Best Health Insurance BC Plans for 2024

Did you know that British Columbia's Medical Services Plan (MSP) doesn't cover over 30% of your healthcare costs, and does not guarantee access to full dental care, vision care, or prescription medications?

The costs of these services can be quite unaffordable and that's why having supplemental private health insurance in BC is extremely important. Private health insurance helps you cover essential yet expensive services that are not covered or offered very limited protection by MSP.

But which is the best BC health insurance plan for you? In this guide, we take you through the best private insurance in BC, their coverage, pros, cons, prices, how to get the MSP card, and also how to find the cheapest policies. You can also compare plans and get quotes using our free comparator at the top of this page.

Top 2024 best BC Health insurance plans

Sun Life health insurance: Hassle-free policy access

Sun Life offers three health plans, all with differing levels of coverage which allows you to find a plan that is tailored to your specific needs. It has a comprehensive online portal and an app that allows you hands-on access to your claims and benefits information even while on the go.

The Sun Life personal health insurance BC policies are a sensible choice if you do not have benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s healthcare like OHIP in Ontario, AHCIP in Alberta, MSP in British Columbia.

Note that you must have provincial or territorial medical and drug coverage to apply for personal health and dental insurance BC plans.

If you would like to explore further and get a Sun Life Health Insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

Manulife health insurance: The most comprehensive options

Manulife offers many comprehensive private healthcare plans - whether you are looking for dental benefits, drug benefits, or a combination, you will be able to find a personal health insurance BC plan that works for your unique medical needs.

There is a comprehensive online portal offered by Manulife health insurance for easy access to policy information and to submit a claim online. All personal health and dental insurance BC plans from Manulife have the option to add Manulife Vitality helping you earn rewards and save on costs.

Manulife health insurance is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, you are losing group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s coverage.

If you would like to explore further and get a Manulife health and dental insurance BC quote to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

Pacific Blue Cross health insurance: The most flexible choice

The reputed Blue Cross Canada is a federation of non-profit insurance providers operating across the country since 1938, and its BC wing, Pacific Blue Cross, provides health and dental coverage to over 1.4 million British Columbians.

Blue Cross Health Insurance BC gives the option to have a primary policy, which is the Core Health Plan (80% coverage), with Essential and Enhanced Drug and Dental as add-on coverage options. The Core Health Plan has three options Bronze, Silver, or Gold, with varying degrees of coverage.

The health insurance plan also covers 100% of medical emergencies that occur outside of your province in Canada. This includes hospital expenses, doctor fees, ambulance services, and prescription medications.

Pacific Blue Cross provides an affordable standalone dental insurance plan for those who don't want to buy health insurance along with it.

You can find the detailed coverage under each plan right here.

If you would like to explore further and get a Blue Cross Health Insurance BC quote personalized to meet your needs, you can do it right here.

Green Shield Canada health insurance: Extensive options for every budget

Green Shield Canada, also known as simply GSC, is a non-profit insurance provider. The GSC health insurance can be bundled with other policies to save money.

Green Shield offers more affordable health insurance in BC packages than some of its competitors, especially for younger customers who are currently in good health. This could be a great economical choice for non-smoking young adults.

However, its dental insurance policy must be purchased separately for basic plans or as an add-on. But it is one of those rare insurances that covers pre-existing conditions and does not require a medical questionnaire for its basic medical insurance BC or Canada plan in general.

If you would like to explore further and get a GSC health and dental insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

GMS health insurance: Comprehensive coverage

GMS offers plans ranging from basic coverage to comprehensive health coverage, all of which have the option to add dental benefits and/or drug benefits. With GMS, you will be able to tailor a plan to fit your health needs.

They have a comprehensive online portal, My GMS, which allows for easy access to your benefit information and the ability to submit a claim online. Their travel plans for certain plans automatically add COVID-19 treatment coverage.

GMS health insurance Canada is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, starting your own business, or would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s health and drug coverage.

If you think GMS is the right fit for you or would like to give it a try, you can now get a quote from GMS health insurance and get a policy that suits your unique health needs and budget the best.

Desjardins health insurance review: Wide coverage

Desjardins is a leading provider of insurance in Canada with an illustrious history. It offers private healthcare plans to bridge the gaps in provincial healthcare programs like the MSP in BC or the AHCIP in Alberta.

You can bundle Desjardins health insurance plans with other policies like travel, life, and dental in order to save money. Compared to competitors, Desjardins premiums are slightly higher however they offer a wider range of coverages.

That said, in some ways, the company is behind some of its competitors as it does not offer the ability to sign up for a policy online.

CAA health insurance: The best bundling discounts

The CAA, or the Canadian Automobile Association, was founded more than 115 years ago. It is one of the largest not-for-profit automobile associations in Canada. It also offers CAA insurance packages, including private health insurance.

CAA has partnered with Manulife health insurance for over 20 years, allowing them to offer pre-packaged plans mix and match plans tailored to your specific health needs. They have a 30-day guarantee where if you are not satisfied with the coverage, you may request a refund within 30 days of receiving your policy.

This provider is a choice for you if you do not have medical insurance BC benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or you would like to mix and match prescription and dental coverage. Note that you must have provincial or territorial health and drug coverage to apply for personal health insurance.

Canada Life health insurance: Best guaranteed policies

Founded in 1847, Canada Life is the country's first home-grown insurer and today has more than 12 million clients. Canada Life offers a variety of levels of health insurance, all with differing levels of coverage which are designed to suit your needs, including prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and more.

They have comprehensive optional add-ons for you to further personalize your health plan. They also offer a ten-day look-and-see period. You can cancel your policy with no penalty during the first ten days.

Canada Life health insurance is a choice for you if you do not have medical benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s medical and drug coverage like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan or the MSP (BC provincial health insurance).

How does health insurance work in BC?

British Columbia has a publicly administered and funded healthcare system that allows its residents to receive access to medically necessary hospital and healthcare services. Its plan is called the Medical Services Plan, which is commonly abbreviated as MSP. It covers health care costs such as medically necessary physician’s visits, maternity leave, and diagnostic services like lab work and x-rays.

However, MSP does not cover routine and preventative dental care, vision care, and prescription medications. To have coverage and avoid what can be substantial out-of-pocket costs, we recommend purchasing the best extended health insurance BC plan using our free comparator.

How do I get private health insurance in BC?

For full comprehensive healthcare and medical coverage beyond what is covered by MSP, you will need to purchase extended health insurance BC plans from health insurance companies in BC.

The public health insurance provided through MSP will cover the basics and many emergencies, but it is important to consider services not covered through MSP. Have a plan to pay for them. A comprehensive private health insurance plan will offer peace of mind. It will cover you for many unforeseen medical needs.

Ready to start shopping for extended health insurance BC plans? Find the right one for you and your family using our free and anonymous health insurance comparison tool for personalized quotes from health insurance companies in BC in just seconds. All you need to do is enter basic details of what you're looking for and voila you get tailor-made quotes from the best extended health insurance BC providers.

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What is the MSP's coverage?

Under the public healthcare system, MSP provides coverage for a variety of medical services, including visits to doctors and specialists, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, surgeries, and medically necessary procedures:

What does MSP cover?	What does MSP not cover?
Medically required services provided by an MSP-enrolled physician	Routine and extensive dental services
Maternity care	Routine eye examinations for adults aged 19 to 64
Medically necessary eye examinations for adults aged 19-64	Eyeglasses, Hearing aids
Annual eye examinations for children aged 0-18 and seniors aged 65+	Prescription drugs, Cosmetic services
Diagnostic services, including services such as X-rays	Alternative medicine treatments (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy)
Birth Control	Preventive services and screening tests not supported by evidence of medical effectiveness
Dental and oral surgery, when medically required to be performed in a hospital (excluding restorative services)	Counsellors or psychologists

Does the Medical Services Plan cover vision?

Unfortunately, BC’s MSP plan does not cover most routine optical care for adults. This means you will need private health and dental insurance BC to pay for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. MSP does, however, cover medically-required vision care including some medications, systemic diseases, and ocular injury and disease.

Children and seniors over 65 are eligible for an annual eye examination. If you are an adult who receives income or disability assistance can access some vision care. This includes $48.90 for routine eye exams every second year and up to $68.26 for glasses frames, along with lenses and repairs.

Does the Medical Services Plan cover dental?

Unfortunately, British Columbia’s Medical Service plan does not cover routine dental care. Keep in mind that there might be information regarding new changes or updates, so it's best to regularly visit the official website for the most up-to-date information and any associated online accounts or services. You can call the health insurance bc contact for information.

Diagnostic services ordered by a medical professional are covered, as well as most dental and oral surgery performed in a hospital. Note that dental care for people who receive income or disability assistance may be available.

Covered services include routine dental care and restoration, partial dentures, and, in some circumstances, crowns and bridges. Children eligible for low-income dental assistance can receive up to $2000 in dental care every two years. However, if you would like comprehensive coverage for you and your family, getting an extended health and dental insurance BC plan would be most advisable.

How does MSP coverage for seniors work in British Columbia?

Seniors are eligible for all covered MSP services and seniors 65 and older are also eligible for an annual eye examination. Depending on income, seniors can see if they are eligible for additional coverage through programs such as:

• Fair PharmaCare Plan
• MSP Supplementary Benefits

Some seniors may see significant changes in their ability to afford supplemental health insurance after retiring due to factors like a loss of employer-sponsored benefits and higher healthcare costs due to the increased risk of chronic illnesses. This can make it difficult to cover their medical expenses.

While the benefits provided by MSP do provide some coverage, a significant event or life-altering diagnosis could leave seniors emptying retirement and savings funds to cover additional costs related to treatment.

Does MSP provide health insurance for visitors?

No, the MSP does not provide health insurance BC for visitors. Visitors to BC, including tourists and individuals on short-term stays, are not eligible for MSP coverage. If you are a visitor to BC and require healthcare coverage during your stay, you would need to consider obtaining a private travel health insurance BC plan or private health and dental insurance BC plan that is specifically designed for visitors.

The premiums for these plans vary across providers and are primarily calculated based on the length of your visit, the conditions of your stay, and the age of travelers.

Why do you need extended health insurance in BC?

Extended healthcare coverage refers to a supplemental private healthcare insurance plan that pays for dental cover, prescription drugs, vision, healthcare services, and equipment beyond what the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia covers.

Extended health insurance BC plans, often offered by private healthcare insurers or companies, provide coverage for these additional healthcare services and expenses. It can help individuals and families manage the costs of services that are not covered by the government-funded healthcare system.

This type of insurance plan can be particularly valuable for covering prescription drugs, preventive care, therapies, and other health-related expenses that might not be affordable without insurance coverage. Travel insurance is also often seen in an extended health care coverage plan.

What does private BC health insurance cover?

Extended health insurance BC plans exist to cover most of what universal and provincial healthcare like OHIP and MSP will not. MSP will cover minimal services that your physician will need to deem medically necessary. Unfortunately, these services typically restrict coverage to doctor's visits, and laboratory work, offer minimal dental coverage, and provide vision services only for specific age groups.

Wondering what private health insurance BC will cover in comparison to MSP? You will notice it is a much broader umbrella of services spanning medical, comprehensive dental services, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

Treatment	MSP	Private Health Insurance
Health Care	Medically necessary physician’s visits Maternity care Diagnostic services (labs, x-rays)	Preferred hospital accommodations (semi-private or private rooms) Hospital cash Hospital beds Home nursing Auxiliary care
Paramedical Services		Chiropractic services Massage therapy Physiotherapists Psychologists (Some providers will also cover traditional Chinese medicine)
Prescription Drugs		Basic/preventative (check-ups, cleanings, fillings) Dentures, periodontics, orthodontics (Reimbursement limits are dependent on the plan/provider)
Dental (various waiting periods apply)	Medically necessary oral surgery performed in a hospital	Covered, limits will be dependent on the plan/provider
Vision	Medically necessary eye examinations for adults aged 19-64 Annual eye examinations for children under 18 and seniors over 65+	Covered, limits will be dependent on the plan/provider
Travel		Medically necessary oral surgery performed in a hospital

Other services covered by private health insurance in British Columbia

Private health insurance covers more services and gives greater flexibility on hospital stays including nursing services or semi or fully-private rooms.

Private healthcare plans also generally cover paramedical services:

• Chiropractic visits
• Massage therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists

Vision, comprehensive dental, and prescription drug coverage are also available through a BC private health insurance plan. For example, the removal of healthy wisdom teeth, even if impacted, is not covered by MSP, but it is by a private health and dental insurance BC plan.

While coverage and benefits of BC extended health insurance policies vary from provider to provider, these are vital services that can not only be preventative in nature but save you from paying substantial out-of-pocket costs. To compare coverages of the best extended health insurance BC plans, use our free comparator at the top of this page and also get free quotes in no time.

How much is private BC health insurance?

The Health insurance BC cost varies significantly based on individual circumstances, medical needs, budget, and more. So factors that may affect extended health insurance BC cost would primarily include:

• Age
• Gender
• Lifestyle including smoker status
• Pre-existing conditions that may apply
• Specific coverages (dental, prescription drug coverage, etc.)
• Provider

Example of private BC health insurance cost

So, how much is health insurance in BC exactly? While the monthly private healthcare policy premium would vary from one individual to another based on the aforementioned factors, here's an example of how much you could expect to pay roughly.

You may be asking yourself what benefits you would be eligible for under a similar comprehensive plan and price for a private health insurance BC plan. Here is an example of what to expect under a comprehensive private healthcare policy from a popular provider:

Treatment	Enhanced Extended Health Care Plan (Manulife)
Health Care	Unlimited semi-private or private room accommodation, up to a maximum of $150/day
Paramedical Services	Year 1 & 2: $750/year Year 3 & 4: $800/year Year 5+: $850 Maximum for chiropractic x-rays: $35/year
Prescription Drugs	90% of expenses for brand-name or generic drugs Full coverage of dispensing fees
Dental	Year 1: $800 Year 2: $900 Year 3+: $1,200 Up to 100% of expenses for basic services Up to 80% of expenses for specialized procedures 60% of expenses to a maximum of $750 every 3 years
Vision	Year 1 & 2: $350 Year 3 & 4: $400 Year 5+: $450
Ambulance	Unlimited air and ground transportation

5 ways to find the cheapest health insurance BC plans

Here are five succinct tips to help you find the best extended health insurance BC plan:

1. Compare Quotes: Shop around and get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best price and BC health insurance payment options.
2. Choose Basic Coverage: Opt for essential coverage to keep monthly premiums lower.
3. Higher Deductibles: Consider higher deductibles for lower monthly payments.
4. Group or Family Plans: Look into group or family plans for potential discounts.
5. Stay Healthy: Maintaining good health can lead to lower long-term costs.

While finding the best extended health insurance BC plan might seem like a time-consuming process, we've made it simple for you. All you need to do is use our comparator below to compare plans, coverage, and prices, and even get free quotes from the best health insurance BC companies in no time.

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How do you apply for MSP?

BC requires all residents to enroll in the Medical Services Plan. There are several ways to apply to the insurance plan:

• Apply online. Health Insurance BC's MSP application process takes around 15 minutes to complete. You will need to upload digital copies of documents proving your identity and Canadian citizenship or eligible immigration status.
• Apply by mail. Send the Application for Enrolment, HLTH 102 form below to Health Insurance BC Medical Services Plan, PO Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria British Columbia V8W 9P7

After applying by filling up the BC health insurance application form, you must obtain a Photo BC Services Card at an ICBC driver licensing office. Pick a time and location on the Driver Licensing section of ICBC. You must show two pieces of ID, have a photo taken, and declare BC residency.

Applicants under 18 years and 6 months old are automatically enrolled and will receive by mail their BC Services Card without a photo. You can check your MSP application status through the MSP Portal.

How do I contact the MSP?

You can get in touch through the (MSP) health insurance bc contact number below. They are available to assist you Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST. An automated service is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide general information about benefits and services. You can also contact the health insurance BC mailing address mentioned below.

1. Lower Mainland (MSP) health insurance bc phone number: 604-683-7151
2. Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-7100 (toll-free) (You can inquire about coverage, eligibility, or any other related questions. This is the main inquiries line)
3. Email general inquiries to the health insurance bc contact id: [email protected]
4. If you prefer to communicate through mail, you can send your inquiries or correspondence to the public health insurance bc address: Medical Services Plan PO Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9P7 Canada
5. You can also fax a request using the health insurance BC fax number: (250) 405-3592

MSP BC Login

You can use your (MSP) health insurance bc login details to sign in and access their online portal. To manage your account and make changes such as updating your MSP address change in BC, updating or correcting personal information, adding and/or removing a spouse or children, and updating or confirming your status in Canada, you can use the login.

You will not need a password for your health insurance bc login. Your Personal Health Number (PHN) is enough to verify your account. Here you will find relevant information about your individual coverage, eligibility, and other related services.

Should you face any issues or would like to share concerns with services provided by the provincial healthcare system, you can write to:

Attention: Operations Director/Complaints Health Insurance BC PO Box 9035
Stn Prov Govt Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9E3 Fax: 250 405-3595

How to apply to the MSP as an international student?

Even though MSP or Provincial Health Insurance of BC is now free for residents, international students on a study permit for at least 6 months must pay for MSP healthcare coverage.

All international K-12 and post-secondary students owe a monthly healthcare coverage fee of $75. You can either apply online or by mail by completing the paper Application for Enrolment form. Provide accurate information such as study permit details and program duration.

You can mail the application to Health Insurance BC, Medical Services Plan, PO Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria British Columbia V8W 9P7. You could get in touch with the BC health insurance contact mentioned earlier for questions.

There are tailored international student health insurance BC plans. We recommend that you get a private temporary health insurance BC plan for comprehensive coverage. Use our comparator to get quotes for the best health and dental insurance BC plans.