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The information here is an AI summary of the advice people in our Discord have shared. Their experiences may not always reflect the accurate process. None of this should be considered financial, immigration, or real estate advice.

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• New residents of B.C. must apply for MSP as soon as possible after establishing residence. Government of British Columbia
• Apply for MSP now: Visit the application page and include all family members. Even though coverage only starts after the wait-period, starting the process early is wise
• There is a mandatory wait-period: the remainder of the month in which you establish residence plus two full subsequent months. So if you arrive early in a month, you will typically be eligible starting the 1st of the month three months later. Government of British Columbia
• During that waiting period you’re not covered by MSP. If you don’t have alternative insurance, you must pay most costs yourself in hospital/doctor settings in B.C. Government of British Columbia+1

How does the 3-month MSP waiting period work?

BC's public health insurance is MSP, the Medical Services Plan. Everyone coming into BC, including returning Canadian citizens, has a 3-month waiting period before MSP coverage kicks in.

• The waiting period is calculated as the month of arrival plus two more full calendar months. The month of arrival counts as a full month regardless of the date. For example, if you arrive January 14, your coverage begins April 1.
• Apply for MSP as soon as possible after arrival. You do not need your SIN to apply.
• During the waiting period, you can still access BC public hospitals for care, but you will either pay out of pocket or use private bridge insurance.
• Emergency care will not be refused based on coverage status.

What bridge insurance should I buy?

Members recommended:

• Sun Life
• BCAA
• Manulife
• Desjardins
• Pacific Blue Cross

One Nanaimo RN paid about $300 CAD total for two months of Pacific Blue Cross coverage during the gap. Your employer may also offer interim coverage as part of their benefits package, so ask about that.

Also: your credit card may include short-term travel insurance that could cover the gap, especially if you are a dual citizen who technically travelled to Canada. Check the fine print.