of October 2022, you can register for the BC Fair PharmaCare plan at the same time you apply for MSP. It is also possible to register for Fair PharmaCare separately.

You need to provide a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to apply. If you don’t have a SIN yet, consider applying for MSP separately as soon as you arrive in BC, and then register for Fair PharmaCare once you have your SIN.

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has resided in Canada for at least the past 12 months, you might also be eligible for supplementary benefits.

If you have questions about enrollment with Fair PharmaCare, contact MSP.

To confirm your eligibility and coverage, contact MSP.

For all other questions related to international health insurance, connect with International Student Advising.

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