You need to have health insurance for your stay in Canada . If you are going to stay in British Columbia for less than 6 months, you have to get private medical insurance. We recommend you obtain this in your home country so that you are insured during your trip to Canada.

If you are going to stay in British Columbia for more than six months, it is suggested that you apply for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BCMSP) as soon as you arrive in Canada. There is a three-month waiting period before you are able to claim for BCMSP benefits. You must have private medical insurance for the first three months of your stay in Canada if you are applying for BCMSP.

Please visit Health Insurance BC for more information.