Enrolment  /  Coverage Dates

When am I covered?

One-term exchange students

You are covered for your four-month term as follows:

WINTER TERM 1: August 30, 2010–January 5, 2011
WINTER TERM 2: December 27, 2010–May 2, 2011

*You will also be covered while travelling from your home country or primary place of residence to Canada, if your travel itinerary is ten days or less AND your arrival date is not earlier than the start date of your iMED coverage.

If you will arrive in Canada before the dates listed above, you may purchase the extra coverage you need directly from DCIS. Go to the Advance Coverage page for more information and the application form.

All other new international students

You are covered for the three-month waiting period before you become eligible for MSP. This waiting period includes the remainder of the month you arrive in BC plus two full months. For example,if you arrived in BC on August 25, you would be eligible for MSP on November 1.

iMED will ensure that you have adequate medical coverage from the time you leave home (up to ten days prior to your arrival in Canada), with the earliest arrival date in Canada being:

  • August 1 for Winter Term 1
  • December 1 for Winter Term 2
  • April 1 for Summer Term 1
  • June 1 for Summer Term 2

What if I need different coverage dates?

If you arrive in BC in the calendar month after the dates indicated above, you must submit the Date Change Form to DCIS so that your dates of coverage can be shifted to cover your three month waiting period for MSP.

If you arrive in BC prior to your iMED start date you may purchase advance coverage directly from DCIS to fit your waiting period for MSP. See the Advance Coverage page for more information.

Your Date Change Form and proof of your arrival date in BC must be submitted to DCIS by the end of the third week of classes.