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International students in BC: MSP, the $75 fee and school insurance

Whether a study permit qualifies for MSP, how the $75/month fee works, what each school's waiting-period insurance costs, who pays for dental and counselling, and what changes on a PGWP.

Updated 2026-10-12

International students can join MSP

International students with a study permit valid for 6 months or more, who live in BC at least 6 months a year, can enrol in MSP. [2] Enrolled students pay the $75/month International Student Health Fee, with no income-based reduction, billed monthly by Revenue Services of BC. The amount hasn't changed since January 2020. [1]

Family members who hold only a work permit don't pay the fee; those holding both a study and a work permit do. [1]

The first three months: school insurance

MSP has a wait period: the rest of the month you arrive plus two full months. The province says to apply as soon as you arrive and carry private insurance until coverage starts. [3] Most schools enrol new students in short-term insurance automatically, charged with tuition:

SchoolWait-period planCost (2026)
UBCiMED$204.30 / 3 months [4]
SFUguard.me$281 / first term [5]
Langaraguard.me$150.96 / 3 months [6]
VCCguard.me$148.50 / 3 months [7]
BCIT, KPU, Douglasguard.mesee your school's notice

What MSP leaves out: dental, eyes, drugs, counselling

MSP doesn't cover dental care, routine eye exams for ages 19–64, glasses, physio, massage, acupuncture or counselling, and prescriptions aren't paid through MSP. [16] Student union health and dental plans fill that gap. You're charged by default, and opting out has a deadline:

  • UBC (AMS/GSS plan): $396.41 for 2026–27; dental up to $750 a year, 100% preventive and 70% basic; opt-out window Aug 24 to Sept 28. [8]
  • SFU (SFSS Enhanced): $364.08 a year; dental up to $700; opt-out window Aug 25 to Sept 15. [9]

Where to go when you're sick

  • UBC Student Health Service: MacIsaac Health Building, level 3, 604-822-3811; family doctors and nurse practitioners, most visits paid by MSP. [10]
  • SFU Health & Counselling: clinics at Burnaby and Vancouver, free for enrolled students; $45 late-cancellation fee. [11]
  • Minor ailments: pharmacists assess for free if you have a BC PHN, even before MSP is active. [13]
  • A family doctor: once you have a PHN you can join the Health Connect Registry. [14]
  • Not sure if it's an emergency: call 8-1-1.

When stress builds up

Here2Talk is BC's free counselling service for all post-secondary students, 24/7, at 1-877-857-3397 or by app and web chat; international students can use it. Mandarin and Cantonese depend on counsellor availability, otherwise it's English with an interpreter. [12]

After you graduate

If you applied for a PGWP before your study permit expired (maintained status), MSP can continue for an initial 6 months; upload the PGWP when it arrives. PGWP holders don't pay the $75 fee, but send MSP your proof of completion with the PGWP, or billing continues to the expiry date on the study permit. [15]

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