Health Insurance
All international students are required to have basic health insurance for the duration of their studies at SCK, as health care in Canada can cost thousands of dollars per day if you do not have valid health insurance.
The British Columbia (BC) Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the BC-government run public health insurance plan. You will need MSP, which covers most medically-required services, from your 4th month in BC until the expiry of your study permit.
Apply for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) online, as soon as you arrive in British Columbia. The waiting period to receive MSP coverage is approximately three months.
Walk-In Clinics
If you are having non-emergency health issues, please call a local walk-in clinic to enquire about accessing their services. Many walk-in clinics limit the number of patients that can enter their facilities and instead are providing virtual appointments. Whether you meet in person or virtually, the doctor will ask questions about your health concerns and provide the appropriate advice. To find walk-in clinics near you, click here.
Hospitals
If you are having a medical emergency, you should go directly to the emergency room (ER) at your local hospital or call 9-1-1. A walk-in doctor may also refer you to the hospital for various medical services, such as diagnostic services or surgical services. Each community has their own hospital. For more information regarding hospitals in the Fraser Health region, click here.
If you are unsure whether you need to visit a doctor or the hospital, you can call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to talk to a nurse.
Pharmacies
To purchase medication or personal hygiene items, you can visit a local pharmacy. Some medications may require a prescription, which is a special note of permission that doctors give you so that you can get certain types of medicine. If you need medication that requires a prescription, please meet with a walk-in clinic doctor to request a prescription.