How long you can be away
The basic rule is that you must live in BC at least 6 months of each year. Citizens and permanent residents who leave purely for a vacation can be away up to 7 months in a year.[1] If you will be away more than 6 months in a year, call Health Insurance BC at 604-683-7151 beforehand to confirm your situation.[2] If you exceed the limits, you will have to go through the MSP wait period again when you return.
The extended-absence option
MSP allows one extended absence every 5 years, up to 24 months in a row, for work or vacation only. Conditions apply:[2]
- You must have lived in Canada for 6 months in the 12 months before you leave
- Any return visits to BC during the absence cannot add up to more than 30 days
Rules for study and work permit holders are different, so ask Health Insurance BC before you go.
What MSP pays for care abroad
Outside BC, MSP covers emergency care only. Physician fees are paid at BC rates, hospital stays up to $75 per day, and prescription drugs and ambulance are not covered.[3] You must file the claim yourself: within 90 days for physician fees and within 6 months of discharge for hospital charges, with itemized receipts.[3]
| Item | MSP coverage abroad |
|---|---|
| Physician fees | Paid at BC rates |
| Hospital stay | Up to $75 per day |
| Prescription drugs | Not covered |
| Ambulance | Not covered |
Travel medical insurance
Because of these gaps, the BC government advises buying travel medical insurance even if you leave for just one day.[3] Before buying, check that the policy covers what MSP does not: drugs, ambulance and repatriation.
Medication for the trip
PharmaCare allows one extra fill for travel every 180 days: up to a 100-day supply for long-term medications and 30 days for short-term ones. You sign a Travel Declaration at the pharmacy.[4]