I’m travelling for 5 months out of Canada, will my MSP coverage still be working when am back?

[andrew999929]

I’m a BC resident, I’m travelling outside of Canada for 5 months, will my msp coverage still be working when am back? I heard that msp coverage gets cancelled if you leave BC for more than 6 months in a calendar year. So if less than 6 months, it won’t be cancelled true? Also is there a way I can pay the monthly premiums while I’m away? Thank you

 

[canuck78]

Have you actually landed and have you waited out the initial start of MSP? Your previous posts indicate that you are not living in Canada.

 

[andrew999929]

Yes I landed and got the msp card . Does my msp expire if travel outside BC for 5 months? And is there a way I can pay the monthly premiums while not in Canada?

 

[canuck78]

Sounds like you just qualified for MSP. If you go away for 5 months you should be fine but you will have to be careful not to be out of the country much longer later on that year because if you go away again and leave for another month you can be asked to reimburse any healthcare costs. You can set-up automatic payment. This info is easily found on the website.

 

[andrew999929]

Thank you Canucks. You’re Always helpful.
As a newcomer, how does HealthBC decide the amount of my monthly premium? I read that the monthly premium is decided according to my annual income .. so how will Health BC calculate my annual income and I’ve only been here for 3 months?

 

[canuck78]

Not sure but likely based on previous international income, savings, etc.

 

[steaky]

You don't have to set up automatic payment. You can just pay annually via online banking.