International student healthcare

If you are planning to study in British Columbia for at least six months, you are eligible for BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP). You should apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC.

However, it takes about 3 months for MSP to process applications, and students may only apply once they arrive in Canada.

iMED provides you with basic health insurance during the three-month waiting period before you qualify for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP).

International students may purchase extended health coverage to supplement the basic coverage offered by MSP. Many schools offer extended health insurance packages to their students, and some institutions even require students to purchase these packages.

If a student is not eligible for MSP, then they must purchase private health care coverage for the duration of their stay.