MSP is online-first in 2026, but phone and mail options remain for people who need them. This guide shows who’s eligible, how to register, how to update or cancel coverage, exact contact points (phone, mail, email, website), what documents to have ready and realistic processing times so you can get help fast.

Quick reference

Need the basics fast? Here’s a summary you can bookmark.

  • Phone: 1-800-663-7867 (Health Insurance BC / MSP enquiries; Monday. Friday, 7:30 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time)
  • Mailing address: PO Box 9655 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC V8W 9P2
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp, use the "Register or update MSP" pages
  • Hours (phone/office): Monday. Friday, 7:30 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. PT (closed weekends and statutory holidays)
  • Monthly MSP premiums: $0 per month (premium elimination effective Jan. 1, 2020)
  • Key eligibility: must make BC your principal home and be physically present in BC for at least six months plus one day in a calendar year (roughly 183 days)

Prerequisites

Right now, before calling or applying, gather these items. Having them ready makes the process faster, and reduces the number of follow-ups.

  • Proof of identity: Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, or permanent resident card. If you’re an international visitor, bring a valid passport and your immigration permit (work or study permit).
  • Proof of BC residency: BC driver’s licence, BC Services Card, rental agreement, property tax bill, or a recent utility or bank statement that shows a BC address.
  • Immigration documents if applicable: work permit, study permit, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or record of landing.
  • Personal details: full legal names, dates of birth, current mailing address, and Social Insurance Number (SIN) for adults if asked for identity verification. SINs aren’t always mandatory, but they can speed identity checks.
  • Care Card or BC Services Card number, if you already have one. If you don’t, enrolment will generate or link to one when your application is processed.
  • Supporting documents for dependants: marriage or common-law declarations, birth certificates for children, and student status proofs where relevant.

Step-by-step: register with MSP, update or cancel

Follow these numbered steps depending on what you need. Each workflow is written so you can act immediately, online first, then phone or mail if needed.

1. New registration (new BC resident or first-time enrollee)

  1. Check eligibility: Confirm you’re making BC your primary home and will be physically present in BC for at least six months plus one day each calendar year. If you plan long absences, note that coverage can be affected.
  2. Complete the MSP registration online: Go to https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp and choose "Register for MSP". The online form walks through household members, enter spouse and dependants on the same application where applicable.
  3. Upload documents: Scan or take clear photos of ID and proof of BC residency and upload them via the secure upload link on the MSP registration page. File types accepted include PDF, JPG and PNG, keep file sizes under the site limits.
  4. Mail option: If you can’t apply online, print and complete the MSP enrolment form and mail it with certified copies of documents to PO Box 9655 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC V8W 9P2. Send by tracked mail if you want delivery confirmation.
  5. Processing time: Allow 30 to 60 days for processing in most cases. So, plan for a wait. If you need proof of application sooner, call 1-800-663-7867 and ask for a reference number or confirmation note.
  6. Coverage effective date: For most new residents there's a three-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins, coverage typically starts on the first day of the third month after you move to BC. If you arrive with prior provincial coverage or qualify for an exemption, contact MSP directly to check exact dates.
  7. After enrolment: You’ll receive a confirmation letter and, if eligible, information about your BC Services Card. Keep the confirmation letter and any reference numbers until your record is fully updated.

2. Update personal details (address, name, marital status, citizenship)

  1. Online is fastest: Use the MSP update or enrolment page to submit changes. If you’ve moved, update your mailing and residential addresses, changes usually reflect in the MSP record within 10 business days after documents are verified.
  2. Phone support: If you need to change name or marital status, call 1-800-663-7867. Be ready to verify identity with date of birth, BC Services Card number or SIN if requested.
  3. Mail or upload documents: For name changes you’ll need certified copies of marriage certificates or legal change-of-name documents. Upload via the secure portal or mail certified copies to the Victoria PO Box address.

3. Add or remove family members

  1. Adding dependants: Include children and partners on the initial application or submit an update form. Provide birth certificates or proof of relationship and any immigration documents if the dependant isn't a Canadian citizen.
  2. Removing dependants: Notify MSP promptly when someone no longer qualifies as a dependant, for example, they move out permanently or no longer meet dependency rules. The effective date of the change affects coverage and possible overpayments.
  3. Student dependants: If a dependant is a full-time post-secondary student living outside BC part of the year, contact MSP to confirm coverage rules and required documents; policies can vary.

4. Cancelling MSP when you leave BC

  1. Notify MSP within 30 days of leaving: Call 1-800-663-7867 or submit a written notice to the PO Box address. Include your departure date and new contact information.
  2. Coverage end date: MSP coverage usually ends on the date you leave BC. If you return later, you’ll need to reapply and may face the three-month wait again unless exemptions apply.
  3. Keep documents for taxes and benefits: Save confirmation of cancellation and dates, you may need them for federal tax forms or benefit programs that check provincial residency.

Tips

  • Scan clearly, black text on white background works best. Blurry photos slow things down. Use a scanner app to produce a single PDF per person when possible.
  • Use the online portal outside peak hours, early mornings and late afternoons tend to be busier. Phone lines are usually quietest just after opening at 7:30 a.m. PT.
  • Keep digital copies of everything you submit, receipts, confirmation pages and file names. If something goes missing, you’ll have proof of submission date and content.
  • If you need coverage during the MSP waiting period, arrange private travel or interim medical insurance. Many new residents buy a short-term policy that starts the day they arrive.
  • For faster identity checks, have your SIN and BC Services Card ready, but don’t email SINs, only give it through secure forms or verified phone calls.
  • If English or French is a barrier, ask for language support when you call, the government has interpreter services available for key programs.
  • Don’t assume coverage starts the day you move. There’s usually a three-month waiting period, plan for it and don’t cancel prior coverage until MSP confirms enrolment.
  • Don’t send original documents by regular mail. Send certified copies unless told otherwise. Originals may take weeks to return if lost in transit.
  • Don’t forget to update your address when you move within BC, missed mail can delay renewal notices or invitations to pick up a new BC Services Card.
  • Don’t rely on a single phone call for complex issues. Get a reference number and the name of the agent, and follow up in writing if the matter isn’t resolved within the expected timeframe.
  • Don’t ignore requests for more information. If MSP asks for additional documents, respond quickly, delays are the most common reason applications stall beyond the typical 30-60 day processing window.

Related Articles

MSP customer service in 2026 is online-first but still provides phone and mail options. Call 1-800-663-7867 for assistance or mail applications and certified documents to PO Box 9655 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC V8W 9P2. Confirm premium and residency rules on the official MSP website before you apply. Have identity and BC residency documents ready, expect typical processing of about 30-60 days, and plan for any applicable waiting period for new residents.

This article was created with AI assistance.