Overview of the Different Types of Medical Insurance
Private Temporary Medical Insurance
Government of B.C. Medical Insurance - Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Extended Health Insurance - SUVCC Health and Dental Plan
International students must be aware of the different types of medical insurance and their coverage while studying in Canada. Healthcare costs in Canada can be pricy, and VCC requires all students to enrol in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of British Columbia.
International students are only able to enrol in MSP after they arrive in Canada and have the ability to provide a copy of their status in Canada (copy of their study permit) and proof of a residential address. The MSP has a 3-month waiting period for issuance. To cover the MSP waiting period, international students must obtain private medical insurance for the first three months of their arrival in Canada. At VCC, we offer David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS). They are both parts of the basic medical insurance, covering most hospital-required services while you live in BC.
Besides the two medical insurances mentioned above, as an international student in a full-time program at VCC, you may be eligible (and charged) for the Student Union at VCC’s (SUVCC) Health and Dental Plan. The SUVCC Health and Dental Plan is an additional health insurance. Coverage includes a percentage of dental services, extended health services such as massage, physiotherapy and acupuncture, and prescription medicines and eyeglasses (vision care).
During your first three months, you will be required to have private medical insurance to cover hospital and medical services in case of a medical emergency while you are waiting to be enrolled in the BC Medical Services Plan. VCC International Education can assist you in purchasing this temporary private insurance. While it is possible to buy after arrival, it is strongly recommended that you purchase your 3-month medical insurance prior to travelling to Canada so that you can be covered upon arrival. Please get in touch with VCC to order the insurance.
Private medical insurance covers emergency medical care (ambulance, hospital, doctor, prescription medicine, etc.) for an unexpected sickness or injury, as well as emergency dental services. For more coverage information, please visit Health Insurance for International Students.
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the Government of British Columbia's health insurance plan. The MSP pays for medically required services, like doctor’s appointments, surgeries, some medical exams, and most hospital-related services in Canada.
Under the Medicare Protection Act, enrolment with the MSP is mandatory for all eligible residents of British Columbia (people living in the province) and their dependents. That includes international students living in B.C., who hold a valid study permit for at least six months, and their dependents (spouse and children). Therefore, international students must apply for MSP as soon as they arrive In British Columbia.
International students living in British Columbia for six months or longer and their dependents are required under the Medicare Protection Act to apply for MSP. Applying for MSP is the student’s responsibility, and they must submit the MSP application as soon as they arrive in BC.
Required documents to submit an MSP application:
We encourage all international students to submit an online application. You may also apply in person or by mail as an alternative.
The MSP has a coverage waiting period of 3 months. MSP coverage is backdated to the first day of the month you arrive in Canada, plus two additional months for a total of three months of coverage. To address this waiting period, VCC offers the option to purchase private medical insurance from David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS).
Example of MSP coverage for a student arriving in the Fall term:
Your MSP coverage and expiry date will match your status in Canada (study permit) validity. Every time you extend your study permit or apply for a different status in Canada (i.e., post-graduation work permit), you will need to update your MSP account.
The MSP costs $75.00 per month for study permit holders (subject to change); however, it is free of charge for the work permit and visitor permit holders. The monthly fee must be paid to the Government of B.C., and the monthly invoice will be issued by Revenue Services of B.C. You may visit Paying Your MSP Health Fee to learn more.
If you change your home address, change your name, add/remove dependents or leave Canada permanently, you need to inform MSP.
If you are an international student in maintained status (have applied to extend or change your immigration status in Canada), you may have temporary MSP coverage until a decision is made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on your application. To learn more, please visit Medical Services Plan coverage continues for people with maintained status.
Please visit the Health Fee for International Students Q&A for more information.
The MSP covers most medically required services, like doctor’s appointments, surgeries, some medical exams, and most hospital-related services in Canada. Please note that MSP doesn’t cover dental care, eye examinations for vision care, corrective lenses, prescription drugs, or travel. To address this extra coverage, SUVCC offers the Health and Dental Plan.
To use your MSP, you should show your BC Services Card (government-issued ID with your name and Personal Health Number) whenever seeking medical services at walk-in clinics or hospitals. It is recommended that people seek clinics for minor illnesses or injuries and hospitals for emergency medical care. To request help or an ambulance, call 911.
Health Insurance BC (HIBC): For MSP enrolment, cancelling coverage and other services.
Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 am Pacific Standard Time.
Revenue Services of British Columbia (RSBC): For billing, payments and refund information.
Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 am Pacific Standard Time.
The Students’ Union of Vancouver Community College (SUVCC) offers a comprehensive Health and Dental plan (GreenShield) for full-time students. MSP coverage does not include extended health and dental benefits. All full-time academic students in the fall and winter terms are automatically enrolled in the SUVCC Health and Dental plan. VCC assists SUVCC in assessing and collecting these fees.
The SUVCC Health and Dental plan is mandatory unless students have equivalent insurance coverage. Students may opt-out of SUVCC Health and Dental before completing their first 30 days of their program. Please note that proof of equal insurance is required.
The Students’ Union health and dental plan contain a vast range of benefits that helps students with medical and other services. Coverage includes a percentage of dental services, routine eye examinations, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, services of counsellors or psychologists and more. The plan costs less than $23 per month and provides access to thousands of dollars in benefits.
Students can access their digital ID cards by downloading the GSC Everywhere app.
You can also add dependents to the SUVCC Health and Dental plan.
Note: The SUVCC Health and Dental plan does not cover BC Medical Service Plan premiums.
Please visit SUVCC Health and Dental plan to learn more, and contact services@suvcc.ca if you have any questions.
