In Canada, health care can be very expensive if you are not covered with proper medical insurance. Emerald College requires that all international students have health insurance insurance for the duration of your studies.

Your first three months

If you have just arrived in British Columbia (BC), you will require private medical insurance for your first three months. If you assistance to register for private medical insurance please contact Emerald College Office.

After three months

International students will qualify for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP) after living in BC for 3 months. The monthly costs for MSP coverage are (fees subject to change):

• $75.00 for one person

International students must also have a valid study permit to qualify for MSP. Your BC Services Card (Care Card) will expire on the same date as your study permit. When you receive a new study permit, you must send a copy of your study permit to the MSP office to extend your BC Services/Care Card. Otherwise, your medical insurance will no longer be valid.

MSP covers the cost of basic medical care within BC and Canada including most physician and hospital services.

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides the following benefits:

• medically required services provided by a physician enrolled with MSP;
• maternity care provided by a physician or a midwife;
• diagnostic services, including x-rays and laboratory services provided at approved diagnostic facilities when ordered by a registered physician, midwife, podiatrist, dental surgeon or oral surgeon;
• dental and oral surgery, when required to be performed in a hospital

For more information please visit the Ministry of Health’s website: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp or call 1-800-663-7100

THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE CAN HELP YOU TO APPLY FOR OR RENEW YOUR MSP. COME VISIT US WITH YOUR CURRENT STUDY PERMIT.