How BC health coverage works
British Columbia’s public health insurance is the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It covers medically necessary doctor visits and hospital care. International students who hold a study permit valid for six months or longer are expected to enrol.
MSP doesn’t start the day you land. There is a wait period: the rest of the month in which you arrive, plus two full months.
| You arrive on | MSP coverage starts |
|---|---|
| August 15 | November 1 |
| September 1 | December 1 |
| September 28 | December 1 |
| January 3 | April 1 |
Arriving early in a month means a longer wait — up to three full months.
Cover the gap with private insurance
You need private health insurance from the day you arrive until MSP starts. Most BC colleges and universities enrol international students automatically in a plan for this period (guard.me is common) and add the cost to your fees. Before you buy your own:
- check your school’s international student page or fee statement
- confirm the plan’s start and end dates match your arrival and MSP start
- ask whether you need to opt in, or whether it’s automatic
The $75 International Student Health Fee
Once you’re enrolled in MSP, BC charges international students a $75 monthly health fee — $900 a year. It applies to each person on a study permit (and to each family member enrolled), regardless of income. Billing starts on the first day of the month your MSP coverage begins.
Our cost calculator includes this fee in every estimate.
How to enrol
- Apply online as soon as you arrive — the wait period is counted from your arrival, not from your application, but applying late can leave gaps.
- Have your passport and study permit ready.
- You’ll receive confirmation by mail. After that, visit an ICBC driver licensing office to get your BC Services Card, which shows you’re covered and lets you log in to many BC government services online.
What MSP doesn’t cover
MSP doesn’t cover everything. Prescription drugs, dental care, eye exams for adults and ambulance trips are partly or fully excluded. Many schools offer an extended health and dental plan through the student union — check whether you’re enrolled and whether you can opt out.
Next steps
Add MSP enrolment to your first-week tasks in our arrival checklist.