Medical

Medical Insurance:

Private medical insurance for your first 3 months 

International students moving to BC with a study permit valid for six or more months are required by law to apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), which is the mandatory health plan for BC residents.  Before new residents are covered by MSP there is a waiting period of up to 3 months, consisting of the balance of the month that you establish residence in BC, plus the next two calendar months.  During the MSP waiting period you would be responsible to pay for any hospital and medical services you receive, and the cost can be thousands of dollars.  For this reason, as international students you must have private medical insurance to cover your first three months in BC.

If you do not have private medical insurance that will cover you in Canada, OMNI offers a plan designed specifically for international students studying in Canada, through a local health insurance broker.    This plan covers emergency health services for unexpected sickness and accidents, including hospital and emergency room care, doctor consultation, ambulance, emergency dental, prescription medication, etc.  Please check with your OMNI advisor if you are interested in choosing this insurance.

When and how to apply for MSP:

Despite the three-month waiting period, you will need to submit your application for MSP promptly after arrival.  During the enrolment process the BC government will send you a bill for the “health fee,” applicable to study permit holders, which is currently $75 CAD per month.  If you will have family members (spouse and/or dependent children) stay with you for the duration of your study/work experience, you may be able to add them as dependents on your MSP plan.  Depending on their status in Canada they may or may not be billed the BC health fee. 

For more detailed information about MSP and BC’s health fee for international students, please see MSP website with regard to international students.

OMNI College and OMNI Centre of Excellence are not responsible in any way for claims related to medical insurance. OMNI College and OMNI Centre of Excellence is not liable in any way to the student for loss, damage, or injury to persons or property regardless of cause.