Registering for Health Insurance in Canada
One of the first things to do when you arrive in Canada is sign up for provincial health insurance. BC has MSP (Medical Services Plan) and Ontario has OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).
⚠️ Important: Both MSP and OHIP have a 3-month waiting period from your arrival date. Purchase temporary private insurance to cover this gap.
In BC — MSP
Who is eligible?
- Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents (PR)
- International students with a Study Permit valid for 6 months or more
- Open Work Permit or Work Permit holders (6+ months)
How to apply
- Visit the Health Insurance BC website at gov.bc.ca
- Complete the online or paper application
- Prepare: Study Permit / PR card / passport + proof of BC residency (lease, utility bill)
- Apply as early as possible — coverage begins 3 months from your arrival date
Temporary coverage during the 3-month wait
- Guard.me — popular with international students (~$60–80/month)
- Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife — flexible plan options
- Check if your school provides automatic health coverage for international students
After receiving MSP
- See a family doctor or walk-in clinic at no direct cost
- Find a family doctor: healthmatchbc.org
- 24/7 medical advice line: 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC)
- Prescription drugs are not covered — register for Fair PharmaCare at gov.bc.ca
In Ontario — OHIP
Who is eligible?
- Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents in Ontario
- International students with a Study Permit (6+ months)
- Certain Work Permit holders
How to apply
- Visit your nearest ServiceOntario location (find one at serviceontario.ca)
- Bring: passport or COPR + Study/Work Permit + proof of Ontario residency
- 3-month waiting period applies — your OHIP card will arrive by mail
Temporary coverage in Ontario
- UHIP — mandatory for international students at Ontario universities; typically covers the OHIP waiting period
- Contact your school's International Student Centre for details
After receiving OHIP
- Find a family doctor: healthcareconnect.ontario.ca
- Walk-in clinics accept patients without appointments
- 24/7 medical advice line: Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
Quick Reference
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Non-urgent medical need | Book a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic |
| Emergency | Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room (ER) |
| Medical advice | 8-1-1 (BC) or 1-866-797-0000 (Ontario) |
| Prescription | Bring your prescription to Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmasave, Rexall... |
| Mental health support | Search "mental health walk-in clinic" in your city |
Updated: 2025. Based on current Health Insurance BC and ServiceOntario policies. Always check official government websites for the latest information.