Applying for a Health Card in British Columbia is a top priority if you are a newcomer in Canada. Looking at the reasons why immigrants often choose this country, the universal healthcare plan tops the list. However, each province and territory has its own separate healthcare plan and criteria.
Specifically, this blog will extensively discuss healthcare in British Columbia and the ways to apply for a health card.
The healthcare plan in British Columbia is called the Medical Services Plan or MSP. You must follow the proper application process to get coverage for the Medical Services Plan in this province. You will need to follow the waiting period to access MSP or health insurance coverage.
Applying for a Health Card in British Columbia – MSP coverage
MSP ensures coverage for all the essentially required healthcare services, such as:
- Visits, including surgeons, general practitioners, and other doctors.
- Laboratory Services
- Medically essential dental services
- Diagnostic tests, including X-rays
- Obstetric services
- Hospital Services
- Yearly eye examination – applies to children under 18 years or adults aged 65 or above.
- Eye examinations per the medical requirement by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist – apply to those between the age group of 19 and 64.
- Severe facial abnormalities that come under the Orthodontic services.
Low-income individuals can also access certain additional benefits. However, they must submit a separate application. If accepted, you will also gain eligibility for partial payment for services including:
- Chiropractic
- Naturopathy
- Acupuncture
- Massage Therapy
- Non-surgical podiatry
- Acupuncture
What doesn’t fall under MSP coverage?
Typically, MSP will not provide coverage for the following:
- Prescriptions (excluding those during a medical stay).
- Regular eye checkups for those between 19 and 64.
- Dental care apart from the medically essential one.
- Cosmetic procedures/surgeries.
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Massage Therapy.
- Psychotherapy and Counseling.
- Naturopathy.
British Columbia Health Insurance Eligibility for Newcomers
When newcomers first arrive in Canada, they must apply for their British Columbia Health Card through the MSP at the earliest. Mostly, British Columbia urges newcomers to apply for their health cards immediately. B.C. residents are considered eligible to proceed with provincial healthcare applications. Those who hold Canadian citizenship or are permanent residents are eligible for provincial healthcare.
Each calendar year, they must reside in the country for about 6 to 7 months and have a home here.
Besides this, the following individuals are eligible for healthcare in British Columbia:
- Dependents are related to those who fulfill the above conditions.
- Students who can demonstrate valid study permits.
- Those with authentic Working Holiday work permits.
- Individuals who held study or work permits and gained entry into Canada through the federal IRPA.
Applying for a Health Card in British Columbia – navigating the entire process
British Columbia’s health card application is convenient, but the individuals must hold a Photo BC Services Card. This is a type of card used to verify your identity and age by the Canadian government. Obtaining this card is the first step toward getting your health card in British Columbia.
The ID forms accepted in B.C. for the BC Services Card include a Permanent Resident Card, driver’s license, temporary resident permit, and student work or study permit. Individuals can also submit other forms of ID like non-English documents, including driver’s licenses. They must provide certified copies of all of these.
Next, visiting an ICBC Licensing Office is required as the representative will confirm the applicant’s residence in British Columbia. Furthermore, he will take their photograph and mail your BC Services Card. They will not have to pay any fees.
Applying process for MSP
After obtaining your BC Services Card, you must apply for an MSP in the following two ways:
Applying online
The online application form for an MSP might just take 15 minutes. Your data will be saved locally until you do the final submission of your form.
Remember the following things to fill out the online MSP application form successfully:
- You must demonstrate if you are a Canadian citizen or a new immigrant.
- Scan and provide your digital identification photograph showing your MSP eligibility.
- In the case of transiting to B.C. from another province, you must submit all the latest documents, such as a marriage certificate, change in name, etc.
Applying using the mail
Another method or approach for MSP application submission is the mail method. Using this method requires you to get a printout of the form and then carefully complete it manually. Also, don’t forget to attach all relevant documents. Be ready to mail them.
Depending on your location, you might choose the following options for applying through mail:
- Medical Services Plan.
- V8W 9P7.
- Victoria BC.
- Health Insurance BC.
- PO Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt.
What do you need to apply for MSP?
Individuals will need to provide the following to apply for MSP:
- Canadian citizenship proof, such as a passport. Besides this, proof of your immigration status, like a PR card or record of landing, work, or study permit.
- Enrollment form application
- BC Services Card.
MSP coverage – when will it begin?
Newcomers must experience the waiting period before proceeding with MSP coverage. The following duration will decide the waiting period:
- The last days of your arrival month in British Columbia.
- Adding two months to the first month of your arrival.
Also, the waiting period for your spouse will differ from yours if they happen to arrive after you. It will depend upon the arrival dates.
Conclusion
Your residence in British Columbia might take several months, and you will have to pass through the entire waiting period, with two months in addition to the standard period. Hence, not getting access to any healthcare insurance for such a long period might not be a good idea. Any unexpected illness or accident can overwhelm you greatly due to the financial trouble that comes along. This is true if you don’t have any private health insurance.
