Your BC Services Card/CareCard

Each B.C. resident enrolled with the Medical Services Plan (MSP) is eligible for a BC Services Card with a unique lifetime identifier for health care called a personal health number. This number remains the same, regardless of any changes to personal status. You should carry your card at all times, to have it available to be presented whenever you need health care services. However, if you do not have your card with you, your physician or other health care provider can verify that you are enrolled with MSP. You may be asked for additional identification.

The card is also a valuable way to confirm your identity. There is no gold version of the BC Services Card. However, seniors may continue to use the BC Services Card as proof of age. If you already have a gold CareCard, you may continue to use it until 2018. Visit BC Services Card for more information

When can I use my BC Services Card to obtain health care services?
As long as you are a resident of B.C. and are enrolled in MSP, you can use your card to obtain insured medical and health care services. Your card can be used as of the date your MSP coverage begins. For most adults, the date will be indicated on a letter that will be sent once Health Insurance BC has processed their application. For those under 19, and some adults, that date is indicated on the paper attached to the card when it is delivered. Your card is also used to obtain PharmaCare prescription drug benefits - go to the PharmaCare web site for registration information.

Is the BC Services Card/CareCard encoded with personal information about me?
The magnetic stripe on the back contains only the information printed on the front of the card and your personal health number. This stripe on the back allows the BC Services Card or CareCard to be read electronically.

How do I change my name on my BC Services Card/CareCard?
You need to apply to have a new card issued in the correct name. See Replace Your Card below.

What should I do with my old CareCard?
You can surrender your card at the Insurance Corporation of BC when you apply for your BC Services Card.

Replace Your Card

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cards

CareCard

When requesting replacement of a lost, damaged, or stolen CareCard:

  • If you have temporary immigration status or are under the age of 19, call Health Insurance BC (HIBC) toll-free;

Otherwise:

Photo BC Services Card

When requesting replacement of a lost, damaged or stolen photo BC Services Card, visit an ICBC DLO with two pieces of identification.

Non-photo BC Services Card

When requesting replacement of a lost, damaged or stolen non-photo BC Services Card, call Health Insurance BC toll-free.

In all cases where a card is stolen, it is important to immediately report the theft to Health Insurance BC.

Name Changes

If a replacement is required because the name, birth date or gender on a BC Services Card or CareCard needs to be changed, call Health Insurance BC toll free first.

Fees

There is no fee to obtain or replace a BC Services Card. However, if you’re combining your BC Services Card with your driver’s licence, fees that apply to the regular driver’s licence renewal process still apply.

Protection Against Fraud

It is an offence to use another person's Personal Health Number (PHN) or to knowingly allow your PHN to be used by another person. In order to maintain B.C.'s health care plans for the benefit of all residents, the plans must be protected against inappropriate use by those who are not residents of B.C. and, therefore, are not eligible for coverage.

Any person who has details regarding possible misuse of a BC Services Card or CareCard is urged to contact HIBC with pertinent information.

PDF Format

Get Adobe Reader

Some documents on this Web site are in PDF format and require a PDF reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 7.0 or the most recent version of another PDF reader, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader by clicking on the 'Get Acrobat Reader' icon.