What will happen to my BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage if I leave Canada?

For absence of less than 6 months:

You can maintain BC MSP coverage for up to 6 months of absence from BC. If your absence is less than 6 months, you have the option to keep BC MSP. If you decide to keep BC MSP, you will have to continue paying the monthly health fee; however, you will not have to re-apply for BC MSP or be subject to the coverage wait period when you return to BC. Please contact Health Insurance BC directly to discuss your options.

For absence of longer than 6 months:

Residents who will be absent from B.C. for six months or more in a calendar year need to contact Health Insurance BC to confirm continued eligibility and discuss options for continued MSP coverage that may be available during an absence.

If you cancel your BC MSP

You will have to re-apply for BC MSP when you return to BC and be subject to the coverage wait period before MSP coverage can be renewed. This means it is important for you to consider whether you will have adequate medical insurance coverage upon your return to Canada. You will need to purchase private medical insurance (e.g., Guard.me interim coverage) before you return to Canada to cover you during the three-month waiting period. Please contact us when you are making your travel plan to learn about your options.

If you leave BC permanently

If you plan to move permanently outside British Columbia (B.C.), you must notify Health Insurance BC (HIBC) as soon as possible. The quickest and easiest way to notify HIBC of a permanent move outside B.C. is to submit the details online using the “MSP Permanent Move Outside of B.C.” form. See this page for more information.

To contact Health Insurance BC regarding your BC MSP coverage, please visit MSP website.