MSP (Medical Services Plan) is British Columbia’s public healthcare system, which you must register for as a newcomer moving to Vancouver. It provides access to doctors, prescription medication, and hospital care under BC’s universal healthcare system.

You need a job to get MSP with the IEC visa, they aren’t very clear on this.

Eligibility for Medical Services Plan (MSP)

If you will be staying in B.C. on a working holiday program, you may be eligible for enrolment in MSP if you:

• Are employed for six consecutive months or more during the valid period of the work permit; and
• Will be working a minimum of 18 hours per week.
• Are staying in B.C. for six consecutive months or more;
• Have a work permit valid for six consecutive months or more;
• You won’t get BC MSP coverage until you have been living and working in Vancouver for 3 months, so it’s important to apply for MSP as a new resident in BC immediately after arriving.

The BC MSP is a government medical services plan that covers the cost of basic medical care within Canada, including most physician and hospital services. The BC Services Card is essential for accessing these medical services, as it links individuals to their medical coverage through the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Without enrollment in MSP, you would need to pay for medical expenses independently, which can be quite costly. The British Columbia government is responsible for billing and collecting health-care coverage fees from study permit holders under the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Even if you come over with a partner who gets or has a job, you can’t get it through them, you have to be working or starting work.

About the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

The British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP) is a mandatory public health insurance plan for everyone who lives in British Columbia for six months or longer. This plan is crucial for accessing the health care available to all BC residents. The BC MSP is a government medical services plan that covers the cost of basic medical care within Canada, including most physician and hospital services. Without enrollment in MSP, you would need to pay for medical expenses independently, which can be quite costly. Therefore, ensuring you are registered with MSP is essential for your health and financial well-being while living in British Columbia.

Apply for BC Medical Services Plan

You must apply for MSP in British Columbia as soon as you arrive or as soon as you secure a job to ensure you maintain medical coverage. The MSP processing time in BC is approximately three months for new immigrants and working holiday visa holders. For some cases like for Ireland, you have to buy healthcare for a year or 2.

You will have to provide them with a letter from your employer, so ask for that before you even come to Canada. MSP coverage fees include a monthly charge of $75 for study permit holders effective from January 1, 2020. These fees apply to family members as well, and it is important to pay directly to the British Columbia government.

If you want to apply and don’t have an address where you can receive mail, or a job yet, you will have to call them, which is in most cases:

• 604 683-7151 (Lower Mainland)
• 1 800 663-7100 (Elsewhere in B.C.)