How do I Move Health Coverage From Alberta to BC?

If you move from Alberta to British Columbia, you will need to change health care insurance providers because different insurance plans apply for the two provinces. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan covers your health care needs for the balance of the month in which you leave and for the next two months after that. Health Insurance BC takes about two months to process your application, so start enrolling once you move to ensure continuous coverage.

Instructions

• 1

  Prepare the required documents that prove your Canadian citizenship or immigration status. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will need to provide photocopies of a Canadian birth certificate, citizenship card, passport and any documentation from a Canadian Vital Statistics department that verifies your citizenship. If you are a permanent resident, provide copies of your record of landing, permanent resident card and confirmation of permanent residence. Temporary Citizenship and Immigration Canada document holders need to show copies of temporary resident permit, work permit and study permit.

• 2

  Download the Medical Services Plan (MSP) form from the Ministry of Health website and complete it (see Resources). You will need to provide your personal details, such as name, citizenship or immigration information and family information.

• 3

  Mail the form to:

  Health Insurance BC

  Medical Services Plan

  PO Box 9678

  Stn Prov Govt

  Victoria BC V8W 9P7

• 4

  Register for PharmaCare to get prescription drug reimbursements after getting your CareCard. You can register online through Health Insurance BC website, by phone or by mail (see Resources). For phone registrations, call Health Insurance BC at 604-683-7151 from Vancouver or 800-663-7100 from other locations. For mail registration, download the Fair PharmaCare Plan registration form from the Health Insurance BC website, complete it and send it to:

  Health Insurance BC

  Fair PharmaCare

  PO Box 9684

  Stn Prov Govt

  Victoria BC V8W 9P7

  You will need to provide personal information such as your name, address, family details and net income.