Ministry of Health
Leaving B.C.
Leaving B.C. pamphlet (June 2011) (PDF 685K)
Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Moving within B.C.
If you are moving within British Columbia, you can use our online Change of Address service to send information to provincial government offices and programs.
If the On-line address forms do not meet your needs, you can print, complete and mail in an Address Change Notice (PDF 292K).
Temporary absence from B.C.
If you are away from B.C. during a temporary absence of up to 6 months in a calendar year for work or vacation, you do not need to advise MSP. In addition you may be eligible to receive coverage for up to 24 consecutive months of absence while temporarily outside B.C. Approval is limited to once in five years for absences that exceed six months in a calendar year. Contact Health Insurance BC to determine your eligibility for extended work or vacation coverage.
If you are studying outside B.C., you may be eligible to receive coverage for the duration of your studies. See Studying Outside B.C. for more information. Contact Health Insurance BC to make arrangements for continued coverage when studying outside B.C.
Studying Out of Province
If studying outside of B.C., the absence must be temporary and solely for the purpose of attending school. Benefits may be available for the duration of studies while in full-time attendance at a recognized educational facility.
Beneficiaries who have been studying outside B.C. must return to the province by the end of the month following the month in which studies are completed. If you do not plan to return to B.C. within that timeframe, contact Health Insurance BC to discuss your situation.
Moving elsewhere in Canada
When a person leaves B.C. to reside elsewhere in Canada, medical coverage is provided through MSP for the balance of the month of departure plus two consecutive months. If required, coverage may be extended for up to three additional months to provide benefits while in transit.
Completing this Permanent Move service will ensure you have the coverage you need.
Moving outside of Canada
Coverage is provided for the balance of the month in which you leave the province. See our page on Permanent Move from British Columbia for more information.
TopPharmaCare
Moving within B.C.
If you are moving within British Columbia, you can use our online Change of Address Service to electronically send change of address information to various provincial government programs and/or offices. If the online address forms do not meet your needs, you can print, complete and mail in an Address Change Notice (PDF 292K).
Your address for your Fair PharmaCare coverage will then be updated automatically.
Temporary Absence from B.C.
PharmaCare does not cover supplies of medication required for extended absences from British Columbia.
Prescriptions Purchased outside of B.C.
PharmaCare does not cover prescriptions purchased outside B.C. Your coverage ends the day you leave B.C.
