--- title: "Health card renewal and replacement in British Columbia" url: "https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/british-columbia" description: "Apply for or renew your health card in British Columbia: handled by Health Insurance BC (Medical Services Plan). The BC Services Card costs nothing." site: "Canada Service Map" author: "Mahmoud Halat" publisher: "Space & Story" lastReviewed: "2026-10-13" licence: "Built entirely from public data: open data and official government pages. Each record keeps the licence of its source, listed at https://canadaservicemap.ca/data." --- # Health card renewal and replacement in British Columbia British Columbia · Health Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked 13 October 2026. Not a government website. The official page always has the final word. ## Short answer In British Columbia you first enrol in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) with Health Insurance BC, online, by mail or at a Service BC location. Adults who are citizens or permanent residents then visit an ICBC driver licensing office with two pieces of ID to get a free Photo BC Services Card. New residents usually wait about three months for coverage. Who handles it: [Health Insurance BC (Medical Services Plan)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/bodies/the-government-of-british-columbia). Handles it in British Columbia. Enrol in MSP first; adults then get the photo BC Services Card at an ICBC driver licensing office. ## Official links - [Apply for MSP](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 12 October 2026 - [Renew or replace a card](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bc-services-card/your-card/replace-renew-card), checked 12 October 2026 ## Who can apply - Everyone who lives in B.C. has to enrol in the Medical Services Plan to get provincial health care benefits. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ## Steps 1. You can enrol in MSP online, by mailing the paper form HLTH 101 to Health Insurance BC, or in person. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. 2. To finish enrolment, adult citizens and permanent residents go to an ICBC driver licensing office, show two pieces of ID (one primary), confirm they live in B.C. and have a photo taken. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. 3. Renewing your BC Services Card also renews your MSP enrolment. You can renew before the card expires or after it has expired. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bc-services-card/your-card/replace-renew-card), checked 13 October 2026. 4. If a photo card or combined licence card is lost or stolen, report it to ICBC driver licensing by phone, then get a new card at an ICBC office. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bc-services-card/your-card/replace-renew-card), checked 13 October 2026. ## What you need - For an online application, upload a clear photo or scan of ID showing the name, date of birth and citizenship or immigration status of each person applying, such as a birth certificate, passport, PR card or a work or study permit. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ## Cost - The BC Services Card costs nothing. If you combine it with your driver's licence, the normal licence fees apply. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bc-services-card/your-card/get-a-card), checked 13 October 2026. ## How long it takes - New residents wait for the rest of the month they arrive in, plus two more months, before coverage can start. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ## Where to go - In-person MSP applications are taken at any Service BC location. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ## Good to know - Children and youth under 18 and a half are mailed a Non-Photo BC Services Card automatically and do not need to visit ICBC. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ## In every province and territory The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. British Columbia is marked. | Province or territory | Who handles it | Official link | Good to know | |---|---|---|---| | British Columbia (this page) | Health Insurance BC (Medical Services Plan) | [Apply for MSP](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 12 October 2026 | Enrol in MSP first; adults then get the photo BC Services Card at an ICBC driver licensing office. | | [Alberta](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/alberta) | Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Alberta) | [Apply for AHCIP coverage](https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-apply), checked 12 October 2026 | Apply free at a participating registry agent or by mail to the AHCIP office. | | [Saskatchewan](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/saskatchewan) | eHealth Saskatchewan | [Apply for a health card](https://www.ehealthsask.ca/residents/health-cards/apply-for-a-health-card), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Manitoba](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/manitoba) | Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care | [Register for a health card](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/registration.html), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Ontario](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/ontario) | ServiceOntario (Ministry of Health, OHIP) | [Apply for OHIP](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 12 October 2026 | First-time applicants 16 and over must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre. | | [Quebec](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/quebec) | Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) | [About health insurance](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/insurance-schemes/health-insurance-prescription-drug-insurance), checked 12 October 2026 | RAMQ mails a renewal notice about 3 months before your card expires. | | [New Brunswick](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/new-brunswick) | New Brunswick Medicare (Department of Health), through Service New Brunswick | [Apply for Medicare coverage](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/health/DrugPlans/content/medicare/ApplyingforaCard.html), checked 12 October 2026 | Renewals and changes cannot be done online; call 1-888-762-8600 or visit a Service New Brunswick centre. | | [Nova Scotia](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/nova-scotia) | MSI Resident Services (Department of Health and Wellness) | [Apply for a Health Card](https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-health-card), checked 12 October 2026 | There is no in-person counter; apply online, by mail or fax, or use the MSI drop box. | | [Prince Edward Island](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/prince-edward-island) | PEI Medicare (Health PEI) | [Renew a PEI health card](https://services.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/renew-pei-health-cards), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Newfoundland and Labrador](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/newfoundland-and-labrador) | Medical Care Plan (MCP), Department of Health and Community Services | [Apply, renew or replace](https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/mcp/), checked 12 October 2026 | New applications use a paper form; some Canadian citizens can renew online through MyGovNL. | | [Yukon](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/yukon) | Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Yukon) | None on record | Cards are replaced automatically when they expire; keep your address up to date. | | [Northwest Territories](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/northwest-territories) | Health Services Administration Office (Department of Health and Social Services) | [Apply for health care coverage](https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/applying-health-care), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Nunavut](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/nunavut) | Health Insurance Programs Office (Nunavut Department of Health) | [Apply or replace a card](https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/health/applying-health-care), checked 12 October 2026 | No fee; email or mail the form to the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet. | ## Questions people ask ### Can I apply for MSP online in B.C.? Yes. Health Insurance BC says applying online is the easiest and fastest way, and it takes about 15 minutes. You need images of ID for everyone on the application. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ### How long does it take for MSP coverage to start after moving to B.C.? There is a wait period of the rest of your arrival month plus two months. Newcomers to Canada are told coverage may start three months after arriving and to buy private insurance while they wait. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ### How much does a BC Services Card cost? It is free. Only if you combine it with your driver's licence do the regular licence fees apply. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ### What ID do I bring to ICBC for a Photo BC Services Card? Bring two pieces of ID, and one of them must be a primary ID. Staff will also ask you to declare that you live in B.C. and will take your photo. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 13 October 2026. ### How do I replace a lost non-photo BC Services Card? Call Health Insurance BC as soon as you can to report the missing card. Photo cards are reported to ICBC instead. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bc-services-card/your-card/replace-renew-card), checked 13 October 2026. ## Where to go in person - Provincial service centres: [Vancouver, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/vancouver) (1), [Surrey, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/surrey) (1), [Burnaby, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/burnaby) (1), [Kelowna, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/kelowna) (1), [Nanaimo, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/nanaimo) (1), [Kamloops, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/kamloops) (1), [Chilliwack, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/chilliwack) (1), [Victoria, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/victoria) (1), [Maple Ridge, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/maple-ridge) (1), [Prince George, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/prince-george) (1) ## More - [Apply for or renew your health card in every province and territory](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card) - [Public services in British Columbia](https://canadaservicemap.ca/provinces/british-columbia) - [Go to an emergency room](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/emergency-room) - [See a doctor without an appointment](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/walk-in-clinic) - [Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/dental-care) - [Get help in a mental health crisis (call or text 988)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/mental-health-crisis) - [First Nations and Inuit health benefits (NIHB)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/first-nations-health-benefits) - [Check product, food and vehicle recalls](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/product-recalls) ## Cite this page Canada Service Map, "Health card renewal and replacement in British Columbia", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/british-columbia