MSP

British Columbia health coverage for newcomers

Bottom line: New residents generally complete a wait period consisting of the balance of the month residence is established plus two months. B.C. tells new arrivals to apply immediately and consider private insurance during the wait.

When coverage starts

Moving from outside Canada

New residents generally complete a wait period consisting of the balance of the month residence is established plus two months. B.C. tells new arrivals to apply immediately and consider private insurance during the wait.

Moving from another province or territory

The same balance-of-month plus two-month wait generally applies, with the former province or territory expected to cover the transition period where applicable.

Who may qualify

Permanent resident: Permanent residents who establish B.C. residency can enrol, but the standard new-resident wait period generally applies.

Work permit: Certain work permit holders can qualify as residents for MSP. The qualifying immigration document and residency date determine when the wait period starts.

International student: Many international students with qualifying permits can enrol in MSP, but enrolment and immigration-document rules apply; verify the current student rules and fees.

Visitor: Tourists and ordinary visitors are not B.C. residents for MSP purposes.

Residency rule

MSP eligibility depends on being a B.C. resident and holding a qualifying citizenship or immigration status.

Avoid an uninsured gap

B.C. specifically recommends private health insurance while a new arrival is completing the MSP waiting period.

Status-specific guides

Permanent resident coverage in British Columbia→Work permit holder coverage in British Columbia→

Primary government source

British Columbia — Apply for MSP →

Source confidence: high. Health-plan eligibility can depend on documents, residency facts and permit dates. Confirm the effective date with the provincial or territorial plan before cancelling existing insurance.

Compare across Canada

Newcomer Health Coverage Checker →
2026 Canada Newcomer Health Coverage Reference →
All provinces and territories →