Provides medical coverage to all eligible BC residents. Covers medically-required services by physicians and specialists (when referred by a physician); maternity care provided by a physician or midwife; and diagnostic x-ray and laboratory services when ordered by a physician, midwife, podiatrist, or dental/oral surgeon. Covers dental and oral surgery when medically required to be performed in a hospital and orthodontic services related to severe congenital facial abnormalities. Also covers annual eye examinations for children up to age 18 and seniors ages 65 and older, and medically required eye examinations provided by an ophthalmologist or optometrist for adults ages 19 to 64. Beneficiaries may also be eligible for supplementary benefits such as limited coverage for services of other qualified health care practitioners such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists. Eligibility criteria apply, including income verification; applications can be made online or by mail. Enrollment under the plan is mandatory. Program administered by Health Insurance BC (HIBC). For questions about the Medical Service Plan (MSP), customer service representatives from HIBC are available from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. An automated service is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide general information about MSP benefits and services.

An individual must be a resident of BC in order to qualify for medical coverage under MSP. A resident is a person who meets all of the following conditions: must be a citizen of Canada or be lawfully admitted to Canada for permanent residence; must make their home in BC, and must be physically present in BC at least six months per calendar year; dependents of MSP beneficiaries are eligible for coverage if they are residents of BC. Eligible BC residents who are outside BC for vacation purposes only are allowed a total absence of up to seven months per calendar year. New residents should apply immediately upon arrival. Benefits for eligible residents begin after completion of a waiting period consisting of the balance of the month in which residence is established plus two months.

Effective April 2022, the three-month wait period for MSP coverage is waived for returning Canadians, permanent residents, and people arriving in Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUEAT) program.

Effective May 1, 2022, eligible individuals residing in BC with maintained status while waiting for a subsequent work or study permit may be eligible for an initial six months to temporary coverage, with addition temporary coverage provided is applicable.