Health Insurance and BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
All residents of BC who stay for over six months are required to have BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) this includes international students and their dependents.
BC MSP is basic medical insurance, and it covers services visits to medical clinics or hospitals.
UNBC Students also receive extended medical insurance through their students union (NUGSS or NBCGSS Health and dental plans. Learn more about extended medical insurance below.
Health Insurance for New Students
Students can apply for MSP online as soon as they arrive, but are not eligible to receive coverage for up to three months depending on arrival date (the wait period).
All new international students will be automatically enrolled in (guard.me) mandatory temporary health insurance for their first semester.
Please be aware that even if you already have private health insurance you will still be enrolled in insurance. Unless you have one of the following:
- You already have active MSP
- You already have an active guard.me plan
- You are a bilateral exchange student and have medical insurance provided by your home institution or government of your home country.
If you have already purchased insurance, check with your provider about getting a refund, before your coverage begins.
See below for more information on:
The mandatory private health insurance is required for new students that do not currently have BC MSP. Depending on the date of arrival new students typically need coverage for up to 3 months. Private health insurance charge of $190 CAD will be applied directly to your student account. It provides comprehensive coverage for medically necessary care for the duration of the semester.
Students who already have active British Columbia Medical Services Plan coverage can opt-out of guard.me by the add/drop date of each semester and receive a refund. Students will need to provide proof of active MSP to the International Office to be eligible for an opt-out.
For more information on private health insurance coverage, visit www.guard.me
If you will arrive early in Canada before the start of your program, you can apply for additional medical insurance coverage through guard.me. Early arrival is a one-time purchase only, it cannot be purchased beyond your program start date.
If you are an international student and have been enrolled in the guard.me plan, you can apply for coverage for your dependents. Please note that you can only apply for your dependents after you have received your certificate or policy number.
BC MSP covers basic medical procedures. When visiting a clinic or hospital you must have your BC MSP with you. International students are responsible for maintaining the BC MSP enrolment.
Cost: $75 a month fee - This fee begins after the mandatory waiting period.
Students pay the MSP fee directly to the government. You are responsible for enrolling yourself and paying for this independently. This fee cannot be paid from your UNBC account. UNBC International can assist you with the registration process.
Learn more about BC MSP:
Students also have extended healthcare coverage through the NUGSS or NBCGSS Health and Dental Plans. Extended medical insurance provides additional medical coverage for services not covered by basic healthcare plan. Each plan is different and students should review their policy carefully. If students already have extended healthcare through their parents or through work, they may be eligible to opt out. Please see the links below for more information and opt-out dates.