Medical Services Plan of BC

Free medical insurance program (MSP) for BC residents and dependents who must enroll as program coverage is not automatic. Apply online, by mail or in person at a ServiceBC location. 

To complete enrollment, applicants need to obtain a Photo BC Services card by visiting an Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) driver licensing office,

Must be Canadian citizens or holders of permanent status (landed immigrants), must make their home in BC and be physically present in B.C. at least 6 months in a calendar year (or 7 months if away for vacation purposes);

Certain other individuals, such as some holders of study and/or work permits issued under the federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act are deemed to be residents, but tourists or visitors to B.C. do not qualify.

New residents or persons re-establishing residence in B.C. may be eligible for coverage after completing a wait period that consists of the balance of the month in which residence is established, plus two months.

For those living on a low income or meeting other criteria,the  MSP Supplementary Benefits Program may provide partial payment for certain medical services obtained in British Columbia and may also provide access to other income-based programs such as the Healthy Kids program. 

Health Insurance BC administers both MSP and PharmaCare.

See Brochure (below) for more information.