One of the first things you need to do after arriving in BC is enrol in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) — BC’s provincial health insurance. Without it, a single trip to the doctor could cost you hundreds of dollars out of pocket.
Here’s everything you need to know: the waiting period, what to do step by step, and how to get your BC Services Card through ICBC.
What Is MSP?
MSP (Medical Services Plan) is BC’s universal health insurance program. It covers medically necessary services including:
- Doctor visits (GP and specialists)
- Hospital services
- Some diagnostic services
Enrolment is mandatory for all BC residents. MSP premiums were eliminated as of January 1, 2020 — so it’s completely free.
Step 1 — You Need a BC Address First
Before you can apply, you need to have established residency in BC. That means you need a BC mailing address where you’re actually living. A P.O. box or temporary address won’t qualify — you need to be genuinely residing in the province.
Make sure you have the following before applying:
- Your BC residential address
- Photo ID and immigration documents (work permit, PR card, etc.)
- SIN (Social Insurance Number) if available
- Documents for all family members being added to the plan
Step 2 — Apply as Soon as You Arrive (Don’t Wait)
Apply immediately after establishing your BC address — don’t wait until the end of the waiting period. The earlier you apply, the earlier your coverage starts.
You can apply three ways:
- Online — Fastest method via the BC government website
- In person — At any Service BC location
- By mail — Using the paper application form
Step 3 — The Waiting Period: Approximately 3 Months
New BC residents are required to complete a waiting period before coverage begins. According to the BC government:
The waiting period = the remainder of the month you arrive in BC + 2 full months.
In practical terms, this means roughly 3 months. Here’s an example:
| Arrival Date | Coverage Starts |
|---|---|
| April 1 | July 1 (rest of April + May + June) |
| April 15 | July 1 (rest of April + May + June) |
| April 30 | July 1 (rest of April + May + June) |
| May 1 | August 1 (rest of May + June + July) |
Important: During the waiting period, get private health insurance to cover any medical costs. This is not optional — a single ER visit without coverage can cost thousands of dollars.
Once your MSP coverage is active, you’ll be assigned a Personal Health Number (PHN).
Step 4 — After Applying: You’ll Receive Mail from HIBC
After your application is processed, Health Insurance BC (HIBC) will mail a confirmation to the address you provided. This letter will include your Personal Health Number (PHN) and confirm your coverage details.
Keep an eye on your mailbox — this letter is what you’ll need to proceed to the next step.
Step 5 — Go to ICBC to Get Your Photo BC Services Card
This is the step many newcomers don’t know about. Once you’ve received your MSP confirmation, adults 18 years and 6 months or older who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents must visit an ICBC driver licensing office to complete enrolment and receive their Photo BC Services Card.
Your BC Services Card is your health care ID — you present it every time you visit a doctor or hospital in BC.
What to Bring to ICBC
- Two pieces of ID (one must be a primary ID such as your passport or PR card)
- Your MSP confirmation letter or PHN
What Happens at ICBC
- You declare that you are a BC resident
- Your photo is taken
- Your BC Services Card is issued — it’s free
You can book an appointment at icbc.com or walk in at any ICBC driver licensing location.
You can also choose to combine your BC Services Card with your driver’s licence — convenient if you’re getting your BC licence at the same time. Note that standard driver’s licence fees will apply in that case.
Full Process at a Glance
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secure a BC address | Required before applying |
| 2 | Apply for MSP immediately | Online, in-person, or by mail |
| 3 | Wait ~3 months | Get private insurance in the meantime |
| 4 | Receive mail from HIBC | Contains your PHN |
| 5 | Visit ICBC with 2 pieces of ID | Get your Photo BC Services Card (free) |
Useful Contacts
- Health Insurance BC (HIBC): 1-800-663-7100 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm)
- Lower Mainland: 604-683-7151
- ICBC appointment booking: icbc.com/appointment
- Service BC locations: servicebc.gov.bc.ca
Final Thoughts
MSP enrolment is one of those tasks that’s easy to put off when you’re busy settling into a new city — but it’s one of the most important things to sort out early. The waiting period starts from your arrival date, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you’re covered.
Questions about the process? Feel free to reach out through the Contact page. 🙂