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The British Columbia Health Card, also known as the BC Services Card, is a must-have for all residents of the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is in the form of a plastic card, allowing access to the province’s life-saving health care system.
The card is issued under the health insurance scheme, having enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). In this article, we will cover the following basis to let you know more about the British Columbia Health Card:
- Types of Health Insurance Plans in British Columbia
- The BC MSP and how to enroll
- How to get your BC Health Card
- What you can do with your British Columbia Health Card
- How to renew your BC Services Card
- What to do if you lose your BC Health Card.
About BC Health Care Card and Insurance Plans
Healthcare services are accessible in British Columbia only with the Health Card. As a BC resident, you must enroll separately to get the card. The card also gives you access to a health insurance plan offered by the province.
Types of Insurance Plans in British Columbia
British Columbia has two types of health insurance plans, namely the Provincial (BC) and Private Health Insurance plans.
BC Health Care Insurance Plan
The British Columbia government insurance plan is mandatory for each resident of the province. Foreign nationals must also register for MSP and get their health care card.
However, MSP coverage only kicks in the fourth month after registration. So if you register for the insurance plan on August 1, you won’t get coverage until December 1. The BC government advises that you get private health insurance for this three-month interval before your MSP coverage starts.
Private Health Insurance through David Cummings Insurance
The registration process for David Cummings Health Insurance is easy. However, the company has suspended in-person visits due to COVID-19. So, you will have to email the company at [emailprotected] or call any of the telephone numbers below for more inquiries:
- North America (Toll-Free): +1 (800) 818-3188
- Local and Outside North America: +1 (604) 228-8816
- Fax: +1 (604) 228-9807
BC Health Insurance Plan (MSP)
TheMedical Services Plan is a state-owned health insurance open to BC residents who meet the requirements below.
Who is Eligible to Register for MSP?
The Medical Services Plan is exclusively for three classes of individuals as follows.
- Citizens or permanent residents of Canada
- Temporary residents of British Columbia
- Anyone who intends to stay in British Columbia for at least six months.
Visitors and tourists are exempted.
What Does Your BC Health Card Cover Under MSP?
With a BC Services Card, you won’t pay for most medical services, as the insurance plan will cover them. These include:
- Visits to doctors or physicians enrolled with MSP
- Diagnosis (including tests and x-rays) at an approved facility
- Maternal care
- One annual eye exam for children up to 18 years and seniors aged 65 years or more
- Medically-required eye examinations for persons aged between 19 and 64 by an ophthalmologist or optometrist
- Dental surgery that needs to be performed in a hospital
- Orthodontic services related to severe facial abnormalities.
What Is Not Covered by Your BC Health Card?
Your British Columbia health card does not cover the following:
- Medically unnecessary surgeries/treatments, such as cosmetic surgery
- Dental care
- Routine eye examinations for residents between 19 and 64 years old
- Purchase of medical devices like eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.
- Complementary or alternative medical treatments (e.g., chiropractor, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, or non-surgical podiatry services)
- Psychotherapy or counseling
- Preventive screening medical tests or services deemed medically unnecessary
- Medical examinations for immigration application, life insurance policy, or employment.
How to Enroll for British Columbia MSP Health Insurance
Follow the instructions below to register for BC MSP Health Insurance:
Step 1:Submit your application.
If you are applying through your employer, a union or a pension plan would have to do it differently. So, you will have to contact their office and ask for your MSP group enrolment form.
If you are applying on your own, you can submit your online application, which takes about 15 minutes.
You can also apply by mail by downloading the enrollment form and filling it out. Next, mail the completed form to the address below:
- Health Insurance BC,Medical Services Plan
P.O. Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9P7
Step 2: Get your BC Health/Services Card
You can obtain your BC Services Card from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and the process is easy. Simply book an appointmentand get your card from the nearest driver’s licensing office.
Related: Top 5 Cities in British Columbia to Live in.
About the British Columbia Health Card
When you receive your BC Health Card, you will see a number on it known as the Personal Health Number (PHN). You must not share it with anyone, not even your child.
Your PHN can never change since it uniquely identifies you and makes you eligible for a wide range of healthcare services. It is also usable to obtain the PharmaCare prescription drug benefits.
There are two types of BC Health/Services cards as follows:
- BC Health Card with a Photo
- BC Health Card without a Photo
1. BC Health Card with a Photo
If you can visit an ICBC center for your BC Services Card, you will be issued a card with your photo on it.
At the ICBC office, you will need to:
- Provide two means of identification– one of which must be primary ID;
- Prove that you are a BC resident, and
- Have your photo taken. The photo will appear on your card when issued.
2. BC Health Card without a Photo
This health card is issued to BC residents who are 75 years or older or unable to visit an ICBC office to submit their application. If you are in this category, call Health Insurance BC (HIBC) on the phone for more guidelines
How to Renew your BC Services Card
Your health insurance (Medical Services Plan) is tied to your BC Health Card. You will see an expiry date printed on the card. Simply renew your driver’s license to get a new British Columbia health card.
If you do not drive, visit any driver licensing office to renew your card.
MSP Renewal Exemptions
You do not need to renew your enrolment in MSP if you are one of these two categories:
1. You are 75 years old or older
Seniors over 75 are not required to renew their MSP but may apply for a BC health card when they renew their BCID or driver’s license.
2. You are under 19 years old
Children under 19 are automatically issued non-photo BC health cards.
What To Do If I Lose British Columbia Health Card
Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged cards is simple, taking the steps below:
1. Replacing your Photo BC health card
You must report your missing card by calling +1 (250) 978-8300 (if you are in Victoria, BC) or +1 (800) 950-1498 (if you are elsewhere in BC).
Then get a replacement by visiting an ICBC driver licensing office.
2. Replacing your Non-Photo BC Health Card
If your card has no photo, first report the missing card by calling the Health Insurance BC (HIBC) ASAP on+1 (604) 683-7151 (if you are in Vancouver, BC) or +1 (800) 663-7100 (if you are elsewhere in BC).
HIBC will help you get a replacement.
Related: British Columbia Drivers License for Non-residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free treatment without my British Columbia health care card?
No, you will have to pay the full cost for any healthcare services you need without a British Columbia health card.
Do I need to register with MSP to get a BC health card?
Yes, you must register with MSP to get a British Columbia health card.
How long does it take to get MSP coverage?
It takes up to three months before your MSP coverage kicks in. Therefore, you are advised to get private health insurance for the uncovered three months.
Can I process a BC photo health card without supporting documents?
No, you must submit some documents to the licensing office in order to process your BC photo health card.
How Do I Know My British Columbia Health Card Number?
You can identify your BC Health Card number as nine bold digits specified as your personal health number.
Conclusion
We hope we have provided your informational needs about British Columbia Health Care Card and Insurance Plan, including their registration and replacement processes. Do not hesitate to include them In your plans if you are planning to move to BC.
Also Read: BC PNP Points Calculator: Move to British Columbia.
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