Douglas Olsen
The British Columbia (BC) government's Medical Services Plan (MSP) is a mandatory public health insurance plan for all residents of British Columbia, including international students who live in the province for six months or longer. While MSP is free for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, international students must pay a monthly health fee of $75 per month. This fee ensures that international students can benefit from BC's publicly funded healthcare system. There is a three-month waiting period for MSP coverage, during which international students must obtain private medical insurance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is MSP for? | International students and their dependents living in British Columbia (BC) for six months or longer. |
| Who provides MSP? | The Government of BC. |
| Is MSP mandatory? | Yes, under the Medicare Protection Act, enrolment with the MSP is mandatory for all eligible residents of British Columbia. |
| Is MSP free for international students? | No, international students must pay a monthly health fee of $75. |
| What does MSP cover? | Basic, medically-required health services, including most physician and hospital services. |
| What does MSP not cover? | Dental care, optometry, and physiotherapy. |
| Is there a waiting period for MSP coverage? | Yes, there is a 3-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins. |
| What should international students do during the waiting period? | International students should obtain private medical insurance to cover the waiting period. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in British Columbia must pay a monthly health fee
- MSP is mandatory for all eligible British Columbia residents
- MSP does not cover all medical costs
- There is a 3-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins
- International students must submit the MSP application upon arrival in British Columbia
International students in British Columbia must pay a monthly health fee
The British Columbia (BC) government's Medical Services Plan (MSP) is a mandatory public health insurance plan for all residents of BC. International students who are physically present in BC for at least six months in a calendar year are deemed to be residents and are required to enrol in MSP.
Introduced in 2019, the International Student Health Fee (ISHF) is a mandatory monthly fee of $75 charged to all international students studying in British Columbia on a valid study permit for at least six months of the year. This fee is invoiced to each family member enrolled in the MSP who possesses a valid study permit, regardless of family size, income, or secondary immigration status. The ISHF ensures that international students both contribute to and benefit from BC's publicly funded healthcare system.
International students must provide accurate and up-to-date personal information to Health Insurance BC (HIBC). They are also required to update their address within 10 days of moving. Once enrolled, Health Insurance BC will send invoices by mail, and the student is responsible for submitting payment.
There is a three-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins: the balance of the month in which the student arrives in BC, plus two full calendar months. To cover this waiting period, most new international students are covered by iMED health insurance for their first three months in Canada. Returning international students are advised to purchase private temporary health insurance.
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MSP is mandatory for all eligible British Columbia residents
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is a mandatory public health insurance plan for all eligible British Columbia (BC) residents. The plan covers the cost of basic medical care within Canada, including most physician and hospital services. Under the Medicare Protection Act, enrolment in MSP is mandatory for all eligible residents of British Columbia.
International students who are physically present in BC for at least six months in a calendar year are deemed to be residents and are required to apply for MSP. There is a three-month waiting period for MSP coverage to begin, during which international students must obtain private medical insurance. The International Student Health Fee (ISHF) is a mandatory monthly fee of $75 charged to all international students studying in British Columbia on a valid study permit for at least six months of the year. This fee supports the sustainability of BC's healthcare system and ensures that international students can access necessary medical services.
If you are an international student, it is your responsibility to submit the MSP application as soon as you arrive in BC. You will need to provide a copy of your valid study permit and proof of a residential address. Failure to provide proof of MSP enrolment could result in you being blocked from registering for certain courses.
It is important to keep your account information accurate and up-to-date, including your address and any changes to your status in Canada. If you are enrolled in MSP with a study permit valid for six months or longer, you will be invoiced for the health fee.
In conclusion, MSP is a vital service for all eligible British Columbia residents, including international students, providing access to necessary medical services and ensuring the sustainability of the province's healthcare system.
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MSP does not cover all medical costs
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is a mandatory public health insurance plan for everyone who lives in British Columbia (BC), Canada, for 6 months or longer. International students are required to have medical insurance coverage throughout their studies in BC.
There is a 3-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins, which includes the balance of the month in which you arrive in BC, plus two full calendar months. During this waiting period, international students are advised to purchase private temporary health insurance such as iMED or the Global Campus Health Plan.
The MSP Health fee for international students is $75 per month. Once enrolled, Health Insurance BC will send invoices by mail, and students are responsible for submitting payment. To be eligible for medical coverage under MSP, a person must be a resident of BC, which includes international students with a valid study permit for 6 months or longer.
It is important to note that different provinces and territories in Canada have their own health insurance plans, and not all of them provide coverage for international students. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the respective province or territory's health insurance plan to confirm eligibility and coverage.
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There is a 3-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the Government of British Columbia's health insurance plan. It is a mandatory public health insurance plan for everyone who lives in British Columbia (BC) for 6 months or longer. International students who are physically present in BC for at least six months in a calendar year are deemed to be residents and are required to apply for MSP as soon as they arrive in BC.
The MSP Health fee for international students of all ages is $75 per month. Once enrolled, Health Insurance BC will send invoices by mail, and the student will be responsible for submitting payment. The fee is mandatory for all international students and their family members enrolled in the MSP who possess a valid study permit, regardless of family size, income, or secondary immigration status.
It is important to note that MSP does not cover all medical costs. For example, it does not cover dental care, optometrists, or physiotherapists. If you want coverage for more medical costs, you can buy insurance from a private company.
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International students must submit the MSP application upon arrival in British Columbia
International students must apply for MSP as soon as they arrive in BC and establish residency. They are required to have medical insurance coverage throughout their studies. Failure to provide proof of MSP enrolment could result in course registration issues and ineligibility for any International Letter of Verification. To apply for MSP, international students must submit an application online or by paper. The online application takes a few minutes, but applicants must upload a digital image of an immigration document, such as a study permit, to complete it.
There is a three-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins, consisting of the balance of the month in which the applicant arrives in BC, plus two full calendar months. For example, if an applicant arrives in BC on August 25, they will be eligible for MSP coverage starting November 1. To cover this waiting period, most new international students are covered by iMED health insurance for their first three months in Canada. Returning international students whose iMED insurance has expired and who are not re-enrolled are advised to purchase private temporary health insurance, such as the Global Campus Health Plan.
International students enrolled in MSP with a study permit valid for six months or longer will be invoiced for the health fee. The MSP health fee for international students of all ages (and dependent family members) is $75 per month. Once enrolled, Health Insurance BC will send invoices by mail, and the student will be responsible for submitting payment.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students must pay a monthly health fee of CAD 75 per month.
MSP covers most medically required services such as hospitals, doctors, and diagnostic tests.
MSP does not cover all healthcare services. For example, MSP does not cover dental care, optometry, or physiotherapy.
You can enrol in MSP by completing and sending the BC MSP enrolment form or by applying online.
Yes, there is a 3-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins. This includes the balance of the month in which you arrive in British Columbia (BC) plus two full calendar months.
