Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare, 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 medically required services including: 

  • Doctor and hospital visits
  • Diagnostic services (ex. x-rays and blood test)
  • Maternity care

See the full list of benefits here. 

For services not covered by BC MSP, 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 in Canada, 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.  

  • Guard.me insurance will cover you from the first day of the month of your starting semester.
  • You must be registered in order for UNBC to enroll you in guard.me insurance.
  • If you arrive in Canada early or have dependent you can apply for additional coverage.

Even if you already have private health insurance you will still be enrolled in guard.me. Students can only opt-out of guard.me if:   

  • 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: 

Guard.me is mandatory private health insurance required for new students.  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.  It is a temporary insurance and not a replacement for BC MSP.

To opt-out of guard.me health insurance: 

  • Opt-out by the add/drop date of each semester.
  • You must provide proof of active MSP to the International Office.  

If you do not opt-out of guard.me you will continue to be enrolled the following semester. 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: 

Extended healthcare coverage through the NUGSS or NBCGSS Health and Dental Plans, provides additional medical coverage for services not covered by BC MSP. 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.  

Lean more about Graduate plan  

Healthcare Providers in Prince George 

Emergency (Major Problems)

University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (Open 24 hours a day)

Examples of Emergency (Major Problems):

  • Broken bones, serious cuts or excessive bleeding
  • Injuries from accidents (e.g. motor vehicle accident)
  • Severe pain or illness; high fever (over 39°C)

Non-Emergency (Minor Problems)

UNBC has a medical clinic for students and there are two drop-in clinics (Hours vary – Not 24 hour):

Examples of Non-Emergency (Minor Problems):

  • Sore throat, runny nose, cough, cold or flu symptoms
  • Small aches and pains; mild fever (under 39°C)
  • Minor rashes and skin irritations

Dial 8-1-1

  • Free-of charge provincial health information and advice phone line.
  • Available in 130 different languages
  • Speak directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist to get the information you need to manage your health concerns.

Virtual Clinic 

The Northern Heath Virtual Clinic will provide service for patients without a primary care provider.