The short answer: If you move to B.C. from another province, your B.C. Medical Services Plan (MSP) starts after a wait: the rest of the month you arrive, plus two months. During that wait, your old province's plan keeps covering you for doctor and hospital care. Apply for MSP right away, and look at private insurance for drugs, ambulance and other gaps.
This guide is for people 55 and older moving to the Okanagan. It covers health coverage only. For finding a family doctor, read the companion guide, Moving to the Okanagan After 55: Health Care. For the full move, start with Moving to Kelowna and the Okanagan.
How long is the MSP wait when you move to BC?
The B.C. government says new residents from another province may get MSP after a wait. The wait is "the balance of the month in which residence is established, plus two months." (Source: gov.bc.ca, How to apply for MSP)
Here is an example. You move in on May 10. The rest of May counts, then June and July. MSP starts August 1. Each person in your home has their own wait, so apply for everyone. There are no MSP premiums in B.C.
Does my old province cover me during the wait?
Yes, for doctor and hospital care. B.C. says people moving from another province "should arrange for coverage with your former medical plan during the wait period." (Source: gov.bc.ca) Health Canada says your home province keeps covering you for 3 months after you move. (Source: canada.ca, How publicly funded health care coverage works)
| Moving from | How long your old plan covers you | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | The month you leave plus the next 2 months. An extra month for travel time may be possible. | alberta.ca |
| Ontario | Until the last day of the second full month after you leave. | ontario.ca |
| Other provinces | Usually about 3 months. Call your plan to confirm. | canada.ca |
Note the limits. Ontario says OHIP does not cover things like ambulance trips, prescription drugs, home care or long-term care while you are in another province. Other plans are similar. That is where gaps show up.
What if I am moving within BC?
If you live in Vancouver, the Island or anywhere else in B.C., your MSP carries on. There is no new wait. Just update your address with Health Insurance BC. Your bigger job is finding a new doctor, which the companion guide covers.
How does Fair PharmaCare work for drug costs?
Fair PharmaCare is B.C.'s drug plan. It is based on income. You can register once you have MSP.
- Your deductible and family maximum are based on family net income from two years ago. Coverage for 2026 uses your 2024 tax return.
- Once you pay your deductible, PharmaCare pays 70% of eligible costs. It pays 75% if someone in the family was born before 1940.
- After you reach your family maximum, PharmaCare pays 100% for the rest of the year.
- If you have MSP but do not register, your deductible is set at $10,000.
Example from the B.C. table: a family net income between $65,000 and $70,833 has a $2,000 deductible and a $2,675 family maximum. (Source: gov.bc.ca, Fair PharmaCare assistance levels)
Should I buy private bridge insurance?
Many people do. Your old plan covers doctor and hospital care, but not everything. Health Canada notes that drugs and ambulance services may not be covered when you are out of province, and suggests private coverage when you move. (Source: canada.ca)
A short-term plan can cover the gap until MSP and PharmaCare start. Ask about your age, any pre-existing conditions and the exact dates. If you are leaving a work or retiree plan, ask if it can stay in place for a few months.
What if I need care during the wait?
Show your old health card at a B.C. clinic or hospital. Most will bill your old province for doctor and hospital care. Some clinics may ask you to pay and send you a receipt to claim back. Keep every receipt. For prescriptions, you will likely pay full price at the pharmacy unless you have private coverage. That is one more reason to fill your prescriptions before you move.
What are the steps, in order?
- Before you move, call your current plan. Ask how long it covers you and what it does not cover.
- Refill your prescriptions before you leave and ask your doctor for a copy of your records.
- Price a private bridge plan for drugs, ambulance and other gaps.
- Once you live in B.C., apply for MSP for every person in your home.
- Keep your old health card and use it until MSP starts. Then cancel your old plan.
- When MSP is active, register for Fair PharmaCare and sign the CRA consent form within 30 days.
- Start your family doctor search right away.
Does this affect when I should buy a home?
It can. Your MSP wait starts when you become a B.C. resident. If you rent first or buy before you sell, plan your move date with your coverage in mind. For costs after you arrive, see the Kelowna cost of living guide. Coming from Calgary or Edmonton? Read Moving to Kelowna from Alberta.
A short note for U.S. movers
Moving from the U.S. is different. You will not have a provincial plan to fall back on, so you need private health insurance until MSP starts.
My take
Sort out your health coverage before you book the moving truck. Plan for the three-month gap and for drug costs, and you will avoid most surprises. If you want names of local people who can help, just ask me.
Talk it through
Planning a move to the Okanagan after 55? Book a free 20-minute call with me at 250-258-4663. For housing options, see my Okanagan retirement housing guide.
Sources checked Nov 1, 2026. This is general information, not legal, medical, insurance or financial advice. Rules and numbers change. Confirm details with Health Insurance BC, your current provincial plan and a licensed insurance advisor.