How to guide for International Students

Applying for Insurance

  1. Get your study permit 

  2. Apply for MSP online as soon as you enter Canada

  3. You are automatically enrolled in iMED

  4. You are automatically enrolled in Student Care


How to use Insurance: What to bring to the doctor’s

Check what insurance your provider accepts. Bring your BC Service Card, iMED Health Insurance Card and StudentCare pay-direct card



Prescriptions from outside of Canada

The simplest way to validate foreign prescriptions to be refilled in Canada is by visiting a primary care physician.  Your primary care physician will review your diagnoses and prescriptions and approve them to be filled. If you are unable to find a physician taking on new long-term patients, visit a primary care clinic or a walk-in clinic.

How to use Insurance

Many primary care clinics bill directly to iMED or MSP - You will never see the bill! Some specialists will also send the bill directly to MSP, iMED, or StudentCare. If the full cost of the service is not covered two things can happen.

1. The clinic will deduct the amount covered by insurance, and you will pay the remaining balance.

2. You will pay the clinic the full price, and then can file a claim for full or partial reimbursement through your insurance afterward.