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Personal Health Identification

Last updated on July 11, 2018

Each B.C. resident enrolled with the Medical Services Plan (MSP) is given a unique lifetime identifier for health care called a Personal Health Number (PHN). Your PHN remains the same, regardless of any changes to personal status, and can be found on your BC Services Card. You should carry your card at all times, to have it available to be presented whenever you need health care services.

Protection Against Fraud

Under the Medicare Protection Act, it is an offence to use another person's Personal Health Number (PHN) or to knowingly allow your PHN to be used by another person. In order to maintain B.C.'s health care plans for the benefit of all residents, the plans must be protected against inappropriate use by those who are not residents of B.C. and, therefore, are not eligible for coverage.

The Ministry of Health is concerned about BC Services Card and CareCard misuse. The Ministry’s Eligibility, Compliance and Enforcement Unit conducts investigations into matters involving the possible abuse of MSP. Any person who has details regarding possible misuse of a BC Services Card or CareCard is urged to contact Health Insurance BC with pertinent information.

For cards that have a photo, call the ICBC Special Investigations Unit

Vancouver:  (604) 661-6844
Elsewhere in North America: 1-800-661-6844

For cards without a photo, call Health Insurance BC:

Vancouver: (604) 683-7151
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-663-7100

If you wish to report suspected fraud, please note as much information as possible – the name, ID number and description of cardholder.

Contact information

If you have questions about your personal health identification, contact us.

Office
1-800-663-7100 (Elsewhere in B.C.)
Office
(604) 683-7151 (Vancouver)
Mailing
Medical Services Plan
PO Box 9035 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E3