Health, Medical + Wellness

Learn about plans for health and wellness, and medical health insurance requirements in Canada.

Here are three things you should know about medical health insurance in Canada:

1. You will be required to have paid for Temporary Medical Insurance coverage for four months.

  • This is short term plan in place while you apply for long term medical insurance through the province of British Columbia, which is provided by BC MSP (BC Medical Services Plan).

    2. BC MSP (BC Medical Services Plan) is mandatory.

    • It is recommended that you apply the week you arrive on campus.
    • BC MSP will replace your temporary medical insurance coverage after four months in Canada.
    • Questions about BC MSP are covered below, but you can also contact intadvisor@ecuad.ca if you have additional questions about this program.

    3. Greenshield Health Insurance is administered by the Emily Carr Students Union and provides extended medical and dental coverage for services not covered by BC MSP.

    Get Started....

    Step 1: Understand your temporary medical insurance coverage.

    All new international students will be automatically enrolled in the AwayCare for four months before they enrol into the BC MSP. Coverage will begin September 1st for the fall semester and January 1st for the Spring semester. If you arrive early before the semester starts, please contact intadvising@ecuad.ca to learn options for early coverage.

    You can opt out of this temporary insurance if you provide proof that you have adequate coverage from another service provider.

    Step 2: Apply for coverage through BC Medical Services Plan (BC MSP).

    BC MSP is a mandatory public health insurance plan for everyone who lives in BC for six months or longer.

    The plan covers the cost of basic medical care within Canada, including most physician and hospital services.

    Students must apply for the BC MSP once you arrive in BC. As it takes up to three months to be enrolled in the MSP, ECU’s new international students will be automatically enrolled in AwayCare temporary medical coverage while waiting for their MSP card.

    Apply for your MSP here.

    Students who cannot confirm MSP that they have coverage three months after entry may have a hold placed on their student account.

    BC MSP is mandatory for your entire time studying at ECU.

    BC MSP Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do I need BC MSP?

    The BC MSP program covers residents of British Columbia for essential medical services provided by insured doctors.

    It is a mandatory provincial program required of all residents and temporary residents who plan on being in BC for longer than six months.

    When should I apply for BC MSP?

    Apply for your BC MSP as soon as you arrive in British Columbia and have a mailing address (a residence). There is a three-month waiting period from the time you apply to when your coverage begins.

    For example: if you arrived in British Columbia on July 20 and immediately applied for BC MSP, you will be eligible for coverage in November.

    How much does the BC MSP program cost per month?

    As of January 2020, BC MSP costs for international students are $75.00 per month. These fees are subject to change. To check for the latest updates on the BC MSP program, go here.

    What is covered by BC MSP?

    By being enrolled in the program, you can see a range of doctors and physicians free of charge once you present your BC MSP card.

    The BC MSP website provides a list of benefits and services covered by the program as well as services not covered by BC MSP.

    When do I begin paying for the BC MSP?

    MSP will send you an invoice in the mail. You begin paying after you have received this invoice. More information on payment options here.

    You must keep your personal information up to date. Let BC MSP know if you have moved, changed your name, need to add a dependent, or have left BC.

    You can do all this through your MSP account page. Find information on how to manage your account here.

    Do I still need BC MSP if I already have GSC Greenshield health insurance coverage from the Emily Carr Student Union?

    Yes. The BC MSP program is a provincially mandated, mandatory program required of all BC residents.

    Greenshield is extended health insurance coverage administered by the ECU Students' Union. This means it's an opt-in health insurance plan that covers you for additional medical services that the BC MSP plan will not cover, or will only cover part of the cost, like

    • Prescription Medication
    • Extended health benefits
    • Dental Services
    • Vision Care

    Together, the BC MSP and Greenshield provide students with more comprehensive coverage.

    The cost of the Greenshield health insurance program is built into your tuition automatically.

    For more information on the Greenshield health plan provided by the Emily Carr Student Union, visit the Student Union Health and Dental FAQ.

    How do I contact Health Insurance BC?

    Here's how to contact Health Insurance BC with questions on the BC MSP program and enrollment:

    Lower Mainland: 1-604-683-7151

    Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-7100

    Health Insurance BC
    PO Box 9035 St Prov Govt
    Victoria, BC
    V8W 9E3

    Step 3: Visit Emily Carr Student Union (ECSU) Health and Dental

    Visit ECSU Health and Dental to ensure you qualify for extended coverage. Students can opt-out of the plan provided they have alternate extended care options. There is a deadline for opting out. ECSU extended Health and Dental is not available to students starting their program in the Summer semester.