Best Health Insurance in BC for 2024

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Please use the filters below to select your province of residence, your age, your coverage status under the Provincial Health Insurance Plan, and your preferred level of care.

YOUR AGE
I LIVE IN
British Columbia
LEVEL OF COVERAGE
Extended
ARE YOU COVERED BY THE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN?
Yes, I am covered
Filters
YOUR AGE
I LIVE IN
British Columbia
LEVEL OF COVERAGE
Extended
ARE YOU COVERED BY THE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN?
Yes, I am covered
Insurance
Rating
Features
Our reviews
Discover
Featured Offer
Rating
4.8
Features
Medication
80% up to $1,300
Hospitalization
85% up to $175/day and $5,000/year
Complementary care
Included
Health Professional
100% reimbursement
Dental Care
Preventive: 80% reimbursement
Vision Care
100% reimbursement, $200 maximum every two years
Our reviews
Only between 30 and 60 years old
  • A perfect option for people group benefits in the last 60 days
  • Great plan for vision and dental options
  • Access to MySunLife Mobile App to manage your Health Coverage Choice plan online
You consent to be contacted by a Sun Life advisor
Our detailed review

Sun Life Health Choice B is the ideal option if you've lost your group benefits in the last 60 days or will be losing your group benefits coverage soon. This plan is particularly practical for those comfortable with a $1,000 annual maximum for prescription drugs and who desire emergency travel medical coverage. SunLife offers a comprehensive online portal and a user-friendly app, providing you with hands-on access to your claims and benefits information even while on the go.

Read our detailed review
  • Submit claim online or via app
  • Quick and easy online quote
  • Option of having semi-private hospital room with all plans
  • Reimbursement for paramedical services
  • Each family member must have the same plan
Recommended Offer
Rating
4.8
Features
Medication
Prescription Drugs: $2,600/year
Hospitalization
Ambulance service and semi-private room
Complementary care
Homecare, Prosthetics
Health Professional
15$/visit
Dental Care
Year 1: $800
Vision Care
$300 every 2 years
Our reviews
  • Obtain special rates for couples and families
  • Fast and easy electronic claims
  • Earn rewards and save on premiums with Manulife vitality
  • 24/7 access to virtual healthcare anywhere in the world
With our licensed partner
Our detailed review

Manulife CoverMe® travel insurance for visitors to Canada is the best option for Canadian residents not covered by a Canadian provincial or territorial health insurance plan, or visitors to Canada on holiday or with a work visa. Manulife CoverMe® enhanced plan protect yourself as a recent immigrant, or your visiting friends and family against unexpected medical expenses. It includes Accidental death & dismemberment and dental coverage.

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  • Solid coverage at affordable rates
  • No medical questionnaire required
  • Apply at any age
Rating
4.8
Features
Medication
70%
Hospitalization
100% of semi-private hospital
Complementary care
70% reimbursement of laboratory and diagnostic
Health Professional
70% of up to $600 per practitioner per year
Dental Care
70% reimbursement
Vision Care
Not included
Our reviews
  • Easy application and claim process
  • Special rates for single parents and families
  • Several wellness benefits
With our partner Health Plus
Our detailed review

The Health Plus Priority Plan provides a balanced health insurance option with comprehensive coverage, including health, drug, and dental benefits. This plan is tailored for those who need solid coverage but are also looking for a more cost-effective solution compared to the Optimum Plan.

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  • Affordable rates to suit various budgets
  • Comprehensive coverage including emergency health during travel
  • Basic dental coverage with scaling and polishing
  • Special rates for families and single parents
  • Premiums are tax-deductible for self-employed
  • Lower annual maximum for prescription drugs ($600)
  • Major dental services not included initially
Rating
4.8
Features
Medication
90%
Hospitalization
Additional plan
Complementary care
Included
Health Professional
Included
Dental Care
100%
Vision Care
$250 every 2 years
Our reviews
  • A perfect option for people using more costly prescription drugs
  • Access to TELUS Health Virtual Care
  • Travel emergency health coverage included
With our licensed partner
Our detailed review

The Flexcare® ComboPlusᵀᴹ Enhanced Plan by Manulife offers our most comprehensive level of protection, and you can further enhance your plan with five available add-ons. This plan is designed for individuals who use more costly prescription drugs, including brand-name medications, and those who require dental protection covering routine and extensive dental work, such as root canals. Manulife provides a comprehensive online portal for easy access to your benefit information and allows you to conveniently submit claims online. Furthermore, all health and dental plans offer the option to include Manulife Vitality, enabling you to earn rewards and save on your expenses.

Read our detailed review
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Five optional add-ons
  • Manulife Vitality
  • Emergency travel health coverage
  • Medical questionnaire required
Rating
4.8
Features
Medication
Up to 90%
Hospitalization
Not included
Complementary care
Included
Health Professional
Included
Dental Care
Basic and routine Complementary Care
Vision Care
Prescription eyewear $300
Our reviews
  • Flexible, comprehensive coverage
  • Ideal for Freelance, part-time, or contract workers
  • Access to 24/7, on-demand virtual care
With our licensed partner
Our detailed review

The Blue Cross Health & Dental Silver plan offers prescription drug coverage payable up to 90%, as well as up to $5,000/year in medical equipment and supplies. It also includes vision care coverage. In addition, Blue Cross Health Insurance Canada plans to allow you to add optional extras such as critical illness coverage and coverage for hospital expenses.

Read our detailed review
  • Mix and match plans as needed
  • Self-service options
  • Submit claims online or via app
  • Discounts on medical vision care, health products & services via Blue Advantag
  • Family planning benefit not included
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Did you know that BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) doesn't cover over 30% of your healthcare costs? It also does not guarantee access to full dental care, vision care, or prescription medications. That's why you need good private health insurance in BC.

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 in BC helps you cover essential yet expensive services that are not covered or offered very limited protection by MSP.

In this guide, we take you through the best private health insurance in BC, the coverage, pros, cons, and prices. We also tell you how to get the MSP card. Use our free tool at the top of this page to compare quotes and find the cheapest private health insurance in BC.

8 Best Health Insurance in BC

  1. Sun Life health insurance: Hassle-free policy access
  2. Manulife health insurance: The most comprehensive options
  3. Blue Cross BC (or Pacific Blue Cross): The most flexible choice
  4. Green Shield Canada health insurance: Extensive options for every budget
  5. GMS health insurance: Comprehensive coverage
  6. Desjardins health insurance review: Wide coverage
  7. CAA health insurance: The best bundling discounts
  8. Canada Life health insurance: Best guaranteed policies

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.

Pros

  • Submit the claim online or via the app
  • Quick and easy online quote
  • Option of having a semi-private hospital room with all plans
  • Reimbursement for paramedical services

Cons

  • Emergency travel medical, and vision are not included in the Basic plan
  • Each family member must have the same plan

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.

Pros of Manulife BC health insurance

  • Manulife Vitality rewards program
  • Submit claims online or via the app
  • Option to choose dental-only, medication-only, or a combination plan
  • Option of having private or semi-private hospital room with all plans

Cons of Manulife BC health insurance

  • Some Manulife health insurance reviews note that hospital benefits are not automatically included
  • Basic travel plan only covers the first 9 days of a trip
  • No specific Manulife health insurance for retirees

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

Blue Cross Canada is a federation of non-profit insurance providers operating since 1938. Pacific Blue Cross or Blue Cross BC, provides health and dental coverage to over 1.4 million people in the province.

Blue Cross Health Insurance BC lets you have a primary policy, the Core Health Plan (80% coverage), with Essential and Enhanced Drug and Dental as add-ons. The Core Health Plan has three options Bronze, Silver, or Gold, with varying coverage.

The individual health insurance plans from Blue Cross BC also cover 100% of medical emergencies outside your province in Canada. This includes hospital expenses, doctor fees, ambulance services, and prescription medications. Look at the Pacific Blue Cross coverage list below for a full list.

Pacific Blue Cross also provides a standalone dental insurance plan.

Pros of Blue Cross BC

  • Mix and match plans
  • 10% off when you follow a healthy lifestyle*
  • Easy online claims or via app
  • BC Blue Cross processes reimbursement in 24 hours
  • Standalone dental plan

Cons of Blue Cross BC

  • Preventive dental only available with add-on
  • Major dental restorative services needs Enhanced add-on

You can find the Pacific Blue Cross coverage list 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.

Pros

  • Excellent drug cover with an affordable price
  • Comprehensive cover for health professionals
  • Good deals for young people with low health needs needs
  • Mental health services coverage

Cons

  • Dental insurance is not automatically included in basic plans

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.

Pros of GMS health insurance BC plans

  • My GMS portal access
  • Submit a claim online or via the app
  • Counselling and speech therapy are covered in some plans

Cons of GMS health insurance BC plans

  • Some GMS health insurance reviews have criticized the limited dental plan
  • Some GMS health insurance coverage reviews note that hospital benefits are not automatically included
  • Vision and travel insurance not included in the basic plan

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 BC MSP 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.

Pros of Desjardins health & medical insurance BC

  • Dental, medical, vision and travel insurance are included in the standard plan
  • Online health platform and 24/7 telephone assistance
  • High maximum coverage limits
  • Enhanced hospital care

Cons of Desjardins health & medical insurance BC

  • A policy can only be issued on the 1st or 15th of the month
  • Lack of comprehensive online services
  • Plans not available after 70 years old

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.

Pros

  • Ability to mix and match plans
  • Discounts are available when you bundle health and dental
  • 30-day refund policy
  • Partnership with Manulife

Cons

  • No online claims submission
  • Some CAA health insurance reviews have cited long wait times for dental treatment

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).

Pros

  • Multiple plans that offer guaranteed acceptance
  • Quick and easy online quote and application
  • Comprehensive optional coverage add-ons

Cons

  • Travel medical insurance is not automatically included in their health insurance plans BC (it is an optional add-on)
  • Some Canada Life health insurance reviews have noted long callback times

Use our free tool at the top of this page to compare quotes from the best health insurance companies in Canada. The tool is free and gives you instant results.

How does health insurance BC work?

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 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
Provincial MSP coverage

Is pet health insurance covered in BC?

Public healthcare plans, including the MSP in BC, do not cover pet health insurance or any other form of coverage for pets. MSP and similar government-funded healthcare programs are designed to provide coverage for medical services and treatments for human individuals. Pet health insurance BC is a separate type of coverage that you can purchase to cover veterinary expenses for your pets like dog health insurance BC plans specifically tailored for your furry companions.

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.

How much are eye exams in BC?

Estimate a range of $75 to $200+ for a typical routine eye exam in British Columbia. There is no standard price for eye examinations, and prices vary dramatically between providers and by location. If you are eligible for Optical Supplements as an adult benefiting from income assistance, MSP will cover eye exams by optometrists at $44.83, and those from ophthalmologists at $48.90. Be sure to check with your provider before service and to bring your Care Card.

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.

Good to know

For this reason, seniors could benefit from a supplemental health insurance BC plan to maximize coverage and give them the support they need. To find the best health insurance for seniors in BC, use our comparator at the top of this page. Many top insurers offer plans that are tailor-made to meet the unique needs of senior Canadians. However, a medical questionnaire may be necessary before assessing the premiums for the plans.

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 travellers.

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.

TreatmentMSPPrivate 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
Provincial MSP vs. private healthcare coverage from the best health insurance companies

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.

Healthcare plans from medical insurance companies 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 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. You can get quotes from the best medical insurance companies in no time.

Can you combine health and dental insurance in BC?

It is possible to combine health and dental insurance in BC. It is standard practice for medical insurance companies across Canada. If you have coverage from another extended health and/or dental plan, you can combine plans to maximize your overall coverage and reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket costs. We recommend you obtain a BC private health insurance plan while you are healthy as most times coverage will not apply to pre-existing conditions.

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:

TreatmentEnhanced 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
Coverage under Enhanced Manulife policy for BC

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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Watch out!

Before you get a private health insurance BC plan, know that it is mandatory to have provincial MSP coverage. Yes, private insurance is not a replacement for provincial healthcare, rather it's a supplement to fill the gaps in public healthcare. Therefore, getting a private healthcare plan without MSP is not possible. So, if you haven't yet registered for MSP or do not have an MSP card yet, read on to find out how.

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.

Good to know

People who are new to Canada or who are moving from a different province have a waiting period before they are eligible for MSP. The waiting period is the remainder of the month in which they established BC residency plus two months. Immigrants who are not yet eligible for MSP due to the waiting period can consider purchasing coverage under private health insurance BC immigrants plan to cover healthcare expenses during this time.

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

Keep in mind

For a health insurance BC name change, you can use your BC MSP login and request online and then provide supporting documentation. All you need to do is use your MSP BC login. This change request online should take you about 15 minutes. If you have coverage through a group plan, get in touch with your group plan administrator to initiate changes through a Group Change Request process for the name change.

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 MSP BC login.

You will not need a password for your health insurance MSP BC login. Your Personal Health Number (PHN) is enough to verify your account. Here you will find relevant information about your 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

Good to know

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.

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.

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Nishadh Mohammed
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Nishadh Mohammed is a seasoned news editor and financial writer, working with HelloSafe since May 2023. Nishadh has developed expertise in financial markets, insurance, and investment products, with a deep understanding of the Canadian financial landscape. He has honed his SEO skills and content marketing strategies while writing for Canadian publishing houses. Armed with a master's in Business Analytics and extensive journalistic experience, Nishadh uniquely combines data proficiency and thorough research to deliver comprehensive and accessible information.

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3 comments
Ling
on

My husband is Canadian citizen but doesn't meet Canadian residence requirement. Hhis MSP was cancelled. Icbc prohibited him to apply for bc service card, thus he has no health/ medical insurance in Canada. He is unable to reside just yet because he works in another country but plans to reside in Canada when he retires.Under this circumstance , can he apply for short medical insurance when he stays in Canada?

Hello Ling,

In cases where Canadian citizens are temporarily ineligible for provincial health coverage like MSP due to residence requirements, they can indeed apply for short-term private health insurance. This type of insurance is designed for individuals staying in Canada temporarily or transitioning to provincial coverage. Coverage options vary, but many insurance providers offer plans that cover emergency medical services, hospitalization, and more. It may be beneficial for your husband to compare policies from various insurers to find the one best suited to his needs during his visits.

Joan M.
on

I am 76 and planning to move to penticton bc. for a year. I currently have insurance coverage in the US. I have asthma but don't use medication. Otherwise I am in excellent health. What would it cost to have complete coverage excluding dental.

Hi Joan,
The best way to find out is to use the comparator tool at the top of the page. Select your age and the coverage you need and you will get instant estimations of insurance policies that fit your profile.
You can then contact the company directly to get an exact quote.

Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team

Barbara K.
on

I am 72 years of age in good health and wish to have more prescription coverage than what MSP covers. What are the premium costs?

Hi Barbara,
Costs depends on the insurer. I suggest you get in touch with the company of your choice to get a quote.

Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team