BC MSP Health Fee for International Students Guide 2026
Understand who must enroll in B.C.'s Medical Services Plan, the $75 monthly International Student Health Fee, the waiting period, enrollment documents, billing and what changes when your immigration status changes.
$75/month applies to qualifying international students enrolled in MSP
International students enrolled in B.C.'s Medical Services Plan with a study permit valid for six months or longer are subject to the International Student Health Fee. The fee is $75 per month and is invoiced by Revenue Services of British Columbia. This is separate from the regular MSP premiums, which were eliminated for B.C. residents in 2020.
1. Who Pays the BC International Student Health Fee?
B.C. requires international students enrolled in MSP to pay the International Student Health Fee. The official provincial guidance applies the fee to international students with a study permit valid for six months or longer, and this includes both K-12 and post-secondary international students. The fee is connected to MSP enrollment and student immigration status; it is not a universal fee for every temporary resident in B.C.
International students in K-12 can be subject to the health fee when they are enrolled in MSP and hold a qualifying study permit.
International students at colleges and universities can be subject to the same $75 monthly health fee when the MSP and study-permit conditions are met.
The study permit must be valid for six months or longer under the current eligibility framework.
The International Student Health Fee applies to international students enrolled in MSP. A spouse or other dependent who is not an international student is not charged this student health fee merely because they are accompanying the student.
2. How the MSP Waiting Period Works
B.C. has a waiting period before MSP coverage begins for a person establishing residency in the province. For international students, the official provincial guidance describes the waiting period as the balance of the month in which residency is established plus two additional months. This means the exact coverage-start date depends on when B.C. residency is established rather than simply counting three full calendar months from the day a student lands.
3. The $75 Monthly Fee and How Billing Works
The International Student Health Fee is currently $75 per month for qualifying international students enrolled in MSP. Revenue Services of British Columbia handles billing and collections for the fee. The fee is invoiced monthly after the coverage month, and students can pay in advance.
4. How to Enroll in MSP
International students with a qualifying study permit should apply for MSP as soon as they arrive in British Columbia. Enrollment is administered through Health Insurance BC, while Revenue Services of BC handles billing for the International Student Health Fee.
Key Guidelines & Action Items
- Prepare your immigration document: Have your valid study permit available. The provincial eligibility framework requires a qualifying temporary immigration permit valid for six months or longer.
- Apply for MSP: Complete the provincial MSP enrollment process through the current Health Insurance BC channel.
- Provide supporting information: Supply the immigration and residency information requested by Health Insurance BC.
- Wait for coverage to begin: The normal waiting-period rule applies before MSP coverage begins.
- Arrange interim insurance: B.C. recommends private health insurance during the MSP waiting period so the student is not left without appropriate coverage.
5. What Does MSP Actually Cover?
MSP and B.C. hospital insurance cover defined medically necessary insured services rather than every healthcare expense. Coverage is governed by provincial law and regulations and has exclusions. Students should not describe MSP as paying 100% of every doctor, hospital, laboratory, medication or emergency-related cost.
6. Paying the International Student Health Fee
Revenue Services of BC provides several payment and account-management options for the International Student Health Fee. Students should use the payment details associated with their own account rather than relying on a generic account-number format.
7. What Happens When Your Immigration Status Changes?
The International Student Health Fee is specifically tied to international-student MSP enrollment and a valid study permit. If your immigration status changes, such as moving from student status to a qualifying worker status, you should notify Health Insurance BC so your MSP record can be updated and your eligibility can be reassessed under the applicable rules.
8. Late Payments, Account Credits and Changes
Outstanding International Student Health Fee balances remain payable. Revenue Services BC manages billing and collections for the account. Students should keep their billing address and legal-status information current and contact Health Insurance BC or Revenue Services BC when a billing or coverage issue is incorrect.
Official Government & Health Authority References
- British Columbia — International Student Health Fee
- British Columbia — Medical Services Plan eligibility and enrollment
- British Columbia — International Student Health Fee Q&A
- Revenue Services BC — Auto Payments and Health Fee Terms
- Revenue Services BC — International Student Health Fee Payment
- B.C. Hospital Insurance Act Regulations
- B.C. Medical and Health Care Services Regulation