Lana Oconnell
The British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP) is a mandatory health insurance plan that all residents of British Columbia (BC) must enrol in. This includes international students studying in BC. The MSP covers most medically required services such as hospitals, doctors, and diagnostic tests. The coverage starts at the beginning of the third month after arrival in BC, and it is important to apply for it as soon as possible to avoid any lapse in coverage. International students are required to pay a monthly fee for the MSP, which is branded as the Health Coverage fee. This fee is billed individually to students and is separate from the tuition fees. Some universities, such as Capilano University, provide automatic enrolment in a private basic health insurance plan during the MSP wait period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to apply? | All BC residents, including international students, are required to enroll in MSP. |
| What does it cover? | Most medically required services such as hospitals, doctors, and diagnostic tests. |
| When to apply | As soon as you arrive in BC and before starting your studies. Coverage starts at the beginning of the third calendar month after arrival. |
| How to apply | Apply online and send your payment to Health Insurance BC, which administers MSP on behalf of the Ministry of Health. |
| Cost | International students have to pay a monthly fee of 75 CAD. |
| Alternatives | Some universities provide temporary health insurance to cover the MSP wait period. Extended health and dental insurance plans are also available. |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
All residents of British Columbia (BC), Canada, are required to enroll in the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), which covers most medically required services such as hospitals, doctors, and diagnostic tests. International students at Capilano University (CapU) are mandated to apply for MSP as soon as they arrive in BC and before they commence their studies.
During the New International Student Orientation at CapU, more information about MSP is provided. However, it is the responsibility of the student to apply and send their payment directly to Health Insurance BC, which administers MSP on behalf of the Ministry of Health. There is a wait period for newcomers to BC, and coverage may only start at the beginning of the third calendar month after arrival. For instance, if you arrive anytime in August, your MSP coverage will start on the 1st of November. During this wait period, CapU's Centre for International Experience will automatically enrol you in guard.me, a private basic health insurance plan.
To apply for MSP, you must complete an online application and send your payment to Health Insurance BC. You can contact them at 1-800-663-7100. It is important to note that international students have to pay a monthly fee, which is branded as the "Health Coverage fee" and billed individually to students. This fee is approximately 75 CAD per month and will accrue until you file for your MSP card and pay off the account.
If you are starting at CapU in the Fall term, the university will automatically enrol you in the Capilano Students' Union (CSU) Extended Health and Dental Plan. The charges will be included in your fees and will appear in your myCapU account. However, if you already have this level of coverage with another plan, you can opt out of StudentCare. If you are commencing your studies in the spring or summer terms, you will need to self-enrol in the CSU Health and Dental Plan when you register for those terms.
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Coverage and benefits
For international students studying in Canada, having valid health insurance coverage is crucial. While the specific benefits and coverage offered by MSP for international students may vary depending on the province or territory, here are some general aspects:
MSP coverage for international students typically includes essential medical services such as hospital visits, doctor consultations, and diagnostic procedures. This ensures that students have access to necessary healthcare services without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.
In addition to the basic medical coverage, some provinces or territories may offer extended health benefits under MSP for international students. These benefits can include prescription drug coverage, vision care, dental care, and mental health services. These extended benefits can provide valuable support for students' overall well-being and help manage the costs associated with these services.
It is important to note that there may be a waiting period for MSP coverage to take effect. In British Columbia, for example, MSP coverage typically starts at the beginning of the third calendar month after arrival. During this waiting period, international students may need to explore alternative insurance options to ensure continuous coverage. Some universities, such as Capilano University, provide temporary health insurance plans to cover this waiting period.
Additionally, international students may be required to pay monthly fees or premiums for their MSP coverage. These fees can vary depending on the province or territory and the specific regulations in place. It is essential for international students to understand the cost structure and payment requirements to maintain their MSP coverage.
Overall, MSP coverage for international students provides access to essential and extended medical services, ensuring their health and well-being during their studies in Canada. It is important to review the specific coverage details, including any exclusions or limitations, to fully understand the benefits offered by MSP in the respective province or territory.
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Costs and fees
As an international student, you are required to enroll in the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), which covers most medically required services such as hospitals, doctors, and diagnostic tests. There are costs and fees associated with MSP that international students are responsible for paying.
Firstly, there is a monthly fee for MSP coverage, which is 75 CAD per month for international students. This fee is mandatory and must be paid directly to Health Insurance BC, which administers the MSP on behalf of the Ministry of Health. It is important to note that your coverage may not start immediately upon arrival in BC. There is typically a wait period of up to three months after your arrival date before your MSP coverage begins. During this wait period, you may be automatically enrolled in private basic health insurance, such as guard.me, to provide temporary coverage until your MSP takes effect.
In addition to the monthly fee, there may be other costs associated with MSP for international students. For example, if you do not apply for MSP and forget to opt out, your MSP coverage will automatically start on the third month of residence in BC. However, without the physical MSP card, you may be initially liable for the cost of medical services, which can be expensive. It is important to approach MSP to sort out the coverage and receive your card to avoid any financial liabilities.
Furthermore, the costs and fees for MSP can vary depending on your university and the agreements they have in place. For instance, at Capilano University, the Capilano Students' Union (CSU) Health and Dental Plan provides extended medical coverage, and the charges are included in the student's fees. At certain universities, there have been campaigns for the administration to cover the international student health fee, resulting in varying outcomes for different groups of students. It is recommended to check with your specific university to understand the costs and fees associated with MSP enrollment.
Overall, it is important for international students to be aware of the costs and fees associated with MSP enrollment and to take the necessary steps to apply and make payments to ensure they have access to healthcare services while studying in Canada.
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Temporary health insurance options
All international students in Canada must arrange for health insurance for the duration of their studies. While Canada is known for its publicly funded health care system, free universal health care is not available to international students.
The healthcare system in Canada is segregated, with each province individually governing its health insurance. If you purchase health insurance in one province, your member card will only be valid in that region.
- Provincial health care coverage: This is provided through a free government program or purchased through a private plan. However, it may only cover healthcare expenses incurred within that specific province.
- International student health insurance: This type of insurance can offer benefits specifically tailored to the needs of international students.
- Private health insurance: If an international student's health insurance does not cover periods of travel, they may purchase private health insurance to cover medical expenses incurred during their trip. This can often be done through their school in Canada.
- Guard.me: This is a private insurance option that is offered within Canada and has been used by SFU in the past.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations for health insurance vary across provinces in Canada. If your university or college sponsors your insurance, it will usually cover you until you finish your course. Otherwise, you will need to buy private health insurance or extend your current policy before arriving in Canada.
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Opting out and alternatives
The British Columbia (BC) government Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) is a mandatory public health insurance plan for everyone who lives in BC for 6 months or longer. However, only adult international students who formally opt out of provincial health coverage through MSP are exempt from paying the health fee. The onus for adults to enrol in MSP or formally opt out of provincial health-care benefits rests with the individual.
To opt out, you must complete and sign an Election to Opt Out Statement to the Ministry of Health annually. Under the Medicare Protection Act, eligible BC residents who decline coverage are not permitted to purchase private insurance within the province.
If you opt out of MSP, you will be responsible for the full cost of any health-care services received. Unpaid health fees are considered a debt to the provincial government and are subject to collection under applicable laws. Revenue Services of BC (RSBC), Ministry of Finance, manages billing and collections for the health fee on behalf of the Province.
If you are opting out of MSP, you will need to purchase temporary private health insurance, such as the Global Campus Health Plan, to cover you during your waiting period.
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Frequently asked questions
MSP refers to the British Columbia Medical Services Plan, which covers most medically required services, including hospitals, doctors, and diagnostic tests.
All BC residents are required to enroll in MSP. International students are considered BC residents and are therefore required to apply for MSP.
You should apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC and before you start your studies. Coverage typically starts at the beginning of the third calendar month after your arrival.
You can apply for MSP online. On your first day at university, you will usually receive more information about MSP during the New International Student Orientation.
Yes, international students are required to pay a fee for MSP. This fee is branded as the "Health Coverage fee" and is billed individually to students.
