New residents or persons re-establishing residence in B.C. are eligible for coverage after completing a waiting period that normally consists of the balance of the month of arrival plus two months. For example, if an eligible person arrives during the month of July, coverage is available October 1. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) insures medically required services provided by doctors and supplementary health care practitioners, laboratory services and diagnostic procedures. In other words, if you are enrolled and paying premiums to MSP you can visit your doctor for an appointment or go to the hospital in case of an emergency and the eligible medical bills that would otherwise be incurred are paid directly to the doctor by MSP. To be insured you must apply for coverage and then pay regular premiums. Full information about eligibility and what is covered can be found via www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp
Once you and your family are enrolled in the plan you will receive BC Medical Cards with a personal MSP number and you should carry these with you as you never know when you may end up in a hospital or doctors office.
Dental care is not covered under the plan.