Notice by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training to advise of a change for all international students studying in British Columbia at all public and private post-secondary institutions.

 

As the Province eliminates Medical Service Plan (MSP) premiums for British Columbians, an updated payment method will ensure international students continue to contribute to, and benefit from, B.C.‘s health-care coverage. Effective September 1, 2019, a health fee will be implemented for international students.

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The health fee will apply to international post-secondary students at the rate of:

 

• $37.50 per month, per student, from September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019; and

• $75.00 per month, per student, effective January 1, 2020, coinciding with the elimination of MSP premiums.

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Enrolment in MSP through Health Insurance BC will remain unchanged.

 

Students with a Personal Health Number for MSP will be issued an invoice monthly by Revenue Services of British Columbia (RSBC) starting in November 2019, and will be sent to the address on file with MSP.

 

From September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, the health fee will be payable in addition to any premiums that may be payable on a student’s MSP account.

 

As of January 1, 2020, MSP premiums will be eliminated for all MSP beneficiaries including international students; however, any outstanding premiums owed to that date will remain payable as we transfer over to the new fee.

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Click here to read the official news release.